Goose Island Bourbon County - 2024 (Chicagoland)

I will add onto this in a similar vein.

It used to be that to experience a festival like this, you had to come from far and wide, and there might be 1-3 a year in your region. Those that did exist, also didn’t focus as heavily on BA stouts as FOBAB (I mean, hence the name). FOBAB also exists in the correct season, and it was strongly linked to access to beers you might not be able to try any other way.

Almost none of that is true now. Within 1-1.5h of any major city, there is always at least one beer festival a year, possibly more, and there is pretty much always an emphasis on BA stouts now. There are also “destination” events that focus, like the Side Project Brewery/Anniversary/Zwanze day events, that are at least if not more sought out than FOBAB. In terms of trying rare beer, in general, FOBAB may not be able to touch some of those other events. Also, those other events may also be linked to to-go offerings, making it a bit more desirable in the “post-BCBS” era.

I suspect that fewer people drive from as long of a distance as in the past, and that there is greater attendance by individuals that aren’t the hardcore nerds that we are on this site, compared to, say, 6 years ago. Doesn’t mean less people care, but it is probably a different genre, and there is less hype, but that is a change of the beer ecosystem, not because no one cares. Even Side Project doesn’t instant-sell out their beer events (like zwanze day, which is filled with BA stouts/BWs despite the namesake) anymore.

 

Does the Mckenna finally show up in stores again? That was one of my favorites up until it won some award and started disappearing so fast it felt like a BTAC.

 

They might go back to selling those bottles out if they didn't force the packages on you lol

 

After fees a single ticket is $96.08. You can jump on a Southwest flight for less than that.

Thankfully people have realized and exercised their priorities.

 

HM10 can reliably be found for $90 or less. How much less and the reliability of finding it is in question, however. Probably once a year I’ll run into a bottle for about $60. Can’t remember what retail is in other states, but Ohio it is $55 now. I don’t think it is $35 anymore elsewhere though.

 

Yep. Definitely Catch Hell. Sorry, didn't realize I was outside the Half Acre thread.

I see HM10 on shelf at my downstate Binny's semi regularly. Hell, EC Toasted has become a shelfie. Costco has a pallet of it. I even saw EC Barrel Proof on the shelf the other week. My Binny's had a whole bunch of Weller SR, EHT Small Batch, and Eagle Rare on display at the counter today. Things are definitely changing, and part of that is supply. A place like Sazerac (BT) really ramped up production several years back. Some of that stuff is starting to come to market it would seem because I'm seeing more and more, and it ain't just in back anymore.

 

Honestly, I still feel like it's worth it. I saw an ad for a random beer fest in a nearby suburb that was charging $60 pre-fees.

I still think FOBAB is a world class event with an incredible selection of beers. I drink way less beer now than I did 5-10 years ago, but I still look forward to FOBAB day more than just about any other day on the calendar.

I'm sure there's other events that I'd theoretically like the beer at more, or would be a better bang for my buck. But I live 10-15 minutes from the event, I have a group I go with every year, and we've never ever been let down by the selection of beers or experience overall.

 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAtNrfiRVM6/?igsh=ZWRuejZoM3l6ZTc3

 

When does GI announce Prop Day?

GI’s always dealing with potential infection issues, but this is a new one:
https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/1...-at-salt-shed-concert-health-department-says/

 

Pretty sure jam band fans already have a brain infection.*



*I don't mean this. Sometimes I mistakenly think I'm funny.

 

As someone that works with bats, this is not only fucking stupid, but beyond poor writing with no research. About one half of one percent (so one in 200) bats have rabies. Rabid bats also usually do not behave “normal”, as in you’d see them on the ground in the day, choosing not to avoid humans, etc. Many bats live in urban landscapes, particularly those that will feed upon the type of bugs that are attracted to lights. Unless you were bit by a bat, the whole idea of seeking medical attention is just covering their ass bullshit. Arguably you’d have greater concern for the potential one of them shit in your drink, although as someone that crawls through shit in caves, I assure you the potential for exposure is very low.

This is the type of bad journalism that makes people paranoid and scared of bats for literally no reason. You have much more to be scared of with the rats shitting in your house.

 

Does this also take into account the Goose Island Wet Market?

 

BA=Bat Advocate?

 

Mike Zoller just announced on IG that there’s no Prop Day this year, replaced by Rare Day for the DB Rye Rare aged 2 years in King of Kentucky bourbon barrels. Rare Day is 11/16 and tickets on sale on 10/16. Only way to get Rare 2024 is at Rare Day or a GI facility on Black Friday, no distro.

 

No distro. Yep let’s all buy into that.

 

Post doesn't say Prop Day is being replaced by Rare Day. All it says Rare Day is back. Maybe they are doing Prop Day and a Rare Day? Goose will be raking in the bucks this November.

 

Rare Day at the Salt Shed and Prop Day at Fulton?

 

Bring back Rare Day at the barrel warehouse

 

Guess they learned their lesson last year- tough to sell out an event selling overpriced beer easily available in market so they are adding an almost exclusive special one off to lure fans. Caught my attention.