FoBAB 2021

Whoa. How did I miss the to-go portion. Do you have to attend in order to purchase a to-go 6 pack or can anyone order online?

That's pretty much on point, but needs the addition of:
-It's a great way to get way more fucked up than you planned on.
-If you are a BCBS fan, it's also the showcase for the new GI stuff well ahead of Black Friday.

 

You can order online starting tomorrow. Pickup is at the venue, but you don't need to attend the in person festival to pickup.

 

Harder question: So what stouts don't I buy this season to fit this unplanned expense in my budget?

 

I get that they want to make the take home Fobab as realistic as the in-person one by giving you the mixed 6 packs of beer to sample, but is it necessary for all the volunteers to fart in the beer tote prior to pick-up?

 

I was curious, so I read what was on the FOBAB page about the 6-packs to go. $60 is a lot (for me) to spend on luck. Also, I dunno, maybe it's the cynic in me, but it feels surprising to me to think that every beer that is entered has to be submitted with 12 12-oz bottles. So if GI brings DBTBBCBS, 12 lucky people get one?

Someone tell me I'm crazy.

There's at least 150 breweries, and if each bring only 3 beers (some bring more, right?), then you're talking at least 450 beers, which equates to...900 6-packs, minimum. Doesn't that seem like a lot for them to sell? Am I underestimating beer nerdery?

 

They sold out of them last year, but granted, that was the only way to consume FoBAB. Of the 12 beers I got last year, I was only disappointed with about 2.

 

Was it worth $60 for a 6-pack? How many of those ended up being BA stouts?

I'm not much of a sour guy, but my sister is. Perhaps this could be a reason to purchase one of these that would also provide cost sharing.

 

I bought 2 last year. This is what I wound up with:
FOBAB 2020

Horus-Pallas’s Pere (stout)


Cerebral-Vanilla Here be Monsters (stout)


Little Beaver-Adventures Ahead (stout)


Taxman-Maple Vanilla Stout


BBGB-Bourbon barrel Quad


Wolf’s Ridge-cognac Barrel Dire Wolf (stout)


Hopewell-Four


Wiseman-A Wonderful Trip (rasp Brett PA)


Nebraska-Sallyweiss (Chardonnay hefe)


Holzlager-Coffe Kolsch


Avery-Pomona


Half Acre-Cliffs

The quad and the coffee kolsch were the only stinkers.

 

I see what you’re doing here. Trying to convince me. It might work.

 

I thought they came in the formats donated last year if I remember reading the reviews here correctly. BCBS came in the standard 16.9oz bottles and I think some people said they got the 750ml of FFF's offering. I doubt anyone would complain if they got more than 12ozs so it is easier to just say you are getting 6 12oz beers? I can't verify this info.

 

If that's the case, that makes it an even better value. I'm just a very risk-averse person, so the idea of going into it blind makes it a non-shoe in for me.

 

I think about a third of mine were BA stouts or porters Was it worth it, I would say no since it's basically a crap shoot. I regarded it as a donation to the cause last year so I don't regret it, but my gosh in Chicago there are so many excellent beers you can just go and buy.

 

Yes, but only beers entered for competition are included. Goose Island pours a bunch of stuff at their booth at FoBAB that they don't enter into competition, so those would not be included.

That said, people last year got 750ml bottles of 3 Floyds Chemtrailmix, Phase 3 Eunoia, and Phase 3 Minutiae, all beers that sell for ~$300 on secondary. So yeah, 12 lucky people will get some really rare stuff.

Me on the other hand, I got 3 Chicago shelf beers, and 3 out of market beers that are things you can pickup direct from the brewery if you visit. So that was a bit disappointing, but the bottles were worth the $60.

Can't say I am not tempted for the chance to get something special though.

 

Really appreciate the honest feedback from everyone. Hope it helps others as much as it helps me.

 

I’m going to the event and seriously considering getting a to-go pack too.

 

Tickets still available for both sessions as of yesterday. Maybe looking at a very not-crowded fest?

Also, where's everyone heading before/after the fest? My group is looking to hit Maplewood, Hopewell, and Rev on Saturday evening.

 

That sounds awful.

 

Honestly, pre- or post- FOBAB drinking sounds like a recipe for disaster. You’re going to get plenty of beer to drink there. Find places to get carbs and water. Not even joking.

 

Friends, don’t let friends post-game at FoBAB.

 

It is theoretically possible to drink more after FoBAB, but it has yet to be done.