Official FOBAB Countdown Thread

Surly, Founders (although I guess Bolt Cutter was available for VIP), Upland, FiftyFifty and Half Acre were the main ones I remember from past years not being there this year. But there were definitely a good number of new breweries this year that made up for it.

 

Yeah, I was suprised to run into a Bolt Cutter keg in the VIP area during the off hour..

 

I thought Half Acre had commented that they were coming? I guess in all the beer greatness I didn't even think about them. Also surprised CW didn't bring 1414, especially after the Gold at GABF...

 

I talked to that dude Brian from Goose Island (not sure if you were still at the table with us at the time) and albeit hammered, he said that they were simply "red wine barrels". Wasn't able to give any further detail than that.

 

Did I miss local option and spiteful, thought both were going to have something but that damn program didn't equate to reading after 5 pours?

 

Yes, LO brought Kentucky Common and I did see one Spiteful beer but don't recall the name.

 

Re: the venue -- as I wandered around Union Station trying to find a bathroom without a line after coming in via train (the station was mobbed due to the Festival of Lights on Michigan Avenue), I couldn't help but to think that the Great Hall at Union Station would've made a nice FOBAB site for those who didn't want to drive to a heavy-beer fest....

 

I was told Cabernet barrels as well.

 

And I think Le Petite Mort was there -- listed under Central Waters, though.

 

Yup, just remembered I had that one also.

 

Spiteful brought GFY Stout

 

That may be true, but it felt that way no matter where I was. Again maybe it is just me. Maybe it just isn't as open as the old place.

 

At least the previous 3 years were at that venue.

 

For the most part yes.

 

2008-2011 saw the Plumbers Union Hall as FoBAB's home.

My first was 2008, so I never saw 2007 and before.. all at Goose Wrigleyville.

 

My first time a FOBAB.

Standouts: Stone Suitable for Cave Aging, Jester King Commercial Suicide, Cuvee de Bubba, Yelps Pig Slop "Boar" and Pig Slop "Sow", All of the Lost Abbey Track (#8, #9, & #10), New Belgium Dunkel Apple, Avery Odic Equum and Oud Floris.

Very upset that I didnt get to try BSC Cherry Rye or Blueberry Flanders. Also, how in the F- did I miss the "one beer, four barrels" thing?! It was hot, but I was comfortable in a T-shirt. All the volunteers were helpful and the venue was gorgeous, but cramped. The corners got very packed. I'll definitely be "refreshing" come ticket time next year.

 

Sorry to hear that. The 2012 CBS Brewpub Shoot-out was at the Zhou B. Arts Center which is all of three blocks away from where you were and I had zero trouble getting to and fro.

 

I am a sweaty sweaty man and was wearing a heavy Hawks hoodie and had no problem with the heat whatsoever (afternoon session). BA Abraxas was in a class of its own. Unfortunately/fortunately, I made the early decision to drink it in case it kicked because it was my #1 target. After that, nothing really compared and my taste buds were blown. My buddy had just spoken to Tomme Arthur and he recommended Track 8 so I had that next. From the description it sounded similar to BA Abraxas. I'm sure in the real world, Track 8 is mind blowing, but in the FoBAB world, it couldn't hold a candle to BA Abraxas. .357 brett was also one of my first tastes and it was really unique and stood out.