Leave the kids at home and come to the Festival of Wood and Barrel Aged Beer at the University of Illinois Chicago November 14-15, and stay at the nearby and affordable Best Western Plus Chicago Hotel at Hillside!
The Festival of Wood and Barrel Aged Beer, sponsored by ImBIBE (“I’m a big Illinois beer enthusiast”), celebrates the barrel aging of beer on wood. Enjoy the 300 craft beers of over 90 Illinois breweries in the 23,000 square foot exhibition space!
The National Wood Aged Competition will judge beers before the public exhibitions, including Classic and Strong Porter Stouts, Barley and Wheat Wine, Fruit Beers and Experimental Beers, and Cider/Meads! Goose Island Brewery of Chicago will sponsor “Barricale,” featuring craft beers aged 12, 6 and 3 months in Wild Turkey barrels. Drink samples of same and talk to brewers about their experiences and decisions.
ImBIBE sponsored by the Illinois Craft Brewer’s Guild, is an organization dedicated to craft brewing in the state. Members of ImBIBE enjoy special discounts on brewing events and year-round tastings.
The Festival of Wood and Barrel Aged Beer will be held at UIC Forum, 725 Roosevelt Road in Chicago. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. For more information, email Erin Parchert at erin@illinoisbeer.com or Justin Maynard at Justin@illinoisbeer.com.
Best Western Plus Chicago Hotel at Hillside, just minutes from the UIC Forum, provides free shuttle service to and from O’Hare Airport in Chicago. The hotel offers affordable, comfortable rooms, a breakfast bar and restaurant and much more. The hotel is pet friendly and offers AAA rates.