PRE-REGISTER

2016 Beer Festivals Galore!

Visit BeerFests.com for comprehensive guide to 2016 craft beer festivals everywhere, year round. Below is a list of some bigger ones, near and far… Ballpark Beer Festival: Ballpark Ale Fest Rockford is a craft beer festival that combines America’s favorite pastime with America’s favorite craft beers. The inaugural fest will take place Saturday, June 04, 2016 and will feature over 80 American craft beers, live music and local food. See all details. Great Taste of […]

Read More

Screw City Beer Festival Gets Bigger in 2016

First reported by Brian Leaf at RRStar More is Better! The 2016 Screw City Beer Festival will host more people (2500 vs. 2000), more beer (60 breweries vs. 51), more space downtown (“We will also be slightly increasing our physical footprint this year along with adding in new food vendors, more seating options, new music area”) and a little ore money. But it’s sooooo worth it, right?! Forest City Brewers […]

Read More

Illinois House Bill 630

ILLINOIS HB630 IS NOW LAW!!! So, what does this mean for homebrewers? Homebrewers now have the following requirements: * No one under 21 years of age may homebrew, and beer may not be sold at anytime. * The Commission must regulate the activities outside the homebrewer’s residence. * A license must be obtained if beer is offered at a festival. * Dram Shop Liability Insurance is required. * Samples (at […]

Read More

2015 BJCP Guidelines

The long awaited 2015 BJCP Guidelines have been release. The new guidlines are very different from the 2008 Guidelines. If anyone is thinking of taking the BJCP exams, they will start using the new guidelines in November 2015. For BJCP sanctioned competitions they may use either set of guidelines. Make sure you check with the competition organizer. Download the new 2015 BJCP Guidelines.

Read More