Beer Hoptacular Returns to Larger Venue, Three Sessions

The annual Beer Hoptacular will return for its third year on Nov. 9 and 10 with more craft brews for beer enthusiasts. This year's event will be the biggest yet, expanding to three sessions over two days and moving from last year's spot at the overly crowded Aragon Ballroom to the 20,000-square-foot temperature-controlled Riverfront Theater. At its two sold-out sessions in 2011, 50 breweries from across the country served aficionados more than 130 craft beers including local favorites such as Piece Brewery, 5 Rabbit and Half Acre.

Attendees will be able to vote for their favorites for the Beer of the Year award, which went to Destihl Brewery for their Dosvidanya Russian Imperial Stout last year. Also returning for another edition will be the Homebrew Challenge that pits homebrew clubs in a head-to-head competition to see whose beer is the best as determined by a panel of esteemed judges.

One new change this year will be the addition of a beer/food pairings tent with Goose Island and Whole Foods. Upon arrival to the event, attendees can sign up for a pairing "class" that will offer samples of beer, cheese and chocolate. The classes will be free on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tickets are still available for $45 for each of the three sessions.
· Beer Hoptacular [Website]