Surly Coming back to Chicago?

As a former Minnesotan, it's good to be in the middle here in Chicago.

 

It's interesting to read these comments from a Minnesotan's perspective. I'm glad Surly can share the love. It's a spectacular brewery, though not perfect (anniversary beers are hit and miss and at $20 a bomber they should all be hits). Furious and Abrasive are top 10 beers for me. Enjoy, Chicago!

 

While this decision pretty clearly stakes out the turf for what Surly anticipates their growth and future responsibilities as a brewery to be. For their sake. I just hope that this doesn't create the "good" problem for them at the production level of taking more on to their plate than they can stomach in the interim. It's interesting that they are choosing to take such a leap and bypass Wisconsin. But, hey. We are pretty much a shooting fish in the barrel market when it comes to the hits and making money off of them.

 

It is a good thing that Surly is distributing to Chicago. Sell more of their regular lineup and have more money to do special beers that will be tap room or local releases. Goose Island somewhat got too focused on outside distribution, faced backlash from the Chicago market and adjusted. Hopefully, Surly doesn't make the same mistake and continues to show the love to the local market.

 

I'm quite interested in your explanation and source for this tidbit.

 

You can start with threads/posts on this site, facebook, other social media (from at least two years ago) and my personal observations from family/friends.. GI's response was to implement draft only releases in Chicago and then this year with Coconut bottles only in Chicago. Goose has made many references to rewarding their loyal Chicago customers, in which I completely support. I am originally from Chicago and get back quite a bit, many times specifically for GI events.

 

I love how "personal observations" and a few choice words from the GI marketing department have created this aura of a backlash turnaround. They are really stepping up and taking care of the few hundred butt-hurt neckbeards that complained about only getting 1 bottle of Cherry Rye last year.

Goose Island did not just recently implement draft only releases in response to this "backlash" either. Seriously, where are you getting all of this information?

 

Enjoyed my first taste of Furious at Hopleaf here in Chicago several years ago and it went kinda like this. 'Wow, that might be the best beer I've ever tasted.' Turned over the draft card and said, 'Hmmm, Brooklyn Center, MN'. I've visited the brewery several times since then and have talked beer with Omar twice. What a class act and a wonderful brewery to support. To be able to pick up fresh cans locally is a godsend. When I asked Omar about returning to Chicago at the Great Taste this year he responded with a comically wry smile. Now I know what was up.

Welcome back to your second (well maybe third) city, Surly!

 

Looks like a number of bars around town are having Surly parties on Monday...seen Twitter activity from Sheffields and Hopleaf so far.

"Instead of being Furious, get your Furious on! We re-launch @surlybrewing into Chicago Monday, w/ Furious, Cocao Bender, Damphbier, & Omar" - Hopleaf

 

more details...

Nov. 18 at Hopleaf: Draft of Furious, Cacao Bender (Oatmeal Brown Ale with coffee, vanilla bean and cacao nibs), and Damphbier (German style Steam Beer).
Nov. 19 at Jake Melnick's: Draft of Furious, Dumpster Fire (Smoked IPA with Puya chiles) and Cacao Bender.
Nov. 19 at Sheffield's: Draft of Furious, Dumpster Fire, and El Hefe Negro (Imperial Dunkel with Mexican Sugar).

 

You don't want to miss out on Cacao Bender.

 

Where did I say "recent" draft only releases? This is a Surly thread, just settle down and let it go, bro.

 

Expect Darkness to hit Chicago. (duh?)

 

Speculation or do you know for sure?

 

in between both. more that i know for sure. apparently a batch was made specifically for chicago. or they held back some kegs for chicago.

 

Any Idea when hits Binny's shelf's? Just Curious, TIA

 

Firkin in Libertyville is tapping Furious this evening - https://twitter.com/Firkinlbrtyvle/status/402244872297791488

 

Hey guys, both Tribes Alehouses (Mokena & Tinley Park) are tapping Furious this morning at 11AM. And we are putting it on special for just $4. Additionally, we were sent a couple of specialty kegs for our Surly Party on December 5th: El Jefe Negro and Dampfbier!

 

Possibly as early as tomorrow.

 

Which location is the Surly Party at?