Your thoughts on Alpine's decision?

If he threatened to cut off growler fills previously if he ever saw them for sale on eBay previously is it really a knee jerk reaction?

 

He has been stating this for some time now. I think what happened with the Expo release just got him upset and he (Pat) does not want the same happening again.

Do I think it will stop people from selling bottles or growlers of Alpine on ebay? Nope.

 

I agree with you in spirit, but am not at all surprised that a listing went up. For one thing, were there signs in the pub requesting no eBayers? It's more than a bit naive to think that all of your patrons visit your site or blog or whatever. Yes, it is illegal, but people will continue to do it until there is some sort of crackdown and the whole "collectable item" thing is just how the eBay game is played. Same with "not Russian River" and other nonsense. I'm not saying I condone it, but there's no point getting worked up over something you can't change. Trading is also illegal and while it may be a lesser crime, it's still something that you (you've traded, right?) and I have both done.

If it was really one growler on the bay, than I think it's awfully knee-jerk. Maybe give the patrons warning that if it keeps happening, you'll do it. Whatever, I would love to try it and now I guess my only option is to go to the brewery or find a bar that has it, if Expo kegs are distributed.

 

Yes

Edit: I respect their opinion and their right to do what they want with their beers. I just think eBay is unavoidable on any and all limited beers, regardless of when they get announced. Producing a limited beer invites resale and trading. I just hope we don't see DONGs become a big trend among brewers as a reaction to eBay.

 

Kegs are distributed around SD but in a very small amount.

 

I think the whole not announcing releases until the day of or before is a great way to fix his problem.

 

Mixed feelings on this - a brewer has a right to control his product through proper legal distribution agreements - of which ebayers are not following. But also by announcing limited releases ahead of time, brewers are creating the hype machine that causes these problems and at this point should be aware of the consequences and act accordingly.

 

Bell's never announced Black Note and there was still the same problem. Word would still get out and there are still those who would drop everything to make the drive.

 

Boredom...How much would a growler have to sell for on eBay to break even? Isn't Alpine quite a drive and gas quite expensive?

 

If you are asking how far from San Diego Alpine is 30 minutes from me (I almost live in downtown, basically east side). Gas is a little over $4.00 right now.
LA is a good drive. I believe about a 2 1/2 hour drive but add traffic in and it is much longer. I hear gas in LA is over $5.00 right now.

 

http://blog.stonebrew.com/?p=2533

did anyone ever see any of these bottles go up on ebay? i never really payed attention and i wonder how well this worked to thwart reselling

 

Aren't all breweries moving away from putting specialty beers in growlers? This really isn't a big change.
I think that bigger change is that he will only be giving 1-2 days notice for the release of specialty beers and they will be released midweek. I think it is a good way to keep the beer more local.
However brewer's really should be embracing the trading community (ie Bruery); we essentially advertise otherwise little know beers, we create demand. If I recall it is explicitly agaisnt the rules from Westvleteren to resell their beers, same rules, it is just hard to enforce.

 

Never saw it on ebay. I know Greg said he was going to keep a close watch when they released it.

 

If you search completed listings two of them come up, with one having been sold. I think it's just inevitable that if something highly desired is bottled or put in a growler, it's going to find it's way to eBay.

 

It is posted in the brewery next to the beer list they do not want people reselling. He's simply following through on a statement he made. Why is everyone surprised? Alpine cranks out ~1,500BBL annually, which makes them a small brewery. They can't keep bottles on the shelves in SD, so no need to bottle date. When it hits the shelf it's gone. Likewise their keg accounts tap the beer as soon as it comes in, and it's usually gone quickly. No-growler fills for Expo will not hurt the brewery at all.

Why he puts up with those clowns at Beverages for Less is beyond me.

 

You know what's also illegal? Beer trading (mailing beer to people in certain states). It's so funny that we think we're above the eBayers, ethically sure, but legally we're not. Granted we don't charge exorbitant fees, and eBayers end up inflating the actual cost to beer lovers across the world and take a large quantity of beer away from the local community supporting those breweries. But the legality of it is less of an importance than the morality of it.

With all that said, how else do so many people get their hands on Westy 12/8/6 without visiting Belgium? There aren't that many traders from Belgium on BA

 

Not all crimes are the same. If you look up the punishments for these things, pretty sure that alcohol resale would be worse than shipping (and remember, eBay sales ship too, so it's definitely worse).

Plus humans have a psychological dislike of involving money in transactions that didn't used to have it. You bring a bottle of wine (or beer, or whatever) to your friend's dinner party, you don't give them $20.

 

Not all crimes are the same, but it's still a little hypocritical for a criminal to call out another criminal, when both parties are guilty.

 

Ah weak. Well in theory it sounds good.

 

I think the wisest course of action is for Alpine to put growlers on hiatus for awhile, and then maybe try again and see how it goes- see if people listen this time around. Though, I'm also of the opinion that releasing more special beers on draft only - if you've no plans to increase production on them ala the Bruery model - is a good way to go. For instance, I've really enjoyed the way Alan Sprints (Hair of the Dog) releases one or two special kegs weekly (depending on consumption) and those are all draft only. It helps to cultivate a real connection with the brewery.