Tired Hands Growler Policy

I don't know the answer to the second question, but I'm guessing that's the case.

Regarding the fill speed - it is VERY slow when the place is empty. It can take over a minute just to fill a 32 oz. growler; the speed is akin to what my kegerator pours at 1-2 PSI. When the place is full, growler fill times not only force a crowd of people to be standing around in the bar, but also monopolizes the lines over customers sitting at the bar who want a pour. I think they have no choice but to crank up the pressure and pour faster. And when your beer is lightly carbed to begin with, more of the carb comes out from pouring faster, so the beer is going to be flatter even if the growler is tightly sealed.

The growler filling policy should help simply because a customer can be taken all at once - i.e., if I go and order 3 growlers of HopHands, they have to consecutively fill my growlers at one tap, whereas if I go and order 3 growlers of 3 different things, they can do them all at once and get me in and out faster. They can then service more customers in less time and keep the pour speed down. I think the best solution would be a second set of taps downstairs so they could have a dedicated growler filling station, but that costs money they probably don't have.

 

I think it's less not having the money, and more not having the space.

 

I use a stainless steel Brauler with the Fresh Cap system, which lets me top off the growler with CO2 after having a glass. This is arguably the best growler on the market for preserving their beer as you drink it over a few days. Their new policy won't allow this to be filled, so color me disapponted.

 

Yup, that's what I heard from an employee last time I visited there a few weeks ago. Apparently it's 3 times the size of the original space and will include a production facility. I would say it's at least several months from fruition though at the very least, as I do recall him having said something about how Jean had just recently put down a deposit on the place (or something along those lines). Happy days!

In regards to the new growler policies, I back it. Fully. Locals are having a way harder time trying certain beers bc of people who use growlers as trade bait, although part of it is probably due to the fact that they're almost 2 years old now, make excellent beer, and word has spread... In other words, it has become a "destination", for locals and out of towners alike. So I don't blame it purely on the people that use their stuff for trade, although it's more than likely the main problem (full disclosure: I traded one growler of The Light to a trading partner in Texas because I told him how amazing it was and he wanted to try it). I do find it a bit silly that you can't fill growlers that are the same size as their brand growlers (especially if it doesn't have another breweries name on it), but it's most likely a measure to cut down on trading.

Cheers

 

Would this mean they are moving, or would the new spot be in addition to the current space?

 

I'm assuming it's additional space, but he didn't specifically mention. It would stand to reason they would keep the brewpub and ramp up with an expansion... If they moved entirely, they would have a significant stoppage in production from moving all the equipment, set-up, etc. He also said the new space was only a few blocks away though, so who knows. My guess is the announcement is coming shortly(ish), especially given Jeans "Get ready for some very exciting news soon!" post on the TH page.

 

They aren't moving, they are just acquiring a new space a bit down the road to help keep up with production, mainly of HopHands and SaisonHands. However, that doesn't mean it will be just a production brewery....

 

Yeah, I figured that was the case... Another brewpub that also will function as a production facility. It'll be nice to be able to regularly buy bottles (or maybe cans? Both?) of TH's awesome brews as well as have a few pours in house and growlers to go. I'm salivating just thinking about it...

 

Maybe down the road you may see some bottles or something but I think they are more interested in having a steady supply of the two staples for the pub and some extra kegs to send out to some of their favorite bars.

 

Really? Hmm, I thought the term "production facility" implied beers being bottled/canned... Either way, I'm stoked. It will certainly help them keep up with the crazy high demand that's only going to continue to grow in the foreseeable future.

 

A few brewpubs in the Philly area have their beers put on tap at other bars. (the only ones I know of are Dock Street and Manayunk although I've seen firkins from Noddinghead show up) I suspected that the production facility would be to get bottles into the stores but perhaps it could be that and a combination of A) keeping bottles always in stock at the brewpub B) sending kegs to bars to curb demand at the brewpub

 

Nodding Head's Grog has been on tap on most of my visits to Fergie's. Would be nice to see HopHands or FarmHands (sue me!) show up around town.

I wonder if they would try to handle growler fills at the new place. Seems like it would be a nice solution, the crowds in the brewpub make it seem like that would be a self-sustaining place, especially if people who go there to eat and drink can also still get growlers on their way out. Then people who just come for growler fills wouldn't have to crowd up all the standing room.

 

Sounds crazy to have a new space dedicated to ensuring supply of just two beers unless they are planning on fairly widespread distribution to other pubs in the area. How much of this beer do they think will be consumed on a steady basis?

 

A little OT but was wondering just crowded it would get on Fri night. Gonna be headed into PA to visit family and was thinking of making a stop since it wont be to far off my route. Getting there between 7and 8ish, would there be a chance of grabbing a table still for a bite to eat or would it be standing room only/at capacity by then? Thanks

 

It is hard to say I have never been a fan of weeknights because they are always crowded but recently Tired Hands has a "bouncer" stand at the door and regulate the number of people inside the establishment. There is a strong possibility that if you show up with a group of people at 8ish on a Friday you will be standing in the street waiting for space to clear.

 

I was just there last Friday around 17:30 and the place was packed. We luckily got two seats at the bar as two people were leaving, but in chatting with the bartender he mentioned he rarely sees it this busy so early on Friday. I would imagine the later you get there, you'll be waiting outside as mentioned above.

I rarely go Friday nights so can't comment on how it "normally" is, as I like going Sunday or Saturday right when they open at noon (not real busy).

 

I'll echo the above posters. I went in there for growler fills last Friday around 5, and the downstairs was already full. I lucked out and nobody was there just for growlers when I arrived, but when I left, there were 2 or 3 people behind me already in the unofficial growler line. Any later than that and the place is going to be packed to the gills.

If you can, make your trip Saturday afternoon. I can't honestly say that it won't be full then as I've never gone on a weekend afternoon, but it seems more likely it would be empty. I have been in there after 10 PM and it has been less crowded, so it's possible that the crowds are at least partly due to people eating dinner, so that might be an option.

In fact, I just saw this on their web page:

Please note: We are generally at capacity and do not take reservations. Please plan on arriving early to ensure that you are able to experience our Strange & Beautiful beer and Simple & Satisfying food without a wait. We look forward to seeing you!

 

Last Friday I was one of the first people to wait in line around 8. Wait was 5 minutes. Sat on the first floor and monitored the line. It never got more than 10 ppl and was done by about 9. Not a big deal.

 

Went there at around 6:00 last Friday after a (failed) trip to find Pliny the Younger. Finding a table was extremely easy.

It does get busy, but it didn't seem like people were standing out the door waiting for a table.

 

That's because everyone was at secret PtY tappings around the city.