I know I'm stating the obvious, but here goes anyway. Along with the anticipation of picking up a seasonal beer that I enjoy, there's another plus. As long as I know when the release of the beer occurs, I'm assured of having it fresh. OK - let me have it with your comments.
I looove drinking seasonal releases, mostly for the reasons you stated. I'd say that approaching 2/3rds of my purchases are seasonal these days (way up from previous decades, which was less than 50%), rounded out nicely with standards and the occasional 'special release'. Having a lot of excellent choices these days helps a lot, too. Here's to the upcoming season of Harvest Ales and O'fests, while enjoying my Kolsches and Pils along the way.
Two comments: The seasonal that you find on the store shelf may be last year's; If the seasonal is not a hop-forward beer or have some ingredient that is subject to shelf life issues, then freshness doesn't really matter. So knowing the beer's shelf life is more important.
I agree. I unfortunately took a big hit yesterday, when I went to a store I do not usually go to, and saw a lone 6 pack of Undercover Investigation. I asked the manager if it was fresh, and they insisted it was, so I bought it. Upon opening, I realized quickly it was from a year ago. Needless to say I will never go there again.
