Kuhnhenn 2015 Summer Solstice & Bottle Release

Bottle sharing was never allowed in the outside line. They used to allow it inside at the party.

 

Right but I do not recall the lines going outside the building (I am probably wrong on this too). The shares were at tables inside--this I remember because I recall seeing a bottle of Heady Topper in 2010

 

For the most part that is correct. There was sometimes short lines outside before they opened, but nothing close to what it is now. The shares were at the tables.

 

Everybody's talking about bottle counts and the line, but how about the party?

I was there Friday with my fiancée about 9 and got pours of KRE, BB4D, and BB stout, loved seeing Reggie and the After Party, and also met some cool people. Thought the band was really great, and thoroughly enjoyed the night. Drank way too much BB4D (not complaining whatsoever!) and enjoyed the festivities of the evening. Overall, I thought Friday night was a blast, and as my second solstice event, I look forward to many more!

How was Saturday's event? I was at the bottle release, but went home because I was still hurting a bit from Friday night.

 

I got to Friday's event shortly after 9, and they had no barrel aged stuff left, which was a bummer. We did get some Raspberry Eisbock (thanks again to the guy that was buying them for us and others), but that was not good - tasted like raspberry cough syrup. Perhaps not my style, but some in my group do like that style and didn't care for it. We had a few pints of their regular beers, which were OK.

It didn't look like Saturday's tap list was too exciting based on what I saw while in line for bottles, but I didn't get to try any of it to say for sure.

 

I was there Saturday afternoon and had a swell time; enjoyed a couple of glasses of both 4D and Michigan Mud. Everyone was having fun and there was a good energy going on.

 

We'd never had the BB4D before. Ran into a guy at Short's last weekend and he told us about this release, so why not. Stood in line and the guys next to us told us to get back in line to get additional 4-packs. The famous line "you'll be glad that you did.". One person even said that he considers this to be Michigan's best beer. Popped the top and shared one on our anniversary today. WOW!!! One of the best beers we've ever had. We'll cellar the rest, but this just became our anniversary beer. Had a great time yesterday and wish that we could've spent more time there enjoying the other beers (DRIPA was excellent). We'll definitely be back.

 

That's cool they had 4D on tap, would've liked to have tried it but had to move onto other engagements after the bottle release.

 

So enough chit chat, who has tried these extra 6 mo. rested versions, and what effect has it had on the flavor of these already outstanding brews!?!

 

For those who went, I need some advice. Coming from Cleveland, it is roughly 3-3.5 hours to drive. Leaving at 6:30am would get me there at around 10am. How long would I be waiting for in line? Trying to get an idea of whether it is best to come morning of or the night before (in advance of next Solstice...winter solstice)? I give up on the idea that Kuhnhenn will go back to weekday solstice releases.

 

You wanna come the night before, especially for the winter solstice since that one has the most people at it

 

You really need to be in line the night before to get bottles at the Winter? That is nuts. For this past weekend's event, if you were just interested in getting bottles then you could've gotten in line at 11:15 (am) or so and still got some. I have heard the Winter event is busier, but that's crazy if you have to get in line the night before just to get a 4 pack of bottles.

 

Line for winter usually starts around 5-6 am

 

That's what it was this past weekend as well...but I thought pwdbyhops was trying to get an idea of when he'd need to be there and not miss out on bottles (i.e. if they make 390 4 packs, at what point did person #390 get in line). That's why I mentioned the 11:15 time. I didn't understand why anyone was in line at 5-6 am this time around, but I'm generally someone who avoids any lines for beer if possible.

 

Probably because they arent psychic and didnt know that in advance. It is easy to say after the fact, but no one know for sure in advance how many will line up early. If you want to make sure you get some, might as well get there early

 

Yeah...I get that. I just think that 5-6 is going overboard, but I guess it's a different mentality in terms of needing to get the beer. With the updates on FB, here, etc., it makes it easier to gauge what the crowds are like as they are building.

 

No I didn't say that you need to be in line the night before but you asked if it would be better to get there in the morning or the night before. My answer is the night before.
I drive 2.5hrs so that when I go to the solstice parties, I go on Fri & stay at the Townplace Suites down the road

 

I agree. It makes more sense when there is a limited amount of any one item. Since everyone is assured the same quantity with Kuhnehnn's lately, it makes less sense. But then again I could care less how others spend their time. If they want to line up early, that is on them. If someone is upset that others lining up early, and thus forcing that person to line up early, that is on that person. I dont feel someone has the right to complain that someone else wants to spend more effort to assure their bottles. Also I think a good rule of thumb for bottle releases parties, is only go if you are ok walking away with nothing.