Notable Releases - DC/NOVA/MD

i've seen it around NoVA as of friday.

 

Velvet Merkin hit Total Wine McLean (and possibly others) today.

 

Velvet Merkin now sold out at McLean.

 

Dominion got farm to face today.

 

I just picked a couple up, they have about 3-4 left on the shelf.

 

TW Alexandria had at least a dozen or so along with 4 bottles of 2015 Fluxus. The manager said they did not receive any Merkin.

 

A forewarning on Fluxus, the experimental hop they used for this years batch doesn't seem to hold up well over time. I had that beer at the brewery and it tasted like straight pineapple juice. I then had it again on draft in DC and a bottle of it (about a month old), and it tasted nothing like what I had at the brewery. Make sure to check the dates on the bottles.

 

TW Springfield has bottles of Merkin left. No Merkin at TW Alexandria....on a side note, 2015 Fluxus was very underwhelming. Very disappointed in all the recent Allagash releases.

 

TW Springfield said they expect Farm to Face will arrive this afternoon.

 

While I really like Velvet Merkin, its probably not worth the $16-$18 its selling for, given that this really isn't a rare style anymore. There are lots of BA stouts in the $10-$12 range that will be coming out over the next few months.

 

Kind of agree. Merkin is not as good the rest of the reserve series but they still do their BA oatmeal as well as anyone. Style is somewhat unique as it varies from most BA stouts. What upcoming releases are you targeting?

 

None specifically, but over the last year or two I have noticed that there really is no shortage of BA stouts on shelves, especially in the winter months. Some are better than others, of course, and I do think that VM is one of the best in its lane (lower abv), but the glut of options has made me less inclined to feel like I need to buy 'em when I see 'em, like I did a few years ago. This applies to BCBS as well for me, its still one of the best and I'll buy it if/when I have the chance, but I don't feel like I need to hawk these boards for info or line up on Black Friday for it. A few years ago where there just weren't a lot of BA stouts, you did have to go out of your way and pay a lot of money if you wanted that drinking experience, and I think a lot of people are still in that mindset, but its really not like that anymore.

 

For all who are interest Total Wine Sterling just got Farm to Face in fresh off the truck!

 

Anyone have an inkling on when Hardywood's Rye BA pumpkin ll hit shelves? I missed out last year, so am hoping to enjoy a couple this time.

Farm 2 face has also hit K-1 Wine and Beer for those who are still looking.

Hell Dorado and Velvet Merkin for some reason hit MD at the same time. Was lucky enough to snag a bottle of each for $17 per.

 

K-1 told me they had sold out of Farm to Face last night.

 

Downtown Crown in Gaithersburg said they will only be doing pours in store of Velvet Merkin and Helldorado. Boo......

 

Rye pumpkin unknown. Rum pumpkin slated for 10/03 at their brewery.

 

where did you find it in MD? been still looking without success. thanks

 

Growler fills of OTWOA at Lighthouse in Baltimore for anyone interested

 

Up in Frederick - Ye Olde Spirit Shop last week. Doubt if they have any left now though.