Tree House Brewing Co. (November 2015)

That is implied, but it's still not the 2.5 hours of late last year and early this year, generally.

 

So does this mean that if you want to skip the cans, you can get out in much less than an hour assuming you're in the first 20 or so in line? And if you want both, you line up first for growlers, drop them off and then go to the end of the can line? Isn't the idea behind the can line that it goes relatively quickly? I'm sure it's easier than it sounds, but I'm going to be on a tight schedule where I can get there early enough to be one of the first in line, but can't wait around too long after they open...thanks all for your helpful comments!

 

@hopley I was there last Saturday at open. Everyone was in one line (for cans and growlers). At about 10:40, the tree house guys came out, warmly greeted everyone, and passed out slips for growler orders. The slips were numbered and passed out in the line order. You filled out the slips with the growlers you wanted, and how much of your own glass you had with you. They collected the slips and any growlers you brought and started filling them. People then proceeded to purchase cans (if they wanted) from the same line. I was roughly 20th in line, and my growlers were ready by the time I had purchased cans and loaded them in the car. You pay for the cans when you receive them, then pay for the growlers at the register by the door. All in all, it was an incredibly efficient process. They even poured samples of double shot for everyone. Hope that helps!

 

If you're early enough to be at the front of "the line", you're among the first to get both cans and growlers. It's the same line. If you're in the first 20, your bottles (or your order card if you don't have bottles yet) will likely be taken in to be filled before the doors open. When you go in, your bottles will already be filled and ready to be picked up. Head in, get the cans you want, if you want them, then grab your bottles on the way out. You'll probably be out the door in less than 30 minutes with both

 

beat me to it!

 

How many different varieties of cans are usually available on Wednesdays? I'm planning my first trip for Veterans Day and am wondering if it will be worth the 2 hour drive

 

Lately, it seems they have 2. If you're lucky and early, they may have some cans left over from the previous week.

 

I was there for the first time in about 2 years last Thursday. I'd just lost interest in waiting 60+ minutes for what basically amounted to 6-8 beers (albeit they are mighty tasty). I'd heard things were better since the regular canning is in full swing, so I finally went to check it out to only buy cans. I arrived at the back of the line (which was all the way out the door by ~25 people) at 6:35. When I got to the line, I was dismayed at its length and figured this'll probably be my last time here for another two years. I overheard people who go much more regularly than me talking about how it was particularly long. But, I was back in my car by 6:57.

I have no idea what the waits are like for growlers, hopefully it's comparable now, but from everything I've read, and my own experiences, if you're under time constraints but can budget 30 minutes, get in the line for cans and you should be in good shape.

 

Fantastic, thanks, just exactly what I was looking for! Cheers!

 

Thank you kindly! Much appreciated! Cheers!

 

I heard last Thursday was crazy. I typically go up on Thursdays for cans only around 6:30 and I am in and out within 5 minutes. Don't give up because of last Thursday, that is more the exception than the rule...Cheers!

 

It'll never be a regular stop for me. It's still 30 minutes each way in the car for me, which typically isn't how I want to spend my time. However, 20-30 minutes is an acceptable wait time on occasion, so I will be more frequently than once every two years. Honestly, I can kill 15-20 minutes in a liquor store laboring over the selection, so 20-30 I can live with.

 

I hear ya regarding the time sacrifice. In reading many of these threads it really seems to boil down to a timing thing in terms of how painful that sacrifice of time is. Some just don't care but clearly many do (this is not to be implied as just a TH specific statement but applicable to any in demand on-site beer release).

 

From my perspective, I think we're seriously damn lucky and blessed to be so close to such a world class brewery. For me, driving 45 minutes each way sure beats making a giant trek up to VT or dealing with trading. I tend to go once or twice a month and find the ride to be scenic and relaxing. TH has a cool vibe once you are there as well. I also tend to go towards closing when I can be in and out with cans/growlers in 15 minutes.

 

Got there last night just before 6pm - can line was still about 60-80 deep, but they were already filling growler tickets in the 80's. It seems like the majority of the people were only there for the cans because my ticket was in the 110's and I got my glass within 20 minutes. On the road by 6:30. Thinking it's probably the Julius cans that get the larger crowds coming out - noticed a couple people who were behind me getting in line a second time for cans when I left. Can't stop the d-bags from being d-bags.

at 6:30 the can line was maybe 10 people deep and almost no wait for fills.

 

Agreed, was there last Thursday night for the first time in a while since I have been fortunate to hit Weds lately. Seems like a lot less growler fills. I think with the MA state growler laws, why bother if you are not a regular. Just get cans and save spending $10-$15-$20 extra on more glass.

 

Agreed. When I first found out you had to buy glass, I was really put off. I didn't know it was state law. I don't mind now since I go to TH so often, but it really keeps me from going to other MA breweries for growlers.

Also TH cans are better $ per ounce than growlers.

 

This guy is roaring down the line today! Expecting ~ 220 cases. Limit 8 cans PP

 

Oh MAN! I must be psychic! I asked for Ma and they delivered. Yesterday, I requested a brown ale and BOOM! I was not planning a trip, but....

 

44-can limit tonight