2015 Michigan BCBS & Black Friday Thread

Honestly in SE Michigan, Friday evening? Probably close to zero. SE Mich isn't exactly a BCBS hotbed, it's going to go and go quicklly Friday morning. Save the stores that don't just put it out first-come-first-serve, they'll be doing their raffles, lotteries, other weird ways to sell beer at a later date.

 

Has anyone heard of anywhere in A2 tapping BCBS or variants on Friday?

 

Well then. That makes it even more interesting/shitshowy

 

No chance. Ashley's might have an event in several weeks with all of the non-Prop variants on tap like they did last year, but I would be shocked to see something on Friday.

 

Any idea why that is? Seems like release day tappings are common in other parts of the country (not just Chicago, I mean.)

 

The earliest tapping I've seen advertised in SE MI is on Monday at the Oak Cafe in Wyandotte. '14 and '15 on tap with no mention of any variants. A $20 ticket gets you a 6 oz. pour of each plus 6 oz. pours of Muddy, Sofie, Matilda, and Four Star Pilsner. Pales in comparison to last year when the Oak tapped regular and all the variants (except Prop, of course).

 

After swinging into the local beer store on my way home from work this afternoon, I decided to ask about BCBS. The younger man who works most of the time is rather hard for me to understand, so I took the opportunity to ask the older woman who works there. She actually pulled out the receipt from their delivery, and said, "We will have Lolita, and I see 4 different types of Bourbon County." When I asked how much they got, her response was, "I would be SHOCKED if this is gone before Monday." She also informed me that they are trying to get a hold of a few bottles of Rare, which will likely happen. Again, I'm not sure of other stores' allocations, but given that this is a small store that specializes in Bud Light/Busch Light, I can only imagine that any stores selling Goose Island will see some of this stuff.


The real question is, how do I break the news to my Wife that I just dropped $200-300 on beer in a day??? Black Friday looks to be an amazing start....only to finish with me having a shitload of explaining to do to the Mrs. hahaha !

Edit: I can only assume the 4 types of Bourbon County will be Regular, Coffee, Rye, and Barleywine (as it seems Prop is a Chicago only thing yes?).

 

Inbox explosion in 3...2...1...

 

For what it's worth, I've called two different Costcos in Michigan and was told both times they aren't selling Bourbon County on Friday. Don't know if this means they aren't getting it at all or if the people I spoke with just didn't know, just wanted to share.

 

I also spoke to someone at my local Costco, and while she was "unsure" if they'll be receiving it, she did note that they did receive it last year and that it sold out "really fast". Not sure what she considers "really fast" in Costco-land, but it might be worth a try if in the area.

 

I remember going to Blue Front last year for the raffle. Aside from getting small tastings in line, that was a huge mistake. Too many people there for the amount they received. As soon as I found out my ticket wasn't called, walked a mile down the road to Stadium Liquor and got 2 bottles of BCBS no problem. So if you're going to the Blue Front on Friday and miss out, check there.

edit: If friday goes anything like last year, you may have to make the choice between Tippins or Blue Front as they both released their beer at relatively the same time last year and there was seemingly no way of attending both releases and coming out with purchases at both. My suggestion would be to go to Tippins, stop in at Blue Front for a tasting, go down the road to Stadium Liquor for a bottle or two, and then wherever the hell else your heart desires afterward. Ypsi seemed to have a few places last year on Friday with virtually no one at them.

 

The best strategy in SE MI, at least for regular and barley-wine, seems to be cruising the local mom and pops that happen to carry a craft selection. Knowing the beer guy at your local mom and pop also helps a lot. The well-known bottle shops are too hectic.

 

I won't be seeking any out and because I have to work the University of Toledo - Western Michigan game tomorrow I won't be going to Odd Side either. More for the rest of you. Cheers!

 

Already picked up a case of regular, 1 barleywine, 2 coffee, and 2 regal. My Black Friday hunting is over before it started.

 

Grab one for me!

 

But no Rare, bummer!

 

Went to Rare day, so yes. My point is that you just need to keep your ears to the ground, and maybe check out the shops that you wouldn't even think would get it, but carry a modest craft beer selection.

 

That's a nice score, happy thanksgiving to you!

 

Sicilianos will have rare, next 7 people to show up will be able to buy a bottle. (In Grand Rapids)

 

Anyone know what's in the goose island brewmaster reserve cases? Can't seem to find any current info about it.