The Alchemist (July 2016)

That can't be right. They would still have beer an hour after opening.

 

says just crush is sold out - must've been a slip of the finger

 

Must have seen your posts, just fixed the website.

 

Was there this morning. Arrived at 10:05 or 10:10 and was probably 50 deep in line. There was a pretty significant line behind me, maybe 75-100, when they opened early at 10:40. Was through the line in about 25 minutes once they opened. They had the same mixed case going as per usual.

Beautiful morning and friendly people, so not a bad way to spend an hour.

 

Planning on going next week and getting there mid afternoon (3ish). Think I'll have any issues getting at least Focal?

 

As always, it depends. As of minutes ago, the website still shows Focal being available. The others are out and I wasn't following along today to see when they kicked. Based on your expected timing and where it is today, it seems like you shouldn't have an issue getting at least FB on your visit.

 

so where are people parking that are arriving prior to 10:00? Are they letting cars in the alchemist parking lot that arrive before 10:00? SOunds like they wanted people to wait until 10:00, but appears that is not happening….

 

That I couldn't tell you given my arrival time today. They may have opened the lot a smidge before 10. It seemed half full when I arrived at 10:05 or 10:10 and I did not have the impression people were street parking and walking over.

 

Last Friday it was kind of a mess, with many cars circling the area or waiting pulled over down the road. They opened the lot a few minutes early, since (after waiting up the street) when we pulled in around 9:55 there was already 40-50 people in line.

Honestly, before they opened I thought the situation would be much worse. As long as they can produce enough to guarantee a full allocation for anyone showing up by 11, I think people will eventually figure out there's no point arriving earlier than the lot opens.

 

"Good Morning. We have had lots of questions regarding Crusher availability. We have been moving about 400 people through the brewery before Crusher runs out each day. So, to reiterate, PLEASE DO NOT SHOW UP BEFORE 10AM! If you show up when our parking lot opens, 10-11am, you will get a mixed case of beer with Crusher.
If you show up early and park on upper Cottage Club you are causing problems for us with our neighbors and the town of Stowe. We are doing our best to be good neighbors and will continue to open our lot at 10am. There is absolutely no reason to show up any earlier.
If you do not want to wait in line and simply want to grab a couple four packs of Focal Banger or enjoy some samples, you should visit us after 2pm.
Thank you to everyone who has listened to our requests. We plan on being here a very long"

I see a repeat of Waterbury all over again(or just the issues). Also I don't know any other business outside of beer that has line and parking issues. I love their stuff and hope them the best, but by the tone of the message today they sound like they are already taking heat and letting the public know it. Unfortunately people will never listen or care to listen since it does not directly impact them. Especially folks traveling from out of state who will literally do anything they can to ensure they get it.

 

I mean...they could just open the lot before 10 if they want to be good neighbors, seems like a really simple solution. I'm sure a lot of people visiting the brewery don't religious follow their blog. And yes, I agree people should be respectful of The Alchemist's wishes but its obviously not happening.

 

Could very well be that their permitting doesn't allow them to open the lot before 10. Even if they can, it may be a mistake to let folks start piling up early vs. weathering the storm for a few weeks until the message gets through that it's fine to show up at 10. Otherwise you get into a feedback loop where the crowds get earlier and earlier as you sell out earlier and earlier.

If they wanted to make the point harshly, they could hold off on selling Crusher until 11:30 or something.

 

Very good points. I do like the idea of holding off to really drive the point home.

 

Plus, the lot gets busy and they have a few staff members out there guiding traffic and keeping customers safe. If they open the lot earlier, staff has to be in the lot earlier.

 

The website showed that they had Focal until close last night. I am running over after work today to try to score a couple 4-packs. It would be awesome if they consistently maintain the availability of beer from open to close. After the summer, I think that will be the case more often than not.

 

What time they open either the brewery or the lot is irrelevant. As long as the amount of beer they are producing is less than the demand, there will always be people pushing the envelope on when they can show up to guarantee themselves the beer. If they open the lot at 9, people are going to be showing up early to that too.

There is no comparison to the crowding in Waterbury. Completely different environment.

 

There will be less crush for Crusher when people realize it's not nearly as good as Focal or Heady.

 

I recognize this is a tough question to know for sure, but is it markedly different than truck sale Crusher? To my tastes, that was easily the best of the three when it debuted.

 

As long as the beer runs out every day and/or there are lines to get it people will show up early so they either a) don't have to wait in line or b) won't risk missing out on beer or c) both. It's human nature and it won't change until there's enough beer so that they don't run out. When you put limits on anything people try harder to get it.

 

I had it at the VT Beer Fest two years ago and wasn't wowed then, and still not wowed. I mean it's a fine DIPA, but not in the same league as HT and FB, IMO. Tastes like intensely bitter Sprite. I got a mixed case, so I may end up changing my mind. My wife loves it.