The Alchemist (July 2016)

In reality, as business owners. They are simply being kind by trying to set limits and policies for who can buy what. They could just say F it and sell it all as fast as they want. They would still make the SAME amount of money. By everyone's theory they can't lose. Even if the "locals" (whatever that means) got mad that people are hoarding it and buying from out of state and stopped supporting and buying the beer, in theory you would still have the people hoarding supporting you. Or you might see a slight drop in sales due to a few less "locals" being butt hurt and then the allocations would start to last longer, making the locals have more/easier access to it. At this point the mystique and hysteria drops off, but your still selling tons.

People over think this stuff and get butt hurt way to easily. No one owes you anything. Just be glad it's available and they are nice to the consumer.

 

Say "butt hurt" again.

 

So you want a brewery in a state known for mountains, fields, nature and everything else that makes the state beautiful, to pave over a big field that is "not needed"? Here's an idea, go to another brewery then with acres of paved parking lot . Shouldnt be any unneeded grass there.

 

Does the alchemist dates their cans? Last time I see it mentioned when I do a search is March 2015 saying they don't. Has that changed?

 

They do not date their cans.

 

You have to be PC on this board. People are anal about that

 

Damn is Crusher good.....My second one tonight -- the second seems boozy as shit -- in a good way. Getting Barleywineish notes. This is just a Kimmish monster!!! Thx Chopper for hooking me up....

 

Ding

 

Spot on; I 100% agree.

 

While I don't doubt that breweries that impose limits do so in part to ensure more folks get to try the beer, I'm sure there is a business component to it as well. Yeah, you would make as much money selling dozens of cases to people at a time with no limits at first, but at some point there will be less incentive for consumers to visit the brewery if they are always sold out. Increased number of people who get to buy the beer leads into more long-term customers and sales. While I appreciate reasonable limits, let's not think this is just about breweries doing us a favor or being kind; there's a business angle too.

 

I apologize if this has been asked here before. So the Stowe location is a brewery/tasting room? But tasters only? No pints. 4oz tasters? Limits? I've been waiting for the new location to open so I could visit from SoCal. I was kinda hoping for sit down, enjoy a couple of pints and has some food. Do they allow outside food? Do they run out of can's for sale during the day? Was hoping to bring some 4 packs back with me. Is visiting both the Stowe location and Hill Farmstead doable in a day? Any other recommendations in the general area? I'm thinking of a very quick fly in for one night trip. Thx and sorry for all the questions.

 

Agreed and they are also selling gear and glassware too. Have to think the lower limits = more people through door = more sales there.

 

Tasters only. You can have a taster of the three options. If you are there in the afternoon after the can line you can hang around a bit, but when the can rush is happening it is a line that moves by the taster bar while you are on your way to the registers.
There are many great food options in Stowe. Hill Farmstead and Alchemist in one day is an easy trip. On your way you can stop at Rock Art and Lost Nation as well. Lost Nation has some really good food.
I would get cans at Alchemist at open with a few tasters, head to Lost Nation for lunch and a flight, then to Hill Farmstead for a few pours or on-site bottle. You can grab some bottles and growlers while there.

 

Thx @jhavs. I'm also looking at Trillium in Boston. A quick fly in overnight trip. Hit up the Boston location, pick up can's/bottles and head back next day. But I think the Alchemist trip might bett better for now. More options.

 

Have you seen Trilliums options lately? Right now you can leave with a case each of six different canned beers. Not to mention its a 1-1.5 hour drive to Tree house and Night Shift is right in Boston also.

 

Both are great options.

Boston has a ton of great spots to try too. Trillium should have tons of options and easy to get in and out most of the time. I am sure you could set up some IP trades for Trillium cans while your in VT (or vice versa if you choose MA).

 

Where can I find what's available at the Boston location?

 

I sent link to your inbox.

 

I'm weighing my options between the 2 (or it could be 3). Best bang for my $$'s. Boston overnight is $$$. Do I need a car if I only stay in Boston? Flying to Burlington I will have to rent car. Cans to bring back home? All these I will have to take into consideration.

 

This kind of sucks for locals. I love the Alchemist and all their beers, but I don't ever buy full cases. I'd love to be able to stop by and get a four-pack of whatever beer I'm craving. I won't be able to buy a full case just to get some Crusher or whatever beer it is they're applying this policy to. And to broker with other folks in line seems to defeat the overall limit policy.

I expect this will change once summer crowds die down - I hope so anyways.