Refunds for 2015 Regular BCBS and 2015 Prop

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by GatorLCA, Apr 13, 2016.

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  1. drtth

    drtth Initiate (0) Nov 25, 2007 Pennsylvania
    In Memoriam

    So what would you say to those folks who review Firestone-Walker's Octoberfest and report picking up oak flavors? (Some of us have seen those sorts of things before as well. :-))
     
    #1921 drtth, Oct 4, 2016
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  2. cavedave

    cavedave Grand Pooh-Bah (4,157) Mar 12, 2009 New York
    In Memoriam Pooh-Bah Trader

    I would say misidentifying flavors a label implies should be there (Oaktoberfest) is different than tasting flavors that are expected not to be there.
     
    #1922 cavedave, Oct 4, 2016
    Last edited: Oct 4, 2016
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  3. drtth

    drtth Initiate (0) Nov 25, 2007 Pennsylvania
    In Memoriam

    That's seems more like something you'd say to one of the contributors to this thread. (Say, someone who had in fact argued intially for unsophisticated palates.)

    What interests me more is specifically how you'd explain to someone who thinks they taste Oak that they aren't really. (Some of us have faced that dilemma as well.)
     
    #1923 drtth, Oct 4, 2016
  4. cavedave

    cavedave Grand Pooh-Bah (4,157) Mar 12, 2009 New York
    In Memoriam Pooh-Bah Trader

    That's fine, but this is a thread about Bourbon County and you made the reference to Oaktoberfest, which you accidentally :wink: misspelled, in effort to tie it in.

    I would be happy, though, to hear your explanation to the folks you reference if it doesn't derail the thread.
     
    #1924 cavedave, Oct 4, 2016
  5. drtth

    drtth Initiate (0) Nov 25, 2007 Pennsylvania
    In Memoriam

    Sorry, I thought it was also a thread that included a discussion about off flavors, their identification, etc.

    I have few ideas about how to explain to people who report them that those flavors might not be there, when they are not, which is why I asked my question. However, since I can see how the way I posed my question and the context might be misleading, so I'll save the question for another time and place. Enjoy your day.
     
    #1925 drtth, Oct 4, 2016
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  6. Prince_Casual

    Prince_Casual Savant (1,236) Nov 3, 2012 District of Columbia
    Trader

    Anyone else send in a 100% legit+correct refund request and still waiting? I think it's time to call tomorrow but I'm wondering if anyone else is in the same boat.
     
    #1926 Prince_Casual, Oct 6, 2016
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  7. Roguer

    Roguer Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,811) Mar 25, 2013 Connecticut
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Well, I thought I'd throw in my two cents here. Maybe it will change someone's mind; probably not. My apologies in advance for the slightly self-indulgent story to follow.

    I first learned about the BCBBW infections shortly before deploying. I have five BCBBWs left (and seven BCBS). I figured, "Ehh, it's all in good faith. I purchased a BBA brew, knowing the risks, and while I'd love some free cash, I know GI didn't do anything wrong on purpose. I can eat the loss."

    (Sidebar: I know not everyone can eat the loss, and I absolutely blame no one for taking the refund!)

    Realistically, I had some bigger issues on my mind (my upcoming deployment, of which I play a rather large part; my kids; my dogs; my divorce; you know, typical middle America stuff). Much bigger than getting a refund for about $30 worth of beer.

    As many BAs know, I returned from deployment a week and a half ago. I was unpleasantly surprised to learn that, a) several batches of BCBS have now also been reported as being infected, which was not the case before I left; and, b) I am past the window for claiming a refund, that having passed nearly two weeks prior to my return.

    Hmm. I was willing to eat the loss for 5 bottles (I drank some BCBBW while fresh, it's worth noting, and it was not as good as I remembered), but now we're talking a solid dozen. A dozen 22 oz bottles I had planned on enjoying over the next two years.

    I e-mailed GI, explaining my situation, and asking for an extension of the refund window. I knew they had zero obligation to refund my purchase, but I had hoped my extenuating circumstances might make a difference. After all, I was being the "good guy" by not asking for a refund immediately just on my unopened BCBBW; now, I was being screwed by being out of communications for a six month period on more than double the amount of beer.

    Their call, though, and in the end, business won out: they respectfully chose to not refund any of my purchases.

    I disagree with their decision, but I respect it as their right, and as a business decision. Still, if you ask if I'm offended ... well, the answer is, kind of, yes.

    I don't harp on military service here. I play it very close to the vest. However, I can't help but be a touch offended that, due to the nature of my service, I literally could not contact GI during the period between where they revealed that even more of the beer I purchased is essentially undrinkable and the relatively arbitrary cut-off date for a refund. I am in fact slightly offended that I bought a grand total of 15 22 oz brews, all in good faith, but after I returned from parts unspeakable across the globe, I find out I'm screwed on a dozen of those bottles, and I have no recourse.

    Again, my apologies for the self-indulgence. I do not mean to drone on. Nor do I mean to sway anyone's opinion regarding GI or this year's upcoming Bourbon County release.

    Rather, I mean to give anyone who chooses to read this far a window into my own personal experience. At this point, I can't say whether or not I will purchase Bourbon County this year. I believe in taking responsibility for one's actions, and that includes one's purchases. I also believe in GI's freedom to not refund my purchases, and believe very strongly that their offer of a refund for anyone was more generous than legally necessary.

    However, I also cannot pretend to have not been soured (no pun intended) by this experience. If I choose to pass on Bourbon County this year, last year's infection will have nothing to do with it; their response, however, will have everything to do with it.

    Cheers, BAs.
     
    #1927 Roguer, Oct 6, 2016
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  8. ahbithwabm

    ahbithwabm Initiate (0) Apr 27, 2013 Illinois
    Trader

    Still waiting on mine but I also sent it in near the end of the deadline
     
    #1928 ahbithwabm, Oct 6, 2016
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  9. coquet

    coquet Zealot (662) Aug 31, 2014 Virginia
    Trader

    Dropped mine in the mail the day they announced refunds, and I'm still waiting.
     
    #1929 coquet, Oct 7, 2016
  10. croush

    croush Pooh-Bah (2,407) Mar 20, 2015 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    First, thanks for your service. Secondly, thanks for sharing that story. Working in banking, I am familiar with the relief given to active duty military for financial obligations, so this behavior kinda irks me. Like you said, though, it's their choice and they have the right to do so. I'm just not sure that's the public image they want, if this story were to get more well known (which you could make happen, but who knows if you consider it worth the effort).

    Somewhat hypocritically, though, it probably won't stop me from buying Bourbon County this year. :flushed:
     
    #1930 croush, Oct 7, 2016
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  11. dd43

    dd43 Initiate (0) Sep 1, 2014 Connecticut

    I sent my labels in with the refund form and pictures of the bottles about a month ago. Still waiting.
     
    #1931 dd43, Oct 7, 2016
  12. boognish666

    boognish666 Initiate (0) Dec 20, 2010 Nebraska

    Sent mine mid August and still nothing. I've been holding off on calling as I'm sure they're overloaded with refunds. I'll maybe call them in another week or so once it's been 2 months.
     
    #1932 boognish666, Oct 7, 2016
  13. RyanGonzalez

    RyanGonzalez Initiate (0) Feb 16, 2011 Florida

    I am still waiting on mine as well. I mailed it in on the Monday after the refunds were announced. I have UPS proof of delivery. However, GI claims they have not received it. They keep telling me to wait as they still have a lot of refunds that have not been processed.
     
    #1933 RyanGonzalez, Oct 7, 2016
  14. aasher

    aasher Grand Pooh-Bah (4,557) Jan 27, 2010 Indiana
    Pooh-Bah

    I don't work for Goose but I just sent an email to someone that I know at the brewery. No promises but hopefully they can help. Thank you for your service. Cheers!
     
    #1934 aasher, Oct 7, 2016
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  15. LADEDA

    LADEDA Initiate (0) Jul 29, 2014 Florida

    I am sitting in that waiting room as well, reading an article on the risks of buying beer at high prices.
     
    #1935 LADEDA, Oct 7, 2016
  16. bowzer4birdie

    bowzer4birdie Grand Pooh-Bah (3,796) Aug 16, 2012 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah

    I live in Chicago (not that that makes any difference) and sent mine in Sept 7. Nothing yet and I don't expect anything for a few weeks yet. If we get to Nov 1 and nothing I may give a call or swing down there.
     
    #1936 bowzer4birdie, Oct 7, 2016
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  17. JFresh21

    JFresh21 Savant (1,036) Mar 6, 2012 Illinois
    Trader

    I got mine and a t-shirt...

    Nope, nothing actually.
     
    #1937 JFresh21, Oct 7, 2016
  18. Roguer

    Roguer Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,811) Mar 25, 2013 Connecticut
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    I'm with you. I certainly have no intention of making a big deal of it (and I know how easily I could, hypothetically).

    Again, I'm trying to stir up neither sympathy nor trouble. I just thought I'd share my experience with the community. I appreciate the thanks, but it's quite unnecessary. :slight_smile:

    I still respect GI as a company. I am just adding my (small) voice to the chorus of opinions whose experiences with the recall have been somewhat less than kittens and rainbows.
     
    #1938 Roguer, Oct 7, 2016
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  19. HouseofWortship

    HouseofWortship Pooh-Bah (2,735) May 3, 2016 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Got my GI refund for Prop 15. Included a note about which retailer I purchased it from, how much I was charged and if it would be possible to make up the difference between that and the msrp. They didn't include the difference or any sort of apology above and beyond the form letter. I am happy to have at least gotten something for an undrinkable beer. My only hope is that they leverage their might to get this retailer to sell the beer for the msrp this year or not give them any at all.

    That being said, April 1st we all call GI complaining of sour flavors in all of our 2016 BCBS and variants just to scare them. :wink:
     
    #1939 HouseofWortship, Oct 7, 2016
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  20. AGirlandHerStout

    AGirlandHerStout Initiate (0) Nov 23, 2014 Indiana

    Sent in for the refund beginning of August, just got it yesterday. I still plan on buying this year. Even though the bottle I have are 'infected' , they have been drinking pretty well.
     
    #1940 AGirlandHerStout, Oct 9, 2016
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