2016 BCBS Chicago Release (Black Friday & Beyond)

...Did they put bacon in their beer? I don't drink Odd Side, so I assumed that in context, we were simply talking about another BA stout or a standard sour (especially since @Fargrow mentioned it was probably a similar infection to BCS), hence my response.

If we're talking about a beer with something that perishable, then yeah, I agree with your point.

 

In all seriousness, last year people were walking up to LP Binny's after the line was done and still getting their full allotment.

 

Binny's has posted their Black Friday blog post. Not much info we didn't already know (in fact some info is lifted right from the 2015 page without changing the year), but it confirms allocations - 2 regular and 1 of each coffee, Prop and barleywine. Looks like LP will have vintage bottles available again.

http://www.binnys.com/blog/black-friday-2016/#more-18130

 

Last year was my first year going so I was there pretty early. The vintages to me are what I'll be waiting to see this year, to gauge when I'll be heading over.

 

Does anyone remember how much the vintage bottles cost last year?

 

Single 12 oz bottles were $10 for me. Bought a '14 coffee and '12 BCBS.

 

how far back in line were ya?

 

That's a pretty awful allocation considering how long the line will be there. Last year I went early but with 2 additional bottles released (especially Rare)+ vintages it was worth it. Might have to cancel my plans this time.

 

553 from the number on the tickets they gave away. But who knows if they'll bring as much as last year.

 

Yep, very familiar with the Binny's near my families homes - I know shocking that I would need quick, readily accessible alcohol when visiting family. Anyone have experience with what time people are lining up at those spots?

What time has the line died down historically? I have small children and a wife I'd like to keep, so I can't be gone for endless hours this morning. Is parking a cluster?

Ultimately I'm trying to decide what's a better use of my limited time. If I'm gone a few hours I won't be missed, if it starts inching up to 3-4 hours I'll get the look when I get home

 

Going off of memory alone, I'd say sometime between 11 and 12. You should be able to find a spot in the parking lot or nearby.

 

If time ultimately is more important, I'd look for some bars that will sell bottles that day. Yes you'll pay a bit of a premium (usually $15/bottle for regular) but you can walk in and out and get a couple bottles. That's been my plan the last couple years..I figure I'll have plenty on tap over the next couple months, and I can save alot of work and get a few bottles.

 

Just to be clear, you have to drink those on site?

 

Nope. To-Go bottles. I'm sure it's up to local laws, but I can say I have been able to get a few bottles locally on Black Friday and just pay a bit more.

 

First time coming to Binny's LP BCBS release - what's the parking situation like at around 6 AM - where do you guys park?

 

I'm one of the guys on the Odd Side thread. I get that infections happen. It's how a brewer responds to the infection is what got folks fired up.

You won't find me anywhere close to Odd Side. Not Black Friday, not ever. The only good thing about my last visit to Odd Side is that it prevented me from chasing BCBS.

 

I would suggest bringing mules....not like friends to buy beer for you, but actually pack mules because you won't be able to park anywhere near there with 1,000+ people already there.

 

Try the app spot hero. Let's you pay for parking somewhere all day for a decent price, kinda close. Last year with 1k at opening parking was...limited. To say the least.

 

I overslept last year, went to binnys LP around 10. Got full allotment.

That's my plan this year. I'm not waking up early Especially with there not being a national variant.