Sierra Nevada "not craft enough"

No, beer in PA is all private.

In the Philly area we are very fortunate in that we have a very wide selection of craft beer to choose from. For example, Russian River distributes here.

There may be business reasons on why the Sierra Nevada products are typically so old.

Maybe the local Wholesale Distributor just receives a few periodic deliveries from SN (2-3 times a year) and then slowly delivers them as the retailers deplete the old stock? By keeping the number of shipments low the Wholesale Distributor receives volume discounts from SN?

Or maybe it is just a case that there are so many other quality beers to choose from (e.g., Victory, Sly Fox, Yards,...) that SN simply does not move well here?

Or maybe....

Regardless of the specific causes of this supply chain problem the net result for me is I rarely purchase SN year-round beers due to their old age. I do buy Celebration every year since it is a seasonal and I know that beer will not be over 150 days old.

Distributing craft beer can be 'tricky' due to the multi-party distribution aspect. In contrast when I buy a beer from a local brewery directly I know that I am buying fresh. Recently I purchased some Sly Fox Hop Project #002 at the Sly Fox Brewpub and that beer was canned on 4/27/17 so it was about 2 weeks old when I purchased it. I discussed this beer in last Sunday's New Beer Sunday thread:

https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/new-beer-sunday-week-639.512396/#post-5456538

Cheers!

 

So you can get Pliny in Philly? I am going to have to make a road trip there someday...

 

Yup.

The hoppy beers (e.g., Pliny the Elder, Blind Pig) are only available on draft. The sour beers are available in bottles (be prepared to bring lots of money!!).

Cheers!

 

Younger and Elder in Keg only. Elder often to be found throughout the year.

For example, there is one place that has it on tap right now.

http://www.phillytapfinder.com/beer/russian-river-pliny-the-elder/

(Phillytapfinder is a pretty reliable source.)

 

Thanks!

 

Wish it was available in bottles so I could go there and bring some home but I get why that is the case. Still, it gives me another reason to visit a city I would already like to visit for its rich history.

 

Totally agree, but I myself might have passed on the 9+% Hoptimum after a good ride, but not for the reason he did.

 

One of the cool things about Phillytapfinder is that not only is it mostly current and focused on what's on tap, spending a bit of time with it can help you get a good sense of the riches of the beer scene as well. If one picks one's location to stay, it is possible to never need to drive or even use public transit.

 

Not a good beer for post ride/run sipping unless you're looking to get loopy. I couldn't accept a 90 Minute, Mars, or most any other Double or Triple IPA after a ride/run, although I might chance my dehydrated system for a Hopslam.

 

I don't think its so much his choice to not drink SN that bothers me as the attitude about it. It is rude and snobbish. I mean I think a lot of us might have to look in the mirror though about our reaction to BMC... Are the big craft boys the new BMC? I don't think its remotely fair because they are still good craft beers and helped build this industry, but to a certain group of consumers that is how they feel.

 

You could always ask the bar that is serving the hoppy Russian River beers if they would fill a growler for you to take home.

Cheers!

 

Never seen it in Omaha. Only ever 6 pack bottles

 

If they opened a brewery in MA would he drink it?

 

Well, the store that is selling you those 6-packs actually received the beer in a case of 24 bottles. You might want to ask them:

• Will you sell me a case vs. 6-pack
• Will you provide me with a bulk discount for buying in bulk

Cheers!

 

Save your gas. Pliny In the Bottle isn't all that great.

There is plenty of hoppy fresh beer to be had. Don't get too hung up on Pliny. The bottles taste terrible. It's okay on tap when it is fresh...but honestly the bottles are just not that great. I think the hop extract simply overtakes the beer too much. If you can get Lagunitas Hop Stupid...same crap, different bottle.

 

He already knows it doesn't get to Philly in bottles.

 

checked the supermarket while shopping and was going to grab a 6er just for the sake of this thread, Pale Ale bottled 1/24/17 and Summerfest bottled 2/03/17 so not this time

 

As Bill Clinton would say: "I feel your pain".

So Montana is just like Southeastern PA!?!

Cheers!