Figured 1840 Brewing needs its own thread at this point. Seems like Kyle and the 1840 team are really hitting their stride with the last two releases. Cashmere Sweater is by far the best NE IPA to come out of WI at this point (IMO), and Neon Nights was also delicious. Looking forward to seeing what Kyle puts out in January!
So far its been brewery only. They have a members only release on Fridays & Sundays and public release on Saturdays. Most of their stuff is barrel aged, but the three NE IPAs they've put out have been great! I probably agree that Cashmere Sweater has been my favorite NE IPA out of WI to this point.
I agree with the comments about Cashmere Sweater. Best NE IPA that I've tasted out of WI. Be curious as to what the next release is going to be.
Anyone can hit the public releases. They are on the 2nd Saturday of each month. They also sporadically sell bottles to go, but hours are pretty random. FIBs are invited. As a member, I'd welcome the FIB hype machine.
I did some reading on FB on the previous releases/events to try and get a feel, but figured I'd also ask in here...how are their general public (Saturday at 11a.m.) releases in terms of the line? I realize it's unpredictable and dependent on many things, etc. but have the prior releases been something that people line up at 6-7a.m. for? Or is it not quite that early? Is there a line? Does it move pretty quickly if I'm just looking to get a few bottles and go? Respectful bottle sharing allowed in line? Not looking for an all day party, I'm just an out of towner who has heard good things that is wondering how the general public releases go and what to expect. Thanks for any input.
I can only speak from my limited (one-time) experience but it was an extremely chill release. Small line (once they brought people inside it didn't extend back outside) that moves pretty quickly, they open (their own) bottles on premise (no taps), families welcome (saw quite a few kids there), very friendly staff. No idea on shares but it wouldn't surprise me as I see them at most MKE releases on some scale. I showed up right around release time and I was in and out in 15 minutes.
There is no reason to show up early to get in line. As long as you're there within reason (several hours after open) you'll be in and out in 10 minutes. Last IPA release was the first one they actually sold out of during the initial window. The first two they did bottles sales the week after to move the remaining inventory. Each one has sold out progressively sooner, but it's not (yet) at the point where you need to be there at open to get it. The last one also had a limited barrel aged porter release that drew additional folks, this month the other release is a saison that won't be as popular.
Amarillo was sold out in less than 2 hours today; but, there was no limit. The hype on their NE style IPAs has spread since last months release. If they keep releasing NE style IPAs that are this good every month then I expect that you will need to be a member or start lining up pretty early very soon.
You'd think the next one they'll put a limit. They even raised the prices ~15% this month. Last release was $10 for a 750ml, this one is $9 for 500ml. Hopefully they continue with this format, even at the higher price point. With them I'd rather pay a little more if it means they'll get to a point where they're selling more than one delicious IPA more than once a month.
