New Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout 2018 Variants

I have plenty left from last year, stores don't.

 

I was wondering if they decreased regular and increased variants. That would make business sense if the cult status of regular was starting to slide, and is one possible explanation why we're getting four variants here, albeit in limited quantity. Either that - or they're shifting distribution from markets where it shelf-turded to markets like ours, where it sells out instantly.

I'll be chasing variants, and will buy more Vanilla, Bramble Rye, and Midnight Orange than I should - even at $20-$25 ea.

 

I'm seeing a price increase around my way. Anyone know what this years msrp on the base BCBS is?

We went from $9.99 that first switchover year to now $12.99. it didn't exactly fly off the shelves either price point, just wondering what their deal is.

 

Most places that aren't areas like NYC are seeing 11.99 for base. Some places sell cases at cheaper prices, and still other stores probably will continue to sell at 10.99 or 9.99 per.

 

Really? Will PA be getting more of the variants too? Im going to be in Pittsburgh this week. Where can I find variants?

Also, can anyone explain how people are getting cases before Black Friday? Why are cases of the variants on grocery store shelves already?

 

Are people getting cases of variants? If that's the case, it's a bit unfortunate for everyone else that is chasing. That said, the reason is because someone at the store "fucked up."

 

Well, 2017 is sitting on shelves in the Chicagoland area a year out so maybe they want to send it to places that need it. Also, did you move a lot less GI product this year or is the rest of the country moving more? Isn't your allocation tied to how much you took care of the Goose the other 364 days of the year?

 

because they have to put shit in distro BEFORE the actual approved sale date. there aren't going to be a million trucks running around after Thanksgiving making deliveries just to meet the date. it's up to the stores to UNDERSTAND it's not for sale til Nov 23, 12AM. some stores may have staff that don't know or are too big in the chain of command to enforce the rule properly/effectively - while others may pretend to not understand. it happens.

 

It may be on some shelves in Chicagoland, but not many. And most of those are probably due to a heavy mark up. I only know of one place that I’ve been to in the past few months that had it, and that was like $15.99.

 

Yep. Cases of Vanilla and Orange have been up for sale by resellers as of a few days ago. Looks like NY/NJ is the culprit but maybe more prevalent than that.

 

Not saying someone didn't swipe those off the shelves at grocery stores and such, but I also wouldn't be surprised if these were for sale by someone that is a store owner. I've talked with a few guys (one in Columbus) who is an avid seller. He proudly states he sells rare stuff to support his habit (his words, not mine).

 

The one I am thinking of has a photo of the box in a grocery shopping cart....who knows

 

That or friends of store managers/owners who get an inside supply. There's a lot of shenanigans going on I'm sure. A good amount of greedy behavior out there unfortunately.

 

I would also imagine there are a lot of retailers who don't know what they are sitting on as this expands into new markets. Do you think the owners or high level managers are working Thanksgiving Eve or are the stores more likely to be staffed by the newest, lowest level person on the totem pole as we approach the holiday? Organizational communication is usually never optimal so early release due to misunderstanding or bad directions isn't out of the realm of possibilities. I remember 2013 fondly when the mom and pops didn't know they were going to field incessant questions about BCBS variant supply for the next month and I could walk in and they would say "How many do you want?"

 

To be honest, I care less about someone selling it and way more about how greedy it really is, and how it negatively affects others. Really sad. Like, ok, if you want to give it to your friends early because you can, go for it. But only if they are going to drink it. It's BS to give it to them early and have them sell it.

 

Maybe in the past but stores know by now what this release entails. I bet very few stores are still in the dark after going through this year after year.

 

This would assume GI isn't distributing new stores...

 

Because I have seen multiple cases being sold from multiple different people, I got the impression that delivery to store shelves (pre-Black Friday) was prevalent and I am missing out. I got the impression that this wasn't a Black Friday event any more. Would love to hear if anyone else is seeing the stuff on grocery store shelves already.

 

They are likely adding new stores, sure. I was speaking to the vast majority of stores. The percentage of new stores to total stores is likely low I'd imagine.

 

My brother is a good friend of one of those store owners in PA. FWIW here is what the store is getting..

20 Cases - Regular
15 Cases - 2017 Regular
5 Cases - Coffee Barleywine
15 Cases - Vanilla
10 Cases - Midnight Orange
5 Cases - Wheatwine
5 Cases Bramble Rye