The Bruery (2024)

I didn't get an email from him, just the Hoarder sneak peak. 100% in 375 or just majority?

 

Looks like everything will be 375s. Not sure if 750s will go away completely, but included are 375s... This is exactly what he said:

From the preview they just sent out, looks like everything is 375s, some not barrel aged, and some duplicates.

 

If I’m counting right, just by description 11 of the 24 beers included aren’t barrel aged

 

Just got Hoarders info today. I am pretty pumped for the year and the offerings. A couple years ago I would not have been happy with all 375s, but in terms of flexibility and healthy drinking habits, It’s a good call. Yes, there’s a price impact with less barrel aging—and 44 smalls is not the same as 24 larges. still, I’m in.

 

I don't mind the slight increase for the smaller format. I am skeptical of bottling the non-BA stuff like Mischief, Midnight Autumn Maple, etc. Those ought to be in cans.

I think the Christmas beers might be the only thing I might miss in 750.

 

I wonder if the prices on the preview pages are placeholders or accurate?

$10 for non-BA like Mischief is a hard pass.

$20-$25 for BA depending on complexity feels similar to this year and last.

 

If this helps lead to a shipping option where pricing is lower for 375s than 750s, that would be great. However, I suspect it will be the same as it is now, as you said. Not terrible, but an overall price increase for those who ship.

Assuming there are a fair amount of non-BA bottles mixed in, that does raise question around implied pricing when the average 750ml-equivalent price based on the “$875 value” mentioned in the email is $40/bottle. Also: maybe there is some merch included that explains the $875 value in the email vs the $908 value on the website, but I didn’t see it explicitly mentioned.

 

Next year's lineup looks really solid right now

 

Finally trying Fuego Fresa Especial. I like it a lot. The base is awesome, really rich and mellow. Sweetness more reserved than I thought it would be. Strawberry is tasty. The pepper is just the barest hint but works perfectly in that respect.

 

I really enjoyed this one too. Seemed to land better for us than the (still positive) group consensus on Untappd.

 

Opened my Rhymes With Orange. I'm mostly going to pile on with I think the general sentiment. It's underwhelming, though would always prefer for them to keep trying new things. Can't all be homeruns. $38 price point is ludicrous.

I kinda get an Orangina vibe... which makes sense: fizzy watery OJ. It got me thinking: some of the hazies out there get pretty darn close to taking like straight OJ. I almost wonder if they'd started with the wheatwine and then done some intense dry hopping if they actually would have gotten closer to the creamsicle vibe? Although at that point is it just a milkshake IPA? Hmm...

 

Really my only issue with Rhymes is the price. I actually found it to be refreshing— pleasant orange on top and vanilla finish. But then I’m an oak sap base fan. Would like to see the BA version (Rhymes with Oranges?)

 

Drinking right now and it's crazy how dry it feels, you are so correct! Way more chocolate bar flavor than I expected and yeah, no port I can tell. Honestly just feels like I'm chomping on some dark dark chocolate, which I do like. Wouldn't get a second bottle, but it's interesting

 

Orange You Happy I Didn't Say Coconuts

Finally opened it and it's awesome! I love it. Wish I could buy more, but I think this was maybe allocation-only? Hopefully I'm mixing it up with something else and I'll see it in an archive sale later.

The orange is most prevalent for me, as well as the dark chocolate. It immediately reminded me of those Terry chocolate oranges that I've always loved. The coconut is there, but more in the background. It's not dry, but the sweetness is very reserved, which I think lets the actual flavors shine better. Base beer is very rich and smooth.

 

Enjoying a ‘14 BT, can’t believe how boozy this beer still is, figured it would’ve mellowed a bit more

 

Auto-renewals happened this morning. Not sure why, but I didn’t get any of the communications about 2025. But I planned to renew anyway (every year, I think “this is going to be my last year,” and every year, I decide to stick around).

edit: NVM, the email was there… just buried in the pile of spam that email account accumulates.

 

Cracking my second 2024 Hoarders Cuvee. Still delicious, and definitely my favorite of the HC releases.

 

I also didn't get an email. Sent the Bruery an email, and the refunded my renewal. So as I head out the door I will say customer service has always been a high point of my membership. I am pleased to see that is still the case.

Been a member since 2014, but the time has come for me to move on.

I wish the Bruery and its members the best.

 

As a member since 2014, I decided not to renew. This has been the least excited year so far, as you can tell by how many pages this thread has compared from previous years. I'm glad the membership will end in a bang with Quad BT. Cheers all!