I was reading about Jester Kings new raspberry sour (I don't feel like searching for the spelling) possibly being a brewery only release and started wondering what other beers we can expect to see as brewery releases now that the law is passing. Pumpkinator seems like a good choice, I don't think the Divine Reserve series would because of all the press they get every year but maybe the Icons would start out brewery only and then hit distribution. Cherry Hellfighter or other Hellfighters could be brewery releases.
From what I understand, the only reason JK will be able to do releases is because they are changing their license to a brewpub license and Karbach and Saint Arnold are to big to be considered brew pubs therefore, they will not be able to do brewery releases for off site consumption.
This is correct. Saint Arnold and Karbach would have to switch over to a brewpub license in order to sell beers for off-site consumption. They can however setup a taproom and have special release days with on-site consumption. It wouldn't be the same as Ananke Day or something like that, but I think it would still be a good way to bring revenue into the brewery and still get beer into the hands of people. The could have a couple of kegs saved for the release party and distribute the rest for sale in retail locations. What is Karbach's yearly production numbers?
I wish Saint Arnold and Karbach would be able to sell their limiteds with pre-sales allowing you to pick them up at the brewery. I love the beers. I don't love the chase.
