Abyss '13 (not PDX)

Just in the past week I've passed on a number of beers that I'd probably have pulled the trigger on in the past. I actually bought Stone's Crime and Punishment @ $20/500mL each—that's $40 for a liter of beer, or about $14/12oz—then had buyer's remorse (especially after checking the reviews) and returned them the next day. God bless Whole Foods for that generous policy. Chuck's had Stone Southern Charred yesterday for $20... pass. I saw Goose Island Gillian for around $33 and Halia for $25... pass. I even passed on Wisdom Seeker @ $10, basically because I've had it before. There have been a few others in that range lately that I walked away from. Abyss notwithstanding, I think we'll be seeing more pricey shelf turds in the months and years to come.

I actually don't fault breweries for raising prices if they're providing a living wage for their employees, health care, etc. As far as I know, Deschutes is probably a great place to work. But I have expenses too. So it looks like I'll just be buying less beer if this trend continues, or at least less of the limited release stuff—which probably isn't such a bad thing for me anyway.

 

Psssst. Ballard Market...

 

Am I crazy, or did this last on shelves for at least a week last year?

 

So what's your cost?

 

Dude, WTF?

 

If it's anything like XXV the first shipment gets killed quickly and then the second shipment sits around for a while. Who knows if there is a second shipment of Abyss though.

 

Did you go ask for it at the counter? I bought mine at like 12:30pm I think...it is not on regular display.

 

Do you flirt with the beer guy?

 

Well let's set this straight. Here is a small peek behind the curtain in the retail world: Standard markup on any beer is 30% margin. Abyss this year cost about $12 to all shops, regardless who they are (big, small, kiosk, doesn't matter; everyone pays the same price).

Every place that is charging $17 is following standard markup (actually they are taking a 29.5% margin so they are doing you a favor). For larger chains like Total Wine and Whole Foods that rely on a UPC code to ring up a beer, there is a price in the computer for that UPC. It appears that Total Wine and Whole Foods didn't update their price from last year. They aren't necessarily trying to save you money; in fact they are probably mad at themselves for not changing that.

The Deschutes UPC for Abyss is used for other seasonals although the prices changes here and there. There are many advantages to a fixed UPC in the retail world but we have identified a small problem here much like with La Terroir this year (undercharging).

As for availability, it will always sell out fast at the usual shops and those that are posted on BA but check out the out of the way places. I can point to a few places that still have last year's.

TLDR: No one is charging a 50% markup; some people forgot to adjust their prices this year.

 

ALWAYS flirt with the beer guy. I have found it even more effective since i started growing my mustache for Movember.

 

This pretty much sums up any limited beer released nowadays.

 

no one was around the counter (i suspect you mean the growler counter), so i asked someone stacking the shelves, who informed me there were two cases and they were already sold out. the two case story checks out, as i called earlier in the week.

he seemed like he was having a bad day, so there's definitely a chance he just decided to dick me over.

anyways, i went up to chucks and had a half pint. i enjoyed it, but if that's the only time i get to drink it, i'm okay with that.

i stopped in at ballard market and did not see it. another behind-the-counter deal? worth noting - idid see the goose island sours (halia, lolita, gillian).

 

I just had one at Chuck's too. I'd drink bottles of $15 KDS in circles around The Abyss seven days from Sunday.

Pretty sure that's how that saying goes.

 

We have a winner! $24 at Downtown Spirits. I passed. It's a shame Ryan no longer works there.

 

I hear it was brewed with cascara bark this year. Is there any truth to this? Can't wait to pay $18 for my bottle!

 

I use to work there too. That place Is ran by two brand new business owners who are clueless, especially meru.. Ryan appeared to be miserable there. Decent guy, just a little pissy.

 

People probably didn't flirt with him enough.

 

Man that sucks.

 

As of 6:30 last night, Whistle Stop Grocery had about 3 cases left. $17.49 a bottle