How to be a Truck Chaser

I think you live in my town.

 

Ask questions.

 

It's sort of gotten to the point where you just need to know someone to get a bottle like Framboos, whether that person works in distribution or at the bottle shops themselves, you need a connection in a lot of cases. It's unfortunate, but when supply of such beers is so far below demand, it's just a natural side-effect.

 

I just posted: "We are our own worst enemy" in another thread. I should have clicked on this one first.

 

Step 1: Don't.
Step 2: *shrugs*
Step 3: Profit

 

Just ask the store questions, I ask if they have a certain beer in and they go "no but we'll get it in on Tuesday"

 

1. Pick a beer you know your area gets
2. Check the brewery's release schedule (if applicable)
3. Call your local stores and get an ETA
4. About 1 week before that ETA, call everyday until even more details are released
5. Get the beer!

 

A couple c notes will get you far kid...

 

Maybe ask this guy

 

Social media is a good indicator of store deliveries. I've learned that stores will post pictures of when they get their deliveries of certain beers. Learn the delivery dates they usually have a schedule. Also it helps to become a regular customer in a store and, at least in my situation, store owners (the best to be familiar with) or store employees will let you know if they have any particular beers in stock.
Also, spend some money, this really gets you in with the store or be selective about your purchases, I've noticed that when store employees see me buying higher end beers, I get more attention.
Email distributors in your area.
Finally, if possible, work in the industry, this really is a tremendous help, good luck.

 

It takes while but first you ask the store about when they get deliveries of beer. Then you stalk all day long outside the store. When the truck pulls in and the driver gets off plant a gps tracking device on the truck. When you have the trucks location of main distro you befriend the lonely accountant maybe romance her so you have an in. Hack into the computer system to get details about delivery and start stalking away.


Oh and a lot of edible arrangements...ppl love those

 

My people!

 

Also, get to know the delivery drivers (I am one), just walk up to them and start a conversation. I've had multiple people come up to me and ask about beer. Especially Bourbon County releases because I work for an AB distributor and Goose Island is in our portfolio.

 

This.

 

Wow, I thought that truck chasers were in museums now. This sounds soooo 2006.

How to be a truck chaser......besides chasing trucks, I don't know the specifics. Plan out truck schedules and routes and use up your time, or miss out on Framboos. Those aren't great options, are they? I would go the Moneyball route and look for beers that are undervalued in the eyes of beer geeks.