Fonta Flora: Urban Monk Celebration

Just saw this, very nice! Probably won't be able to make it, but glad to see them keeping the momentum going throughout the winter!

 

Straight killin' it lately.

 

Anyone have an idea of how much a bottle may cost?

 

In the past, the sours have ranged from $15 to $25 if memory serves. The saisons have been in the $12-$15 range. I'm not sure how much Sal went for, I would guess $20. Part of it just depends on the bottle sizes. Some have been 500 ml and some are 750's.

 

And are they generally on draft the day of bottle releases?

 

Yes - all of the beers will be on draft. They always have been in the past, and I believe fonta flora confirmed this on their Instagram post.

 

I haven't been to all of the releases, but I can think of at least one instance where a bottle release beer was not on draft on release day - Jitterbug. But yeah usually they all are.

 

I've never been to FF or any of their releases but I'm strongly considering this one. Anybody know what lines are like and if I need to show up early to make sure I get some bottles?

 

Yes.

 

do online presales like wicked weed

 

I hope they never do.

 

Damnit, I literally came here to post the same exact thing!

 

why? more people get to have their beer

 

Urban Monk and all three variants will be available in 750ml bottles and on draught. In addition, Need a Hug and Big Shrug will both be available in 500ml bottles and on draught. Bottle counts and limits to follow in the coming days.

After a lot of deliberation, we have decided NOT to do pre-sales for this release. We are very short staffed at Fonta Flora and the thing we like the most about our current system is that all of the bottles are gone in a few hours. We don't really have space or time to be setting bottles aside and have people stand around all day waiting for folks to straggle in and claim their bottles.

These releases aren't that crazy yet. I can think of plenty of breweries who do not offer a pre sale option. This is going to be a great day and as always, we are excited to share our creations.

 

Why would a pre-sale allow more people to get the beer?

 

I'm guessing just more out of state people (i.e Floridians) or anyone else willing to drive 10+ hours.

 

@HopBeard Have you thought about maybe opening a little earlier on release days?
I also like the idea of not having presale...especially the no proxies part. NC beer lovers deserve first chance at such an amazing local product!

 

I don't believe it would allow more people to get beer, but it would certainly change who could.

I personally can't spend a Saturday waiting in line for beer (too many kid activities). I could easily pre-purchase, go pick-up, drink a couple of beers, and drive home though. So for me personally it would allow me to potentially buy bottles.

But I do understand both sides. I do not believe a pre-sale would affect on-site bar sales as most people would still stay to drink a beer. The fact that Fonta Flora is upfront and expressing why they do not feel a pre-sale is feasible speaks volumes. Reasoning is sound, and I really wish I could attend.

 

I just don't like presales because they put me at the mercy of technology. I tried to pre-purchase the first two Angel releases and between website screwups and I suppose my internet being slow I wasn't able to get either. Even though I was right there clicking the button and refreshing like hell the moment it went live. Just seems pretty random as to who gets through and who doesn't.

With Fonta Flora releases I don't have to rely on any of that. If I want it bad enough then I make sure I get there early enough to guarantee my spot. If I don't, I have no one or no thing to blame but myself. Obviously everyone has a different situation and everyone wants the method that works out the best for them. Only human nature.