Pittsburgh - New Beers & Local Breweries

I am sure that is true. I just think there needs to be a little more tact or class or whatever word you want to use here, when your business name is attached to something you comment or do in these settings, trolling comment or not or whatever.

So I imagine that's why it rubbed people the wrong way, especially those that don't know if catlicks/beertrader-y2k was joking, trolling, being serious or what not. just my thoughts, that's all.

 

PA Brewery so it's relevant...

Any opinions on the "merger" between Victory and Southern Tier? What if these guys start partnering with other breweries? Can you see breweries start carving up territory a la college sports conferences?

 

Erie and Pittsburgh should work together to stop the Evil Philly distro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I was wondering this same thing. It will be interesting to see how this turns out.

 

So, going to Cappys in Loveland, OH. Place gets good ratings it seems. Anyone else been there or know of anything close that a must hit?

 

I know there's a whole thread about this on here but I'd rather hear the opinions of yinz

 

Taking it at face value, for it's touted merits in avoiding selling to a macro. While I've read a number of articles on this, most of them are derivative, so I don't feel comfortable that I have much depth here (possible pitfalls, etc.). But a move like this--to insulate yourself from some...less desirable transition, seems preferable.

 

Have it saved to read. Didn't get to it yet. Interesting none the less

 

I hold my usual line...as long as quality does not suffer than I do not have a strong opinion. I have become increasingly local-centric, so in general I have not been buying a ton from either recently, but historically I do enjoy both breweries and hope to do so going forward.

 

So instead of joining the big guys (aka getting bought by them) combine to fight against them?

 

This.

It's crazy to look back on what Pittsburgh's beer scene was like just a few years ago to what it is now, especially considering that 90% of the beer I buy comes from either Voodoo, Brew Gentlemen, Roundabout, and Fat Head's.

 

With the way things are now trying to trade etc, I think this is the best way to go!

 

Agreed. I used to enjoy the trading process but these days it seems like there are many jackasses out there that it's become a chore to try to do a beer swap. I guess that's expected with the growth in popularity of these limited releases but it's both disheartening and maddening to try to deal with it.

That said, the last few trades I've done have been with some good people. I can usually tell if the person is a dope or not by the way they talk and word their responses.

 

In case anyone didn't notice, Shadyside got SMS in today. Limit one four pack per person.

 

I guess.

I mean, agree with @greg4579 that quality is the primary consideration. I'm probably going to drink the same amount of Ballast Point this year as I did last year, which is some but not a lot. My purchases are primarily local as well. Selling to Big Beer isn't a silver bullet to my patronage, but I do feel it's tough to ignore that being owned will at some point result in a stiffing of creativity (this in spite of better access to resources). And I like creativity.

Again feel that it's insulation, them joining up. Individually, they aren't the size of Stone or DFH and can't pretend that hundreds of millions of dollars won't sway conviction. This move kinda rules that out, at least for now anyway. And that's attractive: to see someone remain independent, and thus more creative.

 

Or maybe to make your pile of breweries more attractive for purchase by the big guys and maybe net a bigger return?

 

ever the voice of reason

 

Yet again...Greg makin sense.

 

put your monies where your mouths are and drop that "Beer Trader" banner from your profile

 

christ you guys are gonna get me banned with all this controversy