Notable Releases - DC/NOVA/MD

If it is, I have no problem with it, and I think they're doing it the right way by just saying they aren't getting any.

 

Not sure I could get behind the idea of them selling what they did get to privileged customers and then lying to the rest. Again, not sure that's what they're doing. There's a store down farther south in VA that sends out an email listing the rarer stuff they are getting. Anyone who wants an allocation sends them an email. For really limited stuff, they make it a lottery instead of a reservation. I really like that system.

 

Spoken like someone who's on the list... Coming from someone new to the area, I certainly have a problem with it. I get their newsletters, follow social media, and talk to the employees. I've also spent a decent amount of money there since I've moved. Gotta at least give people a fair chance, rather than straight up lying.

Not saying this is what they're doing, just speaking hypothetically here

 

I'd be surprised if this was the case. KBS is a very high profile release and it's hard to tell your customers that you just didn't receive any when every other shop got some amount of it. You can say you got shut out of something like Kentucky GBS, but not KBS.

 

I'm not on any list at any store, and I've never even been to Arrowwine. I think that retailers will never make everyone happy, and there really is no good way to allocate 100 bottles of beer to the 1,000 people who want them. I've heard much worse stories than just saving for regulars. As for the lying, I think that's a harmless lie that saves people's feelings, its better than telling people they're not good enough customers. It has to be tough for retailers to deal with these kinds of things, I'm sure they would love to have enough KBS to sell a case to everyone who wants one.

 

KBS at WF P St.

 

Just bought KBS at Schneider's and can confirm it's $7.99 a bottle, not $15.

 

IMO that's one of the worst ways a shop can go about their distribution. Not saying I have the perfect solution, but I've seen plenty of stores use a lottery system or first come first served, and I'd prefer either of those options. They at least give everyone the same chance to grab a beer that they enjoy. That's a whole other conversation tho.

Back on topic, Brew Shop in Arlington says they might get some in tomorrow.

 

I really like the idea of lottery systems. Many loyal customers don't have the flexibility to be at a store on a Tuesday right at 2pm, but they spend plenty with that particular store.

I'd be curious if any stores have frequent buyer reward systems and reward these frequent customers access to purchase rare beers.

 

As someone who's been a loyal customer at a couple different stores over the years and has reaped the benefits, I'm obviously biased, but I think there's certainly something to rewarding your most loyal customers. I buy probably something close to 95% of my beer at one store, and will go out of my way to avoid buying something I might want elsewhere to ensure my money goes to that store. Sure, I get something out of it, but so does the store, knowing they'll have a consistent customer base for their (non-rare) craft beer. To be honest, if I didn't think I would get some sort of special treatment, I'd spread my money around a lot more.

I know it's frustrating for newcomers to the area, but I've moved around the area a lot (from VA to DC to MD and back to DC) and have had to start new relationships at new stores a few times, and it really doesn't take that long to become a "regular." Make a commitment to buying all of your beer at the same store, try to stop in at least once a week, make sure to chat with the staff, and within a few months, voila, you'll be a regular too!

 

I know this thread isn't really about beer sightings but if anyone is interested, Wegmans Fairfax has Lickinghole Creek - Coconut Quadrupel on their little landing next to the cashier.

 

By chatting with the staff, do you mean dnah sboj?

 

With KBS dropping in the area today, has anyone seen any Mosaic Promise yet?

 

Norm's posted on twitter that they just got KBS. That was 16 seconds ago. I suspect it's sold out.

 

Briney Melon Gose @ K1

 

WFP is sold out. Best lunch break ever!

 

TJ's Foggy Bottom had some this week. $9.99

 

Wouldn't be surprised if Arrowine isn't getting any. I believe that. They never really have a lot of Founders beers in stock.

 

Clarendon WF with KBS. Selling it by the 4 pack and going fast.

 

Price?