Outside of free beer, what are some of the (realistic) aspects that would make up the ultimate beer store?
I really enjoy a beer store that also has a bar top and good stuff on tap. Also, if you buy a bottle in the store you can drink it right there. But besides that, it has to have good distribution :-)
Rotating (especially seasonals) selections, mix-a-six, nice singles and 4/6 packs selection, and knowledgeable staff who are aware of expiry dates. Throw in some tasting nights and nice prices, and I'm sold.
My dream beer store would be called "The John Bull Ale Shop" and would sell 100% English beers including all the ones NOT available in the US right now. There would be a Growler station and you could buy full Casks as well. Right next door would be a Pub called "The Old Lion", a dark Cask only place with the only decorations being a picture of Winston Churchill and a photo of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry Regiment.
1. 12+ taps w/ at least 2 engines; drink while shop with proper glassware 2. 500+ bottles all properly stored 3. Cellar sales and vintages 4. Growler fills-counter pressured 5. Monthly meet and greet w/ local brewers 6. Staff who is BJCP certified (above Novice) and follow BA 7. Daily tastings and pairings in house 8. Mucho glassware sales
Stock needs to be rotated properly. I can't tell you how tired I am of finding ipas with ridiculous bottle dates.
It would be located in an area free of douchey hoarderes so I can stop by the store within a reasonable amount of time and still manage to find a bottle or two of special release X. Also this magical store would be as upfront as possible in terms of releasing information so I don't have to twitter/facebook stalk them to figure out when a beer is going to be released only to have to drop everything and drive 90 MPH to the store in hopes of getting a bottle. I know it is completely my choice, save the lecture, but it'd be nice to plan beer around my life instead of the other way around.
A knowledgeable and friendly staff is key. Also a great mix a 6 and a vintage shelf would be nice as not all of us have temp and humidity controlled basements.
In addition to everything separated in breweries....all of the same beers separated in order of style!
Pretty much nailed it in the head. More that I can think of.. wine sales are always good for women, KNOWLEDEGABLE and passionate staff, keg sales, and if there is space a nice patio is always a plus!
Forget a storefront, employees, all of that. All I need is one of these bad boys, perpetually full, installed right outside my door.
Seasonal and limited release beer tastings, Cantillon, some beers that are beyond the area's distribution, fresh IPAs, about 20 taps or so, different coolers at different temps for certain styles, a cellar or vintage selection, good glassware selection, no BS where they carry certain beers not on the shelf that you have to ask for
