Visiting Tillamook (Fall 2015 update)

Discussion in 'Pacific' started by deGardebrewing, Oct 6, 2015.

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  1. LockeNess33

    LockeNess33 Initiate (0) Feb 2, 2016 Oregon

    I concur (with the first part anyway; never had Fou' Foune). As I said, I wasn't being critical ... just like to know the deets is all.
     
    #601 LockeNess33, Nov 28, 2016
  2. deGardebrewing

    deGardebrewing Initiate (0) May 3, 2013 Oregon

    You are correct. Wine barrels instead of cognac. Our impression was that the cognac contributed little character from the barrels themselves, but were more oxidative. This required more dumped/ wasted beer, and at an additional cost of potentially worse bottles over time/aging. Contrary to the norm for aging beer in barrel, oxygen for us (because of our natural inoculating process) does not promote more character during the aging timeline in a good or neutral way.
    We did not promote the release in any large way (not that we ever really do) because we didn't want to create a worse experience for customers. With our anticipated demand for this beer, keeping it 'low key' felt like the best route to avoid a rush out here. Despite setting limits such that bottle releases typically now last at least a week and typically multiple, more in demand bottles promote a line culture we have no desire to support.
    I do not believe that every beer should be promoted with the intention of driving more traffic. Life is more important, and while beer is a big part of mine and I would assume all folks participating in this forum, I have no desire to entice anyone to disregard any part of theirs for a perceived need of a specific beer.
    The pertinent information on the beer is as always on the label. Which can be perused prior to purchase.
    As for it being a 'touchy subject,' I don't think anyone is sensitive about the beer, trying to obfuscate any details, or in any way sensitive about any nature of it.
    I am very sorry for my belated response. It was not intended to ignore your post, and I assure you that any inquiries in our taproom are responded to with accurate information and no hard feelings.
    We hope everyone enjoys the beer. Just as we do.
     
    #602 deGardebrewing, Nov 28, 2016
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  3. LockeNess33

    LockeNess33 Initiate (0) Feb 2, 2016 Oregon

    Thanks for the info! Very informative and interesting. Wasted beer is almost always a bad thing. So, are all of the beers that mention Oak on the label referring to barrels that previously held wine? I guess I just thought that meant they were aged in first use oak barrels that previously didn't hold anything (which wouldn't make a ton of sense now that I think about it). I would imagine that the type of wine that was previously in the barrel matters significantly? I'm sure you all have a blast experimenting with different types of barrels. Feel free to ignore my amateur questions ... I'm sure you have better things to do.

    I haven't been around long enough for batch 1, so I had no idea about the fanfare around this beer. Makes sense though why you would want to downplay it. If it were up to me nobody would announce their releases ahead of time. It was just weird for me because I'm used to seeing some sort of a description accompanying any of the beers that you make.

    In regard to the discussions in the taproom ... it just seemed like the staff was getting a little annoyed of getting the same comments over and over again regarding the cognac barrels, which is understandable. An answer similar to what you provided would not have been too difficult though.

    I will also say that the bolded is subjective and some of us are too curious for our own good.

    I always do.
     
    #603 LockeNess33, Nov 29, 2016
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  4. BBThunderbolt

    BBThunderbolt Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,846) Sep 24, 2007 Kiribati
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Put this on the back of a logo T-Shirt, and I'll buy 3. For myself. More for gifts.
     
    #604 BBThunderbolt, Nov 29, 2016
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  5. deGardebrewing

    deGardebrewing Initiate (0) May 3, 2013 Oregon

    We use 'oak barrels' on the label when the barrel itself, or perhaps more accurately the prior contents don't express themselves in a notable way. Most of the time, wine barrels fit that description. Excepting the very rare occasion where we have been able to source wine barrels freshly dumped and unwashed (yay!), and we're capable of filling that day, it is a rarity to get discernible varietal character or wine notes in general from a particular barrel. That's not to say it doesn't happen, but it's worth noting that wineries are quite adept at stripping character (basically residual wine) from barrels between uses. Which makes sense when they are trying to highlight vintage character, or what the new fill has to 'say.' We are all buying those 'stripped' barrels the vast majority of the time. The power of suggestion plays mightily though when a specific grape is on a label or description. The beer, in my opinion, should do the talking in the absence of actual contribution. Without bias.

    I respect your point on the taproom, and assume full responsibility. I should have foreseen the inquiries and prepared our folks better. That does make perfect sense. Hopefully the experience was not too terrible for both sides of the bar, and we/I will try to do better moving forward. I believe that I set both our folks and our guests up for a less than ideal visit.

    I'd like to repeat that it may just be beer, but we're all obviously passionate. You may unnecessarily apologize for being curious and such, or for asking questions, but it hardly fits our passion to not attempt to answer the questions promptly and accurately or be better prepared in the future. Thank you sincerely for the feedback. It is appreciated!
     
    #605 deGardebrewing, Nov 29, 2016
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  6. EdwardAbbey

    EdwardAbbey Initiate (0) Jul 13, 2015 Washington

    But you left out the best part, which immediately follows:
    Put this on the shirt, and I'd be down for one, too.*

    (*So long as I need not neglect any more important aspect of my life to procure it)
     
    #606 EdwardAbbey, Nov 29, 2016
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  7. LockeNess33

    LockeNess33 Initiate (0) Feb 2, 2016 Oregon

    Thank you very much for taking the time. This is all new and fascinating information for me. Hopefully I wasn't the only one. I sincerely appreciate it and this is one of the primary reasons why you are and will continue to be world-class.

    No need to apologize regarding my taproom comment. I, as always, had a great time while there each of the last two weekends. Whatever discussions may have been taking place in no way affected my ability to enjoy myself.

    And I will echo what others have said ... you all seem to really be dialing in your bottle limits, which is greatly appreciated. When you all release a beer these days I find myself feeling confident that not only will said beer be available the next day, but likely the next week as well. Life is good.
     
    #607 LockeNess33, Nov 29, 2016
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  8. deGardebrewing

    deGardebrewing Initiate (0) May 3, 2013 Oregon

    Thank you!
    It's my pleasure to take the time when I can, and my disappointment when I forget or neglect to do so.
    Thank you for your support. It's always worth reminding that we make a product for a reason, and it's not just our job to sell beer to people who want to enjoy it. It's more precisely attending to the people who want to. There is more.
    I know that there's a thanksgiving thread, but I am eternally and humbly grateful for the support we've had. This was never expected. My wife and I did not expect that we would receive the attention we have in the few short years we've been open. How could we? We started with nothing but a wish and a very few dollars.
    So, everything else aside, thank you to all who allow us to live our decidedly humble dream.
    It is always important that we make time for people. Because that's why we make beer.
     
    #608 deGardebrewing, Nov 29, 2016
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  9. Turey22

    Turey22 Initiate (0) Aug 9, 2014 Washington

    ^^^

    I feel like I just read a short novel.

    Thanks for all that information

    I'm new to the whole cellaring but do you cellar any of your beers? Have you opened them up to see how the character has changed? Especially if you use wine barrels.
     
    #609 Turey22, Nov 30, 2016
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  10. Madirish76

    Madirish76 Initiate (0) Apr 14, 2010 California

    So i am in so cal and just stumbled onto this thread...i was going to say you have to go for the curds aka "squeaky cheese" but then i read the posts above and have to say that is an incredible approach to customer service.

    I have had a hard time obtaining/trading for DeGarde but the above makes me want to support them even more in any way i can!

    Cheers to DeGarde!
     
    #610 Madirish76, Dec 3, 2016
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  11. guajolote

    guajolote Maven (1,359) Sep 12, 2008 Oregon

    I suspect quite a few peeps will be visiting Tillamook next Friday...
    http://jesterkingbrewery.com/introd...s-jester-king-brewery-elements-of-composition
     
    #611 guajolote, Dec 6, 2016
    Last edited: Dec 6, 2016
  12. dphi

    dphi Zealot (534) Apr 14, 2013 Oregon

    Doesn't look like they collaborated on the price!

    (I kid, please don't scold me, Trevor)
     
    #612 dphi, Dec 6, 2016
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  13. SkeezusChrist

    SkeezusChrist Initiate (165) Feb 14, 2016 Oregon
    Trader

    With only ~500 bottles, can we expect this to last much past opening considering the crowd that will likely head out for this release? I'd love to come pick up a bottle, but won't be able to be there until around 5. I don't want to waste a 90 minute drive if it is unlikely that any bottles will still be available.
     
    #613 SkeezusChrist, Dec 7, 2016
  14. jpbebeau

    jpbebeau Initiate (0) Sep 11, 2011 Washington

    It's 1pp. I would hope it lasts that long. But who knows.
     
    #614 jpbebeau, Dec 7, 2016
  15. distantmantra

    distantmantra Pooh-Bah (2,954) May 23, 2011 Washington
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Grandmas will be in tow. You know it. I know it.
     
    #615 distantmantra, Dec 7, 2016
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  16. Turey22

    Turey22 Initiate (0) Aug 9, 2014 Washington

    Beer can't be that serious.
     
    #616 Turey22, Dec 7, 2016
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  17. distantmantra

    distantmantra Pooh-Bah (2,954) May 23, 2011 Washington
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    You've never seen pictures of beer lines from Florida, the Midwest or Hill Farmstead I take it.
     
    #617 distantmantra, Dec 7, 2016
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  18. Turey22

    Turey22 Initiate (0) Aug 9, 2014 Washington

    Nope I haven't

    I stay away from that madness.

     
    #618 Turey22, Dec 7, 2016
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  19. NedStarkravingmad

    NedStarkravingmad Initiate (0) Apr 26, 2015 Washington

    #619 NedStarkravingmad, Dec 7, 2016
  20. tokimedo

    tokimedo Savant (1,038) Feb 28, 2015 California
    Trader

    Couple thoughts from the "announcement" yesterday...

    Is it just me or did jester king kinda mess dG's world up by announcing for them ? Trevor was JUST on here talking about how they have enjoyed announcing the Wednesday of any given release to avoid long line mentality and shit shows in their small space. Now with a week and a half lead time, and small number of bottles.. things can potentially get out of hand.

    Also, it's weird to me that jester king announced dG's release. Couldn't they have just announced the beer and then left off the details for deGardes release and just let dG announce the details in their own way? specially when JK will have their own release further down the line? Plus.... now that bottle count allocations have been released for each brewery, people will fear missing it and potentially will line up extra early at every release (even the night before)...

    Maybe JK talked to dG and they were cool with them announcing for them... who knows.. if thats the case ill just shut up now.
     
    #620 tokimedo, Dec 7, 2016
    Last edited: Dec 7, 2016
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