2016 BCBS Chicago Release (Black Friday & Beyond)

Seriously?

 

My 3rd bottle didn't taste as limited.

 

Lakeview Binnys had a shit ton just hanging around, boxes at the end of registers.I thought about trying a secret handshake or offering some TH for sacrifice to get a VR, but passed.

 

Man, Goose playin' ya'll for suckers these days. Also, Target is selling rare for $59

 

Yeah but only limit 5 per person.

 

Against my better judgement, I feel the need to finally give my "regular" experience at my Binny's. Mostly because the beer manager at my local branch is a stand up guy. I've been a semi-regular customer there since it opened. Always preferred another place for several reasons (local, things stuck around a little longer), mostly because it seemed like I didn't get a lot of help (when needed it) at my Binny's, aisle was narrow which could make for a shit show when busy, etc. However, they got some Chicago breweries that other places didn't and liquor prices are solid, so rolled by occasionally.

Then the beer manager changed over. One day back in the summer he asked if he could help me. I politely said, "I'm just browsing, but thanks." He said, "I see you in here all the time so just let me know if I can help you." I was actually there to ask about BN1, so I said, "You know, this is probably crazy and you've probably been asked ad nauseum, but..." End up having a decent conversation with him and a distributor stocking shelves. Few weeks later when it finally hit I get a bottle. I thank him a ton. We start chatting more every time I'm there. He's a really nice guy, who really knows his beer, and has done great things with the beer department there. I've gotten to be one the the "regulars" there now and get held things. Not because I ask, bribe him, suck up, or harass the dept. We just started chatting one day and I cracked some jokes. Then he started taking care of me because I spend money there, am not a hoarder, nor blow the place up when things come in. It's a symbiotic relationship in my opinion. I'm inclined to get most of my beer there now, and occasionally get access to something tough to get. He gets good business in his department, I get good beer. Everyone is happy. We exchange information on big tap releases around town, etc. It's made it very enjoyable to go there. Some gets held for the regulars, especially when releases happen on holidays and everyone is out of town. Once most of those folks have been taken care of it'll hit the floor for people to go ballistic over. Sometimes this happens in tandem - things are held and small amounts of highly sought after things are put out in controlled amounts to spread the wealth. At times this has worked in my favor, at times it hasn't. But at the the end of the day it's just beer.

I actually did bring him an out of distro BA RIS I scored out in CO this summer after the BCBS relase this year because he's a nice dude, I like sharing beer with people, he's been very good to me when he absolutely doesn't need to, and it's just the holidays man. Sometimes doing something nice for someone feels good. I know, that's just fucking crazy talk. I never looked at this as bribery. Before I brought it in I asked if that that was cool as I didn't want to get anyone in trouble. I did it because of the way I've been treated as a customer the last 6 months, not because I was held one specific thing, or had some deal with him.

Anywho, that's been my experience, and I feel really lucky to have this going on. So just a long way of seconding being a little social and a nice person. As others have noted this is a big company and people get moved. When that happens it's going to be a sad damn day for me. Maybe I'll crack the bottle of '15 Rare I scored today in his honor. The end.

 

As of when?

 

Saw it on facebook today

 

Anyone know if Targets in the northern suburbs got any Rare?

 

I thought your original post was a joke. Maybe I should check my local gas station as well.

 

So was this the last drop of any bourbon county or are there rumors of more coming?

 

I would imagine you'll see more on New Years, Presidents Day, MLK Day, Black History Month, St. Patrick's Day, GI Stout Fest, Good Friday, Easter, Chicago Craft Beer Week, Memorial Day, you get the picture...

 

I am hoping for drops of 14 reg and coffee now

 

Well shit, if Rare is at Target, I'm returning my bottle. I'm not trying to drink a beer that's being sold to the PLEBES!

 

Love being able to grab Rare while picking up cat litter.

 

Regal stock is rising.....

 

Started stocking up a month ago

 

It has to be at least worth 3 Rares now.

 

So, I moved out of the Chicago area about a year and a half ago but still follow the Great Lakes forum as my best friends and family still live in the area so I like to keep up with what's going on. This dude is either the biggest troll or just doesn't get it. I know we were all new to the craft beer "scene" at some point but every time I read one of @HealthActuary posts I just shake my head and hope to myself, "this dude can't be fucking serious!" On another note, to stay on track with the thread, I'll be coming back to Chicago in a few weeks and hope to score a bottle or two of reg and/or BW. Having it on tap would be a plus as well.

 

Does anyone know where some GI rare is still left?