Fonta Flora 2018 Appalachian Wild Ale Society

"If you are interested in becoming a member, please email us at [email protected] with an entry letter, video, powerpoint, or what have you, of why you want to become a member. Please keep in mind that we have an extremely limited amount of spaces for 2018, and special stands out!"

Seriously?? I understand the need for clubs to have lotteries and randomization processes, but this is a little ridiculous. It's a beer club, not a college application packet.

 

I like the idea, it gives people who are truly excited about the society and the brand a fighting chance to be a part of it.

 

On the surface that sounds great. What if you're a huge Fonta fan, but not a creative person? Is your money worth less than someone who is? Or, better yet, you just don't have the time to create a powerpoint presentation or video? Does that make you less worthy of an AWAS spot?

Beyond all of that they're basically saying this process isn't based on random selection or lottery. It's entirely based on who they think is worthy; which is sad.

 

FF is so full of themselves at this point it's absolutely hilarious. Their product and their society, so I guess they can do however they please but a video, letter or powerpoint of why you should have the right to spend money for beer is absurd.

 

Exactly. It's off-putting to customers like me who would otherwise love to give them my money.

 

Sounds cool. More fun than just a regular lottery.

Any current AWAS members here? What were your thoughts on the membership for 2017? Worth it? What did you like most/least about it?

 

They very well may have (I'm not familiar with Casey's club) and I'm right there with you. If I decide to enter I'll simply state I'd like to join. I guess I don't like the implication that someone else is more deserving of a selection simply because a random person thinks they're more creative than I am.

edit: Also, I think it opens them up to possible criticism regarding process transparency. And, after all the grief they took last year, I would think that's the last thing they'd want this year.

 

I didn't take it as a competition based on creativity. Just an opportunity to make a personal connection rather than a random lottery.

 

"Please keep in mind that we have an extremely limited amount of spaces for 2018, and special stands out!"

If the intention is a personal connection, great, no issue with that. That last bit implies that its not a random lottery though. It implies that you have a better chance at a limited spot if your submission stands out.

 

Well I guess it's time to put up or shut up. You want to be a part of it, make the effort. Really easy to take to their IG or a forum and make comments. Don't like it? Don't participate and be in the same position you were in the first place. There's always trading.

The only rebuttal to someone complaining about AWAS come 2018 should be: "well let's see where you tried"

 

I participated last year, despite the issues I had with the initial rollout, and will most likely submit a simple request once again this year. Forgive me though for wanting a fair and transparent process, what the hell is wrong with me?

 

$200 for the first iteration. Included 4 750s, 1 500 ml (all awas exclusive and the 500ml is now a 750 with the option to buy a second), 1 glass, 1 t-shirt, 10% off in the taproom (non alcoholic purchases)

$225 this time, but 6 guaranteed 750s. No glass, no shirt, but there will be a catered special event for members only, and all of the swag type stuff will be available to buy.

I think that they took a lot of flack for the initial iteration of the club, but they made it better. Originally it was only first right to 6 wild ales. We ended up getting first right to all of them except hug and shrug. A week to order and 2 weeks to pick up is an awesome perk. They've done a lot to ask us for feedback throughout the process to make it better as we've gone along. I would say it's absolutely worth it if you enjoy their beers.

Another cool thing is that they've been releasing their kvass and mixed culture saisons around the time of awas pickup, so I've been able to get any of those that I've wanted as well.

 

So who is begging for a membership in a video? lmao. I don't have a beard so I am not even trying. I think lottery is the most efficient way for these things. You should have more important things to do as a brewery than going over a video/power point of neckbeards chugging and bragging about themselves..

 

Preach.

 

They certainly do seem to have a high opinion of themselves and their beer. I am sure after all the flack last year they will enjoy the videos and letters.

 

I guess the people complaining never filled out a Grateful Dead mail order ticket request before.

 

Maybe the membership video thing is a way to distract people from the insane cost. $37.50/bottle, is this normal pricing for them?