KBS Week 2017

Yes I am in line at Meijer Auburn Hills.
About 15 ahead of me (got here at 11:40) and now anoint 20 or so behind me).
Debated going out at lunch for this and decided a couple 4 packs was worth it, as I am sure the local party stores will be charging ~$10 for a single like always.

 

This Meijer had a full pallet of 12oz, and several cases of 750ml

 

There were only 3 cases at the Meijer on Mound in Warren. I debated going after work, but glad I got there when I did (11:40). I was lucky enough to snag (2) 4 pk's. I can't believe their allocation was so light.

 

Don't think there was near a pallet, but stacks were pretty high at Livingston County Meijer. I went at 12:30, got the goods, no line.

 

The Meijer in brighton had plenty. Sold out of bombers though. The meijer in Howell still had a few bombers. I did not buy one as i feel 19.99 is too high per oz compared to 23.99 for 48 oz.

 

It's hilarious to see that there was a line at one of the Meijer stores in the Grand Rapids area when they couldn't even sell out the tickets for the brewery release. I stopped in at my local and picked up a 4pk as that is all I really wanted this year.

 

I was in Grandville Meijer at 12:30 and peeked in the beer isle to see if they still had any, and an employee there said they had a line at noon and sold out in 5 minutes. But he said they only received 7 cases. Left there and filled up at a gas station down the road. Went inside and they had about 25 cases stacked up behind the counter, LOL.

 

FYI, the Scio Township Meijer had plenty this afternoon, for those that are over around these parts.

 

Somewhat of a strange release. All founder’s Instagram reply’s were saying look for it on March 30th. The beer guy at the Scio Meijer mentioned releasing KBS today (after the Frootwood this weekend ) but I figured maybe they were just putting out some old stock. Founders definitely snuck it out early this year.

 

Those 3/30 replies were referencing accounts outside of Michigan.

 

Maybe they did not want the full allotment required by purchasing a ticket. But they wanted to be sure and get a 4pk...like you. You are right, strange behavior indeed.

 

That's what kept me away. Had plans to go to GR from Lansing but didn't want the full allotment (ended up getting 2 4 packs from Meijer). Also, it was nice in the past where if you got a ticket and couldn't get there you were only out the $5 (now they bill your credit card for the full allotment)

 

Kroger stores in Michigan got some allotment (in the store today, maybe delivered yesterday?), but doubtful much sees the floor. The person I know said their store got a couple cases (employees bought it all), some stores got more, some got zero. $24 for a 4-pack

 

People are going to stop buying the tickets unless Founders gives something exclusive in the allotment. Local Meijer stores are getting pallets of the stuff and other craft beer stores are selling them for less than Founders. Add in that each ticket bought for the release also forced you to buy overpriced bombers and charged $5+ additional in ticketing fees. I happily bought my 4 packs at $21.99. Saved me almost $50 over buying a ticket.

 

Yup, they need to do a KBS variant, like add vanilla, make it a little more limited and include with Founders only allotments, none in distro. The allure of getting tickets for the brewery is gone and just doesn't make sense any longer. I am happy about it since it is so easy to get now, just saying the brewery tickets don't make much sense anymore.

 

Exactly. Not only is it easy to get, weren't people allowed to get 2 tickets (or 2 allotments) or something like that? I know my mug club buddy got 4 allotments between him and his wife.

 

Yeah! Lets ruin this amazingly easy release by putting in random rare variants.

 

How would adding a variant make the release less easy? 2+ years ago the tickets sold out instantly for just KBS. It'd be fairly easy to offer a package with a variant and a package w/o. Most people would flock to the variant and once it's gone, could still get the normal package if they wanted. I know quite a few people that would go back to the ticketed release if this was the case, including myself.

 

Bought 2 tickets this year, but it was an excuse to go check out the new Detroit taproom. If all else is the same next year I'll most likely skip the ticket and the forced bombers and save myself a trip to the brewpub. Especially when you see places charging $20.99. Though most places from what I saw were charging $23.99 which is basically identical to the release (online adds fees, in store adds tax/deposit).

 

I agree that Founders should step into the variant game. Even if they had them on draft it could lure some folks. Bottling them would be even better. Using different barrels like rye or rum would be good, or doing different coffee beans, etc. Lots of options, and they can get creative.