The Half-Acre thread (2018)

Indeed - Navaja should be 24/7365, 366 during leap years. Honestly can't think of a more impressive 10% abv beer (that isn't overly sweet, cloying, or messed with...)
Deep Space, I'm one and done. (As in one 4 pack, and I'm good. Not my fave, even though it's supposed to be the 'biggie' version of my favorite IPA they make).

 

I dont like paying a premium for anything. It all comes down to value for me. I'd pay upwards of $20 a four-pack for the best Pilsner in the world, but I don't think Fader was worth the $13 they were charging whrn better pilsners can be found for cheaper (and again, I really enjoyed that beer; personally I wish it would replace Pony).

I don't go in for the "I won't pay as much for lagers as for IPAs" thing because they likely cost pretty similar amounts to make. It really is marketing and (mis-)perceived value that says lagers should be cheaper than ales. Of course you are entitled to spend your money as you see fit, but I don't think lagers are inherently worth less.

 

I generally agree. I guess the point I was trying to make was my palate can taste a big difference in the quality of certain craft IPAs vs. their macro counterparts whereas it can't tell too much of a difference in craft pilsners vs. macro pilsners. It's not really about the cost to me except when I can't tell the difference in which case I'll go for the cheaper option.

 

Okay, give me an example of a pilsner you prefer to Fader, since I love that beer (I like crisp, kinda crackery finishes).

 

Despite the fact that I do really like Fader, there are many. Ayinger Pils, Bitburger Pils, Trumer Pils, Pipeworks Premium Pils, Dovetail's three different pilsners, Great Central Pils, Jever, König Pils, Stiegl Pils (only on draft), New Glarus Two Women, New Glarus Edel Pils, Von Trapp Pils, Olde Mecklenburg Capt. James Jack, Hill Farmstead Mary, pFriem Pilsner, Heater Allen Pils, and those are all German like Fader, and I could go on.

Dont even get me started on Czech (though I'll briefly say Urquell is better, too).

I'm not trying to be combative, just wanted to answer your question thoroughly, and once more I really liked Fader.

 

Anyone know if DDC usually lasts a bit at Binny's?

 

This is super helpful for me as I like German pilsners and do not like Czech pilsners. So thanks! cheers!

 

I grabbed a four pack yesterday at Binny's Grand and there was plenty and I think last year it stuck around for quite awhile.

 

Thanks for the thorough answer, I'll give some of those a shot. I will say that I'm typically disappointed by more "traditional" takes on these beers, because apparently I'm a beer heretic, so we'll see.

The one thing I'll say in support of Fader's price echoes your comment--I don't want to devalue a non-stout/IPA, so I'm ok with the price, but I get it if there are a bunch of other (better) options.

 

I have to then give a caveat that I am very much a traditionalist, especially when it comes to lagers, so you may not find some of these to your personal liking, which is fine of course; I can still enjoy a novel take on a pilsner, though I almost always prefer a traditional, well-made example over some crazy innovation on the stylr. I think you'll still dig Pipeworks Premium Pils, Ayinger Bavarian Pils, Trumer Pils, and Dovetail's various takes on the style. The others I am not sure where you'll fall (and many are out of our distro anyway). I cannot believe I forgot one of my favorites, Urban Chestnut Stammtisch. You'll probably enjoy that one, too.

As to pricing, I would rather see the prices of IPAs et al to come down and meet lagers. A man can dream...

 

I was going to add this. It truly is a fantastic beer.

 

HA fans: any new stuff on the near horizon next week? Will be in town and plan to make stops at both taprooms. Been too long...seems they are slightly favoring Balmoral with their current list.

 

Tons of stuff. Given that The Big North is next week we’re finishing up all sortsa crazy stuff.

If any of yall attend The Big North say hello if you see me: Bald dude almost always wearing a Maine-themed t-shirt.

 

@habc_me - you work for Half Acre? Who dis? In any case, that's exciting, looking forward to several visits during my 4 day stay. My wife is gonna be pisssseed at how much I'm there. Sort of.

 

Sell her on the fact that Half-Acre has some of most unique and tasty burritos around as well (if you’re going to Lincoln taproom). My fiancé is not biggest fan of their beers but the burritos are an easy sell to get her to come along.

 

Hey man - I was being coy. My wife LOVES those burritos and those old-school nachos. Loves them. Also loves anything barrel-aged above 9% too. But she wants to do other stuff around Chicago...is all I meant. Can't wait...

 

Im V excited for the big north... that is all

 

Who's all going to big north this Saturday? My first go round so very excited. Especially when reading Half acres latest Instagram post...."over 65 beers with friendly pours and short lines". Unlimited pours of all their best beers/one offs, food, great venue. Pumped. Cheers all!

 

I just wanted to drop by and say that I hate everyone that's going to the Big North this year, because I'm salty as hell I can't.

That is all. Have fun, guys.