I love this beer, don't ask me why. Has anyone seen any four packs still hanging around the Chicago/northern suburban area? I'm not looking to trade for it, but I'd gladly take some stock off the hands of a shopkeeper whose looking to lighten his inventory a bit. I'm not interested in the 2012 as it's a different beer, just the 2011. Thanks, all.
the last time i spotted this stuff (silver four pack holder, correct?), it was at crown liquors on milwaukee and kimball or so in the city. i dunno if they still have it as i haven't been there in a couple months, but it could be worth a shot.
I remember seeing this at Fischman's recently, and their Beermenu's has it listed as well, so you may want to give them a call and swing by to pick up a four pack. I thought 2011 was infinitely better than 2012.
Did they admit to changing the recipe or are you just opening yourself up to ridicule for suggesting as such?
Funny, I was just at Fischman's this week and didn't see it. The older gent behind the counter didn't know anything about it. I'll give 'em a call, though. Thanks for the tips, guys.
It's been my understanding it was a different recipe each year, but I could be wrong there and I keep forgetting to confirm it. FWIW, 2011 did still have the "develops in the bottle for up to 5 years", while the 2012 had "will remain brewery fresh up to 180 days" on the side. As harrylee773 said above, '11 was leagues better than '12.
Yup, I knew I read it somewhere:http://www.gooseisland.com/pages/christmas_ale/24.php Every year to celebrate the holiday season, we brew up our Christmas Ale, and with each year we change the recipe slightly so that you have something special to look forward to.
There was some sitting around Famous Liquors in Lombard for a long time, but I haven't been there in awhile and don't know if it's still there.
Do you ever come across the N. part of Indiana? Right off the toll road, Chalet Party Shoppe still has several 4 packs.
2011 was only 6.2% while this year's was 7.3%, so I knew something changed but good to see confirmation. A pet peeve of mine is the 'last year's was better' claims for beers that haven't change recipes. I remember seeing it recently, but on my last visit, earlier this week, I didn't see it, so that's why I checked their Beermenus. They normally stay on top of it and keep it up-to-date, but that can be tough given the variety they carry. The Jewel-Osco at Six Corners had the 2011 well after the new year as well (I remember seeing on Valentine's day, for some reason), but I don't recall seeing it there last time I went either.
Lombard's doable, I shall check it out. Rarely do I make it that far south, but I appreciate the tip. I agree. The 2011 is one of the best brown ales I've ever had. I had my last one this past January and it was still going strong. Fischman's is a great store. Six Corners is my old neighborhood, so maybe I'll revisit that Jewel. Thanks for the information.
Copperfield's - River North. Only saw a single 4-pack on the shelf but they might have more kicking around.
Thanks, man! I'm not desperate yet, I'm awaiting some replies from stores, but I appreciate the thought. Hmm, that might be worth finding a reason to convince my wife to take a road trip this weekend! Thanks for the tip.
I'm not 100% sure, but Winerak here in Zanesville may have some of the 2011 still on the shelf, which isn't surprising considering they don't move product like a big town does.
