2014 Half Acre Big Hugs release

People on the Chicago Craft Beer Enthusiasts page were talking about lining up at 7. I tried to tell them not to waste their time but they did not listen. Oh well.

 

Thanks everyone. I have things going on later in the afternoon, but maybe I'll shoot for more like noonish and hope it's cleared out some.

 

Well, of course they have to line up 4 hours before a "limited" release for a beer that will be there for days, they're "craft beer enthusiasts" man.

 

That's asinine. Good grief the Chicago beer scene has gone shit-crazy.

 

Lines are fun! I will never begrudge someone from wanting to get into a line early. It's just time, man.

 

Ahh yes, Big Hugs. This beer (and release/distro) is usually the voice of reason in a sea of Chicago beer scene insanity this time of year.

Hoping she holds steady again this year.

 

I was planning on heading over to the tap room at 11 when they open and grabbing a pint or two. Then hopefully once I'm done, the line will die down and I can easily swoop in, grab a few bombers, and call it a day. That's my hope, at least.....

 

If I remember correctly, I got to the release 30 ish minutes before it started last year and had no problem getting bottles. There was plenty to meet the demand. This isnt a whale release, just a solid beer that's worth picking up if you can go. If its a shit show this year Id be surprised.

 

another reason to possibly go a bit early this year is because they're going to have the big hugs glassware which may be limited.

 

hey I was thinking about doing the same thing. Plus I wonder if it'll be like last year where they're going to have a bunch of other special taps

 

Time, the only thing you can never get back.

 

I thought I saw they were going to have at least one special on tap (a live ale version). So hey, might be worth checking out!

 

I'll be coming down from Milwaukee - anyone interested in an IP trade tomorrow? Got a nice long list of stuff I can send over, including the big four New Glarus Fruit Beers.

 

This is the absolute longest line I've ever seen at half acre. I'd venture a guess its over 300 people so far.

 

I am completely floored if that is true. They make a TON of this stuff AND it hits distribution locally too, I don't get why that many people would line up for this, and this is coming from someone who loves Big Hugs and has gotten it every year it has been made, and always days after the release. Guess things really have changed here in Chicago....

 

ISO: BIG HUGS FT: BA ABRAXAS +

 

There goes my plans for later today....

 

F'n crazy.
2014... the year shit hit the fan

 

Line always goes fast.