2016 Resolute Day - 11/12/2016

That's fair and appreciate the good wishes. But I'd ask that you guys announce the bottle counts being released ahead of time so people can plan accordingly. If I know ahead of time 350 bottles are being released and the wristband count is at 360 on Friday night, I can plan my Saturday knowing I don't need to worry about the variants specifically.

I missed Resolute Day last year due to a conflict so my only point of reference is 2014, which isn't a good one because that was the sh*tshow where there were no limits on variants and the first 5 people bought out the whole inventory leaving the hundreds behind them somewhat chafed.

 

Having to go on Friday and then again at open on Saturday is kind of an pain even if you are local. Not knowing where you stand makes it worse. Might be better just to hand out tickets Saturday morning an hour before the event starts and only hand them out for variants. Have a reasonable limit for regular so people can purchase those when ever they want through out the day.

I personally would prefer a lottery. Winners of the lottery pay online ahead of time. Pickup on Resolute day by showing an id and credit card used for purchase. No trustees since it is very limited.

 

The first 5 bought everything? That has to be one of the worse craft beer stories, I've ever heard.
I'm shocked the mob didn't tackle the 5 hoarders , lol

 

There's a way to get the variants without waiting in line or going early, via the Horizon Society. If you want any extra I don't see how this is any worse than any other place. In fact, the Bros do a wonderful job of making the Resolute release as smooth as possible. Standing in a mile long line the day of, no thanks, they're not Hardywood.

 

They didn't buy everything but they bought like 3 grand worth of variants and resolute. I was about 10-15th in line and there was plenty left for when I got there.

 

I don't think we need to re-hash 2014 any more. But just to clarify the final variant sold that day was to number 138 in line (or there abouts). We had no idea the insane increase and immediately addressed the issue for the next years.

 

Not saying the bros are doing a bad job at all. Planning a large event and having everyone leave happy is almost impossible. But if they continue with the Friday wristband procedure just let people know when variants are cut off. That way no one has false hopes going into Saturday.

 

After thinking about this I realized the one solution that would solve all problems. Brew enough variants so each horizon member gets two sets. Have some left over for draft on resolute day and what ever the brewery wants to hold back. Don't sell any bottled variants to the general public. Most of the people that got variants that day are probably horizon members or mules anyway so what is the difference. If your not willing to support the brewery by joining a membership that has openings why should they get the shot at the bros best beers?

 

i was 39 in line and got the last full set of variants. Vanilla ran out first.

 

I thought the event was great. Virginia was a nice midpoint between Atlanta and New York. I came down from NY with my wife and we met up with two friends and one of their wives from Atlanta. We spent 3 nights in Harrisonburg, attended some shares and had a blast. We were number 7 and 8 in line, made some friends and had a great day waiting for wristbands.

We got there early Saturday, bought our drink tickets, and had a fun time. Brothers is running a business, and they don't know how many people are going to take variants, so if there are 350 people, that doesn't mean everyone buys a full allotment. Also, they made a ton of money off their $5 - 8oz pours that day, and the festival itself was good fun. If they announce 350 bottles, then after 360 in line, no one shows up and less people come to town and come out the next day, well they take a huge hit on draft and merch sales, and possibly don't even sell all because not everyone maxes out.

Also, the double barrel, it is great that HS members have in bottles because of the .RAR factor, however it wasn't the best variant of the bunch and was far from the best beer on tap that day. Also, if you want to hoard and trade your bottles for whales, well you would want non-HS members to try it because if it turns out to be amazing, then the masses will want it. I think its good that they put it on tap for everyone to try and if you tried it and don't like it, you can trade your bottle, or if you do like it, you can save your bottle and don't have to crack it right away.

Now if someone can bottle that Andal, please let me know!!!

 

That's exactly right, and is my only nit on an otherwise solidly run event. Despite the hit to their pockets, I wish the brewery would have shared the bottle count info with its customers up front so they could make an informed decision. There were a lot more than 350 people there who waited around a good chunk of the day. Put the info out there and let people decide if they wanna roll the dice with wristband 400 when there are only 350 bottles.

Prioritize the customer experience above profits. Simple concept.