I had an extremely delicious sip of this at Brandy Zhukov day. What can you tell me about this beer, as far as price, when and where it's distributed, how long it stays on shelves, and how easy/hard it is to trade for? Also, does it make it to the Amherst/Devils Backbone area of the state, and might any be available there in August?
Its a seasonal release usually early winter. It sees distribution where Alewerks distributes (VA, PA, perhaps SC but not positive). Here in Richmond it was $8.99 a bomber, so very affordable. I was able to get my hands on four bottles this year with ease, and could have gotten more had I gone to the brewery. It won't stay on shelves too long, but I do believe it will hit that area of VA (someone can correct me if I'm wrong). ATP you are better off trading for a bottle. Locals probably won't get it done, but semi-limited or seasonal releases from NC breweries should land you one with ease. Good luck, and hope this helps!
Yes it is distributed pretty much throughout the state of Virginia (including Danville). As mentioned it won't always stay on shelves long. There's a place in Charlottesville that still has some though. I also have a few bottles, let me know if you'd be interested in a trade as I'm always happy to do so. Also as mentioned it is a late fall and winter release.
Shhhh let's keep this one on the down low. Last year it was at the brewery for awhile after the release. I was able to buy 6 or 7 bottles with ease there although I didn't see a single bottle in NOVA. Not that I looked super hard.
Bitter Valentine drops off pretty quick IMO. And the last batch was April 14th I believe. At this point, it isn't the same beer, but still amazing it is sitting on shelves somewhere.
Thanks for the responses. I hope it's not 1 of those that is not quite as good as the first sip. But the sip I had I was probably better than Founders Breakfast Stout. A ridiculous coffee nose and that creamy oatmeal-ish flavor IIRC.
Wow that surprising to me because it's pretty old at this point. Coffee House Stout (which is kinda the base beer) had the coffee drop off awhile ago. Another awesome beer though btw.
That's actually the one thing holding me back from trading for it. Coffee beers are almost always best fresh.
Yeah I don't buy this coffee drop off completely. FBS Does drop off from older versions ive had, but I had a '10 espresso oak aged yeti last weekend and the coffee was still very much present. Remember cafe royale is barrel aged and that flavor takes somewhat of a precedent over the coffee flavors in the beer. While I'd be hesitant to trade for coffeehouse at this point, the cafe royale should be good to go.
I'll pop one of my bottles in a few and give it a taste tonight and see how much the flavors have fallen off. I've got 2 more myself and know of a few more around town. Will post an update!
