BCBS in AZ

The Phoenix area sees BCBS and all of the variants that aren't Prop. So far it sounds like GCM in downtown Gilbert is having a large release. I'm sure more news will surface in November.

 

Last year I only saw regular BCBS in the area. Bummer cuz I really wanted that Vanilla Rye.

 

Honestly, you're probably better off in Flagstaff than Phoenix. PHX had one giant release event at a Whole Foods in Chandler, where people lined up at like 4:30 Black Friday morning. Reg BCBS was available in 4-packs at most Total Wine's/BevMos that day, and maybe the odd 4-pack of Coffee or Barleywine popped up randomly. All were gone that day more or less.

Re: Flag, I'd check in with Majestic Mobil and McGaugh's Smoke and Bottle, particularly the latter (which definitely had BCBS/BCBBW last year).

(I should add that, with the change in format this year to 16.9oz bottles, who knows how distribution will go. I'm sure we'll get stuff -- just don't know how much, typical limits, etc.)

 

We have several variants and they are also sold several times throughout the year. Mellow Mushroom served a few of them about a week ago, and several places had BCBS variants during Arizona beer week.

Occasionally I'll see one on tap at Angel's Trumpet or other bars.

 

If you are able to find some buy some lottery tickets. The beer is usually gone within hours of when it hits a shelf. Tops an Sun Devil sometimes have whalez last a little bit longer on their shelves but only because they charge more.

 

Any updates on the Phoenix/Arizona situation?
Also, if anyone has a link explaining what the heck might be available for sale, I have never done a black Friday BCBS release so I am unsure as to what beers/formats/prices look like. Thanks.

 

I'd like to chime into this thread with similar question, although not necessarily particular to BCBS (would love to find some though). I will be in Sedona over Thanksgiving. Are there any good bottle shops in Sedona, Cottonwood, Jerome, Flagstaff, etc..?

Last time I was there I found a good growler spot, and went to Oak Creek which was ok, but didn't really find a good place to buy beer.

I see those two spots (Majestic, McGaugh's) in Flagstaff mentioned above. Anywhere else? Any place in Sedona?

Thanks!

 

Sedona = Whole Foods. Honestly, probably the best you'll find there (and not a bad selection either). The two mentioned above in Flag are your definite go-tos.

 

Thanks man, appreciate it! I wonder if that WF would get BCBS? Seems like with the company cutting beer staff everywhere it might not be as big of a focus anymore.

 

That's a good question, man. I know they get some of the FW limited releases (like Parabola, Anniversary, etc.), so it wouldn't surprise me. Give 'em a shout, maybe -- their beer folks at other places in Phoenix are sometimes fairly knowledgeable -- just gotta get the right person on the line. The other Q is whether they'd have it on Black Friday or get their shipment later.

 

Per the FB group, looks like GCM will have Rare, Regal, BCBCS, BCBBW, and BCBS on Black Friday.

 

I can't say for that location, but other WF in Phoenix have had it and they also receive shipments at other times in the year, including kegs for draft. Some locations also host Goose Island events with free swag and such. It's at least worth a call, and maybe find out the name of the beer person or the manager who might know more.

 

Yes, but if you are not a regular expect to be turned down.

 

GCM? I might give them a call.

 

Why is that? Hensley just created the facebook event with GCM, looks to be legit...

 

Because on limited release beers places tend to favor their regular customers and not the trolls who chase whalez.

 

I am going to be in Phoenix for a wedding so I can't be at my regular stores. I guess that makes me a troll.

 

Looks like Tops in Tempe is also doing a full release at 9 a.m., in case the trolls get denied elsewhere.