Blatant Brewing Comes Clean About Bad Batch

Nobody is trying to demonize anyone. You posted that what he did was commendable, others think he could have gone about it differently or taken it the extra mile.

 

Thanks for reaffirming my point.

 

There is a difference between "demonizing" someone, and merely disagreeing that "respect" for him should "[go] up a few notches." I like Blatant IPA a lot and I won't let this incident deter me from buying his beer again.

 

Geocool nails it. No one is "demonizing" Matty. Just questioning a bit the way this went down.

I've enjoyed Blatant beers, and will continue to buy them (as long as no further issues are noted). but I would say this speaks to some QC issues that need to be addressed. And, there is some issue with the discrepancies... was the problem with Paper City's hop usage and brewing practices, or simply a capacity issue?

If you're going to throw something like that/this out there, be clear and concise.

This. If the only problem with Paper City was capacity, there wouldn't be an issue with any sub-par batches. not that it's necessarily any of our business or warrants public discourse... but if you're going to throw it out there, be clear.

I'd say, at least initial batches, Blatant IPA is one of the better beers Matt has brewed in a while. I'd certainly like to see it keep flowing, and see Blatant get more success.

 

Yeah. That's what I meant, really. Normally wouldn't clarify but this thread seems the sort where someone will take my comment to mean "Yeah the dudes at Mystic pay Todd, Chris, and Roy a pittance then wander off and paint their fancy-schmancy bottles cause THEY ARE SERVANTS OF THE GREAT OLD ONES FROM BEYOND THE STARS HERE TO PAVE THE WAY FOR THE SUBJUGATION OF MANKIND AND AEONS OF SUPREME DARKNESS!" which, while awesome, isn't the sort of image that nice redheaded guy who told me his name a half dozen times at a beer tasting so I refer to him as Blurry Pete would want to project.

 

(not sure if your comments are directed towards a specific individual or the comments posted as a whole.

I can only speak for myself, but I didn't really proclaim any burnt bridges. BUT, I will say that in a crowded market a mistake like this can really hurt a brand. If I am in a bar and they have 4 IPA's on tap... yeah.. Blatant is now lower on the list of what I would choose. However, if it's Blatant and other non-palatable choices, I'll gladly order one.

I want to like all of these new breweries. I want to support each of them as much as I can & as much as they deserve. But, as consumers we have to make choices.

For the record, this thread didn't cause my feelings, it substantiated what I already thought and experienced. I wish Blatant all the luck in the world. But the ball's in their court to win me back vs. my responsibility to keep giving then another shot.
One man's view.

 

I would buy beer from that brewery in a second. Innsmouth Ale, anyone?

Reagan makes a good point though- it's a great thing in recent years to have all the new (and often good) breweries we now have in the NE area, but that also raises the standards. With more local choice comes higher local standards.

 

Many new breweries but also many more over priced bombers I don't want to take the chance on buying.

 

That's part of why I hit the big tastings at Julio's. So far, in exchange for patience, I've been able to try about 2/3 of the breweries I'm curious about.
Another possible solution I toyed around proposing to a tasting group at one point was dedicate a tasting to the newer breweries, make a list of them, then have each person bring a bomber. That way, one could feasibly try the wares of 4-6 for a high end figure of $10. Then I remember that if I propose ideas to groups, I should actually show and tend to get injured or fall ill day of anything beer related.

 

Just came across this today. the long story is too long to post here and the emotions running through me with regards to this situation make it very difficult to clearly illustrate. I just tend to be better in person than online.

So here is the deal as concise as I can be. I will repeat that I never meant to blame Paper City for this batch, I was merely trying to illustrate that we brewed this draft only batch of beer at Paper City and it was less than stellar. The plan was to only brew a few batches there until I solidified my plan to brew elsewhere.

Sure! Blame me... as it is my beer and my brand and my kegs and my fault. I can take it. But the reality is this....

Some posts have asked about a recall. I have taken a huge financial hit on this batch and feel good about doing so. I don't have any interest in releasing beers I am not proud of. In fact, I have loss more money on this batch than I have made so far with Blatant. Will it put me out of business? Not likely. Have I lost sleep? Of course. Did I realize the beer was less than stellar before releasing it? No. I thought it tasted fine out of the Bright Beer Tank and several of the kegs did taste fine when I tried them at area bars. They are just not the BLATANT IPA I am trying to make or that I conceptualized, but the beer is good. But for whatever reason, 10+ kegs have come up "not very good" and have been purchased back by me. Any accounts that have taken in this beer and were not happy, have received full credit (even on kegs that were half consumed) and I have taken the hit. This is the way the beer business works. At least, this is how I work.

For those who choose to not buy my beer because of my post on fb or any other host of reasons, I cannot and will not lose any sleep, but understand that after 14 years of this business, I think it is important to be honest about this stuff.

Now... let's move on. I am now working extremely hard to create a wonderfully flavorful and delicious IPA called BLATANT IPA. This beer is now being brewed by me and my buddies at Pioneer. I just tapped the first keg (my only sixtel) last night. It tastes like it is supposed to. hoppy, dank and delicious. Love those Columbus hops!!! I hope those of you who love a great IPA give this beer its fair shake. You should start finding it at area world class beer bars next week. Plus... it will be readily available at American Craft Beer Fest next weekend. No bottles are being released from these next several batches. Any bottles on the shelf now of BLATANT IPA came from the March bottling at Westport.

got something to say to me? Good or bad?! Please come by the BLATANT booth at ABCF. I look forward to sharing my experiences and thoughts with those who are interested. Until then... thank you for your support past present and future.

Matthew
Founder and Brewer
BLATANT Beer

 

Great post.

Looking forward to more proper Blatant IPA on tap and in bottles.

 

Sounds like it was handled perfectly. Hope that everyone who read the first 50 posts in this thread also reads yours and realizes as much.