Before I rant, let me make a couple things clear: 1) I don't often complain on this forum. actually, I have never complained on this forum. 2) I understand that craft beer is an ever an ever-evolving industry, and so therefore the distribution will naturally evolve as well. 3) I'm not a sore loser because I already picked up what I was hoping to get at another store. Joey at Specs - Why are you holding off on releasing double bastard, a phenomenal, yet very accessible, double IPA? We have all become accustomed to retailers over marketing products via the crazy, "get it now or you never will for this price," Black Friday sales. But why for craft beer? Remember, the goal of most craft breweries is to hold a HIGHER standard. Double bastard is a phenomenal beer, but considering how much they make of it, people should not be induced to schemes that promote hoarding. This is a disservice to the entire craft beer community and is promoting a culture of behavior that makes houston beer nerds look bad. In fact, it's unhealthy. I'm a very regular customer at Specs, DM me.
On a semi-related note, I saw DB on the shelf at my local HEB yesterday and picked up a bottle. It was magnificent. Didn't realize it was over 11% until looking at the label. A good buy at $7.49.
Yeah just picked up a bottle of this at a specs in San Antonio. I was gonna get two but I'm just gonna wait till I get paid again because I know it'll be there. They even had some IRS too, which came out awhile ago right?
IRS was April/May...and was somewhat of a pain for me to get in Dallas (EIRS on the other hand seemed relatively plentiful, but that's also all gone). DB is pretty tasty this year, though I thought it was more hop-forward last year. Could just be my imagination/palate though.
If you know Joey enough to name drop in a forum he hardly ever visits anymore, and a good Specs customer, why don't you just ask him next time you go to the store? He is always willing to chat.
I get what the OP is saying to an extent. Lately I've been a little put off by the way the that location is doing releases. While I do believe they honestly try to do their best, they overhype releases and create more buzz than actually exists. A lot of people seem to follow them in Houston as if they're the only place that's selling craft beer, which is fine with me because I just stopped going there for releases. I just stop at some places nearby to get what I need with no problems. That said, if I owned that store I'd praise what they do there, because they sell their "special" releases fast. And I don't blame them for it either. I still shop there, just not when I'm worried about missing on something.
Since I've gotten a couple bottles of Double Badword already and have seen it at several more places, I didn't even realize Specs Midtown hadn't released it. I guess I should be upset because that one location [allegedly] hasn't released their allotment, yet. C'mon!!! I'm in a hoarding mood and have to get as much as I can from every store that gets any! Joey, you better release DB before I get down there or there will be $hit goin down! You have been warned!
You're missing the point of the OP. The issue is why does that location intentionally inflate the demand by holding its inventory. Especially in the case of something like DB that's easily accessible. I don't really have a problem with it, because I shop elsewhere for releases now, but I also understand.
I think you missed the point... I also don't think you understand the distribution system, the buying power of Specs, and the impact it's having on craft beer as a community and the brewers that work hard to bring you great beer. DM me and let's chat.
i dont even know why you started a thread if you already bought the beer elsewhere. people are gonna release when they wanna release. when you wanna buy a beer, you'll find someone that's selling. same thing i did when heights kroger wanted to hold back their backwoods and porter inventory, i happily went over to wfm waugh and bought some.
