Fall Beer Sightings? (2021)

@Grounder FWIW -- checked stock at the local Binny's and they have both Paulaner styles... and both at $14.99. someone at that Woodman's got mixed up.

 

Quite possibly. But I hate Binny's website so much that I don't really check it. Plus, our local store has a terrible beer selection. And I am still holding out for an $26 Costco 24-pack.

 

I hear you on that, but I checked last week and neither Paulaner was listed -- so it's a good chance *something's* been updated.

 

My local Costco has Hofbraeuhaus cases, but that’s been it as far as imports go thus far.

Also, there’s been no Hacker Pschorr or Paulaner Wiesn anywhere in my part of the Twin Cities. I’m getting anxious! Lol

 

Have you checked the date code?

I'm feeling the same about Spaten.

 

That's weird - you wouldn't think a brewery would use those two different bottle sizes for exports to the same country during the same season. Do you trust that first retailer's signage? Did you check bottle sizes here:

 

I wouldn't, and I don't.

No. Printed in the liquor dept. office, I suspect -- note that they both advertise the same beer.

No, I just assumed the retail help isn't up on import volumes at the first store... gleaned from much experience.

 

Of course! Plus, these cases have a sticker with a best-by as well--April 14, 2022. The code on the bottle is '104 U' so packaged April 14 of this year.

Plenty of it here--but all quite old, sadly. The six packs I've seen are either 8 or 9 months old.

 

So, they actually have them screwed up there too.

However... their site has hi-res images of each 12-pack and you can read 11.2 ounce X 12 on each one.

Importer sales collateral screw up?

 

The drawbacks of year-round availability.

 

Agreed, but it's a bit odd to me to see bottling dates of December 2020 and January 2021 (and not an issue of December 31/January 1).

Plus, there are lots of sealed cases of it--way more than should sitting around, imho.

 

Anyone know when Avery releases The Kaiser?

 

I believe I saw that in Neast Illinois.

Since it's not a favorite, I didn't pay close attention, but I'll keep an eye open.

 

Do you suppose it's stash the distro had in warehouse and just unloaded for the season?

 

Very likely.

Original has dried up over the last month or so at many spots not being able to replenish their shelves. I wonder if there's a logistics issue with them right now?

That said, I just saw two different Optimator bottling dates of April and May (2021), so who knows for sure. I did buy the Optimator.

 

I've seen Premium at 3 different spots, at least. Good supply of 12-packs -- but don't ask me to quote dates.

Last one I bought was pretty fresh, though.

 

Do you have other imperial Oktoberfest beers you like? Really enjoyed this when I tried it last year.

 

Isn't "Imperial Oktoberfest" just a Doppelbock with a different label?

Seriously, I can't recall why I didn't like the Kaiser, but it might have had something to do with calling it an Okto, but delivering some hot mess of an estery, high ABV beer. I'll check my review.

That said, Capital Brewing's Autumnal Fire was always an annual go-to (until they jacked the price and started running into diacetyl trouble), but they never tried to pass it off as an Oktoberfest.

 

Sorry, I know I tried it in that bomber bottle, but didn't review it -- which usually means I didn't like it enough.

I think I saw it this year and wanted to revisit, but other beers grabbed my attention. I might give in, though.

 

Genesee Oktoberfest just showed up and it's 8.00 for a 12 pack! And it's actually are very nice Oktoberfest not overly sweet