Hey guys, relatively new here, I saw FiftyFifty Eclipse recently popping up in VT via social media. I haven't had a chance to try this yet and would love to get my hands on some variants (especially the Vanilla, Elijah and coffee but open to any). Any tips on tracking this down? I figure it should be hitting MA any day now. I'm in Southern, ME so MA and VT are my only options but work down in Boston so I'm there 3x a week. Thanks!
These are typically readily available. In fact, most of them sit on the shelves for quite some time due to the price (~$25-30 a bottle). A store near me still has 2012 and 2013 bottles collecting dust.
I have some left at andys market down in mashpee, im not sure if i still have those but i do have quitw a few left
Just wondering if anyone has seen any of the new Variants out and about? Heard we are getting Java and Vanilla among others. Price point this year? I remember it being 30$+ last year. If anyone on the N Shore knows of a place, that'd be great too!
The following variants made it to MA this year: Coffee - Lavender High West Bourbon - Tangerine High West Rye - Lime Green Elijah Craig 12-yr. - Purple Vanilla - Ivory Grand Cru - Gold Woodford Reserve - Blue Pearl Happy hunting!
Update: Rapid sold out of Vanilla in ~30 min., with Java not far behind. Others, as per usual, are starting their sit. Cognac looked interesting, but at the high price point it was a tough gamble when already buying others. Redstone in Stoneham posted they have some, and it seems they got the most. 4 cases of each variant. Was able to pick up 2 Vanilla and 2 coffee. 29$ each, no limits. Happy Holidays BA!
I saw them all at CBC Belmont today. While i loved the EC12 I had some time ago, at $29 I passed. Needs to be world class at that price point for me and it seems reviews are all over the place for some of the variants. Decided to give Avery Vanilla Bean stout a try for half the price.
Multiple variants,can't remember all but elijah, coffee, rye,Vanilla, grand cru, + few more.. siting on shelf at Pearl st. in Burlington vt $26. I passed and went with Backwoods Bastard and you enjoy my stout
This is why I don't get the industry sometimes. Walked back thru Redstone the other day and they easily had a couple dozen bottles of different variants still on the shelf. Dummy math (i.e. not accounting for MSRP mark-up, overhead, what not..hey Im a Nurse!) tells me they now have at least 700$ worth of product 'aging'.
Had the Vanilla last night, split with the GF. Absolutely phenomenal. Yeah it's expensive but the quality is there.
CBC in Belmont had plenty of all the variants listed above last time I was in. I'd call ahead and see what's left.
They're all over the MetroWest 495 belt-way. I was interested in trying the Eclipse out for the first time since seeing them on the shelves for years. Always intrigued to have the base stout in different barrels, etc. Splurged on Vanilla and Elijah Craig 12. Was pleased with the Vanilla like @pavement714 above. Nice fluffy marshmallow like vanilla mouthfeel with cocoa / dark chocolate. Was under the impression these were all barrel aged but apparently not - a bit of dry oakiness from a barrel but no bourbon detected. All in all, I really enjoyed the beer, but it's honestly double the price I would pay for the beer. The Eliiah Craig was on my radar for the past few years...long review short, the barrel character on this beer was extremely light. I really enjoy Elijah Craig 12 (and 18, etc). Again, the beer was of excellent quality but the barrel didn't lend much to the overall beer. (Shrugs Shoulders) Solid beers, but not worth anywhere near the $30. You could find better quality and quantity elsewhere. I know a lot of people don't want to hear it, but Goose Island BCBS is a much better purchase for quality and quantity. (taking into consideration the infected beers - I would stick solely with the standard BCBS)
Some of the stores that stock these beers can't afford to bring in beer that sells anymore in that they have too much $$$$ invested in inventory.
