Founders Devil Dancer - what's the deal?

I just don't see it being anything like Stone Old Double Bastard or Imperial Guardian; totally different. If you like it, fine, git it. Lucky Bastard, however, is a fine brew.

 

I don't imagine, just because they're in the limited release category, that Harvest and Backwoods will jump nearly $10 above their 2013 retail price for their 2014 release. This is essentially the same release schedule that Founder's has had before.

 

most of the good 4 packs these days come close to 20 bucks. i can remember bells hop slam being 20 bucks, a lot of the other east coast beers selling at 20 bucks as well. its all part of the popularity element and founders having a strong fan base.

 

more hops, more ABV.

i hate to be "that guy," but don't bother with it. devil dancer sucks this year.

(no joke, it really does. i'm one of the few people that *loves* devil dancer, but this year it's a sugar bomb. haven't had the most recent batch of double trouble, but having had previous batches fresh before, i'll say: go buy that instead. founders can make an IPA; this year's shitty devil dancer is an anomaly)

 

http://foundersbrewing.com/latest-news/2013/2014-availability-calendar/
It isn't stated specifically, but that is exactly what I took it to mean. We'll find out soon enough come October

 

from the retail and supply side of the things the case cost for the devil dancer is higher, which translates to a higher shelf price. why i couldn't exactly tell you, and it is considered a season speciality. not a normal beer to them. so there you go.

 

Just tried one out of my 4 pack tonight. Didn't get any onions (hop ranch was the most "onion forward" beer I've ever tried) but it was very boozy. I won't seek any more out this year but might just grab another 4 pack on the next release.

 

I love Devil Dancer. I both enjoy it fresh for the strong malty/ hop profile and I also age it for several years to develop its Barlywine Flavor. I buy all I can afford every year and someday I am going to enjoy a killer vertical.

In founders defense when you hop up a beer like this, it is going to be expensive. In the end the market will decide if the price is justified. I am just glad if I can find some on the shelves.

 

Harvest has never been the same price as KBS or Devil Dancer. Backwoods has always been a little less than both as well. Devil Dancer is a 12% hop bomb at around $5 a bottle. Now, I usually end up disliking it, but I'm not hating on what it costs that's for sure.

 

Like another member and I discussed just a few posts above yours, Backwoods Bastard and Harvest Ale were previously in the "Specialty" tier, but were moved to the "Limited" tier for 2014. I understood this to mean that the price will go up. Since (IMO) $12-13 is an incredible price for the quality of BB and Harvest, I think it is understandable. Most bourbon barrel and wet hop beers cost me $10+ per bomber and I enjoy very few beers as much as the two (three, including DD) Founders.

 

My bad - carry on What I was trying to say was, just because they're in that tier, does not mean they will priced that way.

 

So here's my 2 cents - You're point is absolutely valid, and imho, there is far better for far less $. Personally, I've tried Devil Dancer quite a few times, and while it is far from what I'd consider a "great beer" (I rated it a 3.65) I do think that you should try it. I've never tried Heady Topper (not available in Chicagoland area) - but would LOVE to! Alot of retailers are willing to sell the bottles individually - I recommend you purchase a bottle of DD for $6 and see what you think - then take the leftover $ and pick up a 4-pak of Double Trouble, which is an excellent DIPA

 

From my understanding, pricing is the main purpose of tiers, but we'll find out for sure come October

 

If you want a 12% IPA, I highly suggest Molotov Cocktail. It was easy drinking. I could have drank the whole 4 pack in one night if I felt like it. Picked it up for $15 for a 4 pack in Kentucky. Devil dancer is $5.99 for one bottle here. SMH. Just because something is ridiculously high on price doesn't mean it's worth buying.

 

Where is it only 13 dollars, because I will drive out there if that is the case. Table and vine has it for 23 dollars and at that price, I will not buy it.

 

well, that's why i put in the no more than $17 to save myself. $13 might be too low. but I used to see it at Spirited in Lenox. That was before they reorganized the shelves, but I'll check to see if they still have any and at what price.

 

Well, last year supplier cost was $53, this year it's $88... so it shouldn't have been too expensive for you last year.

That store lost money. Cost is $14.67 per 4 pack. Founders sells it on site for $19 a pack.

That makes sense, because this year cost on Devil Dancer and KBS is the same ($88). Not that it should be, in any stretch of the imagination!

P.S. - Hey guys! No beer is terrible. There are just beers you don't like, and I guarantee breweries doesn't lose sleep over hate on a forum. If you post something as intelligent as 'This beer sucks,' you probably have better things to do in real life right now.

 

We are selling Devil Dancer at $18.79/4pk. (which is a pretty small mark up, trust me).
The taste experience is pretty gigantic, but 120 is even bigger. My suggestion is to pick up a 4pk with a friend or significant other to form your own opinion and mitigate the cost. I personally believe it is worth a single buy, for your experience if nothing else.

 

I'm suprised at the number of people who are sweating paying $5-6 for high abv beer.

 

where? Its never less than $18 around Madison.