Founders too big?

No, maybe this same thread has been posted 15 times in the last week or so..And it is bashing because they dont pander to "me".. That is what is "irritating" when all you have to do is look at the search function to see the multiple threads that are identical to this

 

Founders was way more awesome before I could get it in Maine.

 

Let's maybe just not talk about this anymore.

 

I can get on board with that...love me some Founders.

 

It seems to me that Founders is doing a great job at balancing the local Grand Rapids scene with expanding their distribution footprint. I've only been to the brewpub once (I live closer to Detroit), and it was a great experience. They have local bands at least once a week and usually more, they've attracted a lot of beer-tourism to the area, which has in turn helped other businesses in the area.

Sure, some people are going to hate on them because they can't walk into their local liquor store on any given day and buy a case of KBS for $40. The fact is their everyday lineup is one of the best in the country, and they need to focus on that as they expand distribution. No one who casually walks into a store is going to buy a $25 4-pk of KBS if they haven't heard of Founders, and had their other amazing stuff. I fully expect to see them produce a bigger quantity of KBS and other Class 3 beers after they solidify themselves in the distribution area they desire.

I see a lot of hate on this site (and others) for anyone who is 'too big'---Well, there's a reason they're so big. People like their beer. I say more power to Founders for continuing to produce high quality products, and not losing sight of their local market.

 

Three Floyds has a much smaller distro map AND has a rep that is far superior to Founders. FFF was named the top brewery in the WORLD what, five of the past six years on the other site? People aren't busting down the doors for Founders regulars on a weekly basis.

 

All I wish for is All Day, errrry day.

 

yeah, the #2 Founders is sure makes FFF far superior....

 

They're both great breweries there is no question about that. I just think FFF pisses more people off throughout the year.

 

I couldn't disagree more with the idea that Founders is too big, the earlier comment about the availability of the Imperial Stout and the fact that I had a KBS in a pizza shop are two great reasons why I hope they continue to expand, but I understand OP's perspective.

I am surprised by the number of "oh no, not again" posts. I haven't yet found a thread that I was forced to read. I personally haven't read a thread like this before but I probably spend less time on here than some. If you don't want to read a rehashed thread again, don't.

 

I for one am excited at the prospect of KBS potentially being as 'easy' to find next year as BCBS was last year. Small price to pay if the increased output comes at the expense of other 'rare' one-offs from time to time.

 

Not sure how much easier KBS will be to find when they continue to increase the area/population that they will be distributing to. They tripled production last year, but this was because they upgraded from a 30bbl to a 85bbl brewhouse. It's not as if they can just immediately turn around and upgrade to a 300bbl brewhouse and buy up more caves and barrels that easily. I just see the growing pains continuing for a while, and that's OK by me, not OK for a lot of people on this site.

 

Meh. Probably many of those beers take up space which eats into the production schedule which many of ones the beer tourists wish to try on site would otherwise use. Dunno. 3f and founders probably have very different ideas as to their goals in being around, so talking about blah versus uuuuuh yeah, isn't worth much.

 

Been to Founders twice and was unimpressed with the brewpub. Service is bad (both times for lunch on a week day) and the tap selection is not great. It was stuff that is easily attainable in bottles and a couple boring options.

 

Three Foyd's is actually pretty small compared to founders, Bells, and Goose Island:


Three floyds produces around 15,000-20,000 barrels annually as of 2012 and is capped at 30,000 under Indiana Law. Founders produces 74,000 barrels. So in terms of "size" Three Floyd's is about 20% to 27% of Founders.

 

Yeah 3f has had numerous operational problems being located in Indiana. Most of them have to do with Indiana being a backasswards state with ridiculous laws. In terms of size, I've never run into the kind of problems finding Founders as I have 3f, I know too that Founders doesn't play around with big beers that take up room in the production schedule and is only going out as bombers to the degree which 3f does and I'm in the market where they both sell the majority of their output. Regardless that, and kind of in terms of what I alluded to they have different ideas about their business and its long term goals. I can't see 3f as being the type of brewery which would have the same objectives or even want to operate in the same niche market of beer liking people as it seems Founders does. Founders seems to want the majority of their beer to be an everyman thing with some additional options (here and there) for the nerd. 3f seems to want to be the nerds brewer with some additional options for the everyman. That's most certainly how access to 3f sixers of the regular line up has unwittingly (or by design) been angling them.

 

Almost, not quite. FFF is allowed to go above 30,000 if it's being done for consumption outside Indiana.

 

I never understood why people get bad service at Founders. I've been there at least 30 different times and have always had stellar service, never an empty beer or garbage on the table. Even during their large parties. I'm not saying you're wrong, just saying it surprises me. Maybe I just have great luck there.