Sculpin: Overrated?

I wonder how many more times we can use the word "fresh" in this thread

 

Nope, not at all. It's more like $14 in Mn. Outstanding IPA.

 

One of the reasons for the Heady Topper hype is for better or worse, you can drink a day old. Of course it will be awesome and beat out an IPA sitting that has been in transit, storage and sitting on a shelf for five months.

 

Unfortunately you are right here, HT isn't rare, but it is sequestered in upstate VT. It isn't all that easy to trade for either, VT gets tremendous distribution, so you are right you have to probably over pay on a trade, or have something truly unique, or have a contact close enough to make a beer run, Waterbury is really remote, HF is even worse. I do believe they do a very limited run to Boston once in a blue moon, and they've done Philly runs once in a blue moon so I've heard. They keep increasing production, and they still sell out on weekends.

 

What's fresh Sculpin....never heard of such a thing.

 

I respect your opinion.

I feel that HT is #1 because of hype. It's good don't get me wrong, but if it was common there's no way it would be so highly regarded.

 

It is after all just an opinion, but IMO HT gets passed around enough that it's not being carried by local VT BA's or the far Northeast in general.In fact being from the far Northeast still doesn't necessarily put you close to Waterbury.

 

Since I have never had HT, Zombie, Sculpin, PtE, or PtY I will go with Green Flash DIPA for the win.

 

$15 a six-pack in VA.

I am an IPA/DIPA fan and, in my opinion, Sculpin does not warrant the $15 price tag, and it is certainly not in the same conversation as HT. Beers that I have reviewed that I prefer:

Bell's The Oracle (when in season), Burton Baton, Union Jack, Green Flash West Coast IPA, Bell's Two Hearted, Green Flash IIPA. Also, I'd throw Founder's Double Trouble on that list (when in season), but haven't reviewed it on BA.

Even if you do not agree with my individual preferences, I believe we can agree that comparable lower priced options are available...

P.S. Find some Double Dose if you can while it is available. Very very good.

 

I paid $15 for a six pack while in CA. I don't mind it. I think it's great.

 

People bitch about breweries trying to make it; how hard it is to stay in the black making great beer, while Macro-breweries dominate the market w/ their swill. Not saying you're one of those people, but I can't believe you're unfamiliar with the sentiment. Don't hate the playa, hate the game. The market warrants that price, so sell at that price. If pricing around $3 a can were how you paid the bills, would you price any lower? Sure, other breweries may not do the same, but who is to determine why that is based on personal taste & little knowledge of their operations?

The point is, it's not about what you perceive the beer to be. It's about what the market perceives the beer to be. While you may have a finer taste and more awareness of what of quality is available than others have, you can't assume that your knowledge polinates in the minds of other consumers.

Right, the beer isn't worth that price. Even more importantly, I think IPA's are usually wasted product. By their nature, they're to be enjoyed fresh and gently handled. Getting at the heart of your consternation, the issue usually what has injured the quality of the beer. Fresh, Sculpin is, for many, among the best beer out there. Whether or not you feel that way about the fresh product, word has spread so people all over want to try the beer. Again, the brewery is trying to make money and supply demand. The logisitcal costs may be large, and the brewery can't be overly worried whether everyone gets the freshest product available.

Since I am fortunate enough to have access to lots of fresh IPA's on draught I almost only drink IPA's on draught. There's virtually no comparison between fresh Sculpin on draught (at a higher cost) and relatively-fresh Sculpin in a can/bottle.

 

The problem I have with the term "overrated" on here is that it is always used to say that a highly rated beer is great, but not an amazing life changing beer. It's usually used to say "it's not MY personal favorite" or "it's really great, but the clouds did not part when I tried it" or "it's not an A+ beer, just merely an A beer".

To me a truly overrated beer would be mediocre beer that was considered great by some people, not just one that is not to certain people's tastes.

 

I had it on tap when I was NYC last year, it was great but I would not pay that much for a six. Heck I don't buy the bombers because they are usually 8 bucks or more. I also agree to an extent with the previous advocate about draft fresh and bottle fresh.

 

it's only over priced.

 

I'm actually having it now. It is GREAT - but my regular IPA - Smuttynose - is just as good and about five bucks cheaper.

 

I agree - this one wasn't as good as I remember. I ALMOST adjusted my scores - but then just decided to let it go.

 

This was more syrupy than I remember it. Great hop aroma and flavor, but not quite as smooth.

 

not out of a can or when fresh, especially on-tap.

no. not overrated at all. but if you're looking for a cheap and deliciously hoppy beer, buy some laguintas daytime. $6/6 pack here in AZ.

 

Something I can get by driving a mile down the road will always trump a beer I have to drive 300 miles to get.

 

Only gonna address these, as they're the only ones I can get regularly here in NJ as 6 pack prices

Burton baton: $18 ($12/4 pack)
West Coast IPA $16.50 ($11/4 pack)
Green Flash IIPA $16.36 ($5/ 22 oz)
Founders DT $16.50 ($11 4 pack)

So, you were saying about price?