Side Project (2018)

Did we ever hear the quantity produced of OWK this time around? I get that this sentiment is a well supported one, but I feel like draft isn't just a cheaper (and more profitable) delivery method, as you point out, but also, could easily be the most efficient method of getting the beer into more hands. And if it's something as limited(?) as OWK, stamp hands or something...?

 

OWK was 3 barrels per the blog post. Based on what I've seen posted about yields that probably puts it at ~600 bottles total; roughly 150 of which would go to members.

They've done both hand marks in the past (Smooth was, of course probably didn't stop people from wiping it off and trying to go through again) and taking down names off of driver's licenses at more limited releases recently (Tete Vintage 2015)

 

For all the complainers and whiners out there moaning and groaning, Side Project currently has 7 beers to go, with prices ranging from $15 to $30. But of course no one is complaining about that, only the beers they can't get.

 

Do you make it a mission to complain about complaining, or is it just an ironic accident every time you post about your disdain for valid criticism?

What's great about most of those beers that are $30-$45 cheaper is that they are most likely far more expensive beers to make, due to how much time many of them take to produce and how much space they take up during that time.

On the other hand, they throw vanilla into a BA Stout, and it's $60, from a guy who is on video stating he doesn't like that sort of practice. And there are only ~600 bottles (hell, that seems like way more than they actually sold)?! Shit.

 

all those beers are great too but your avg beer person has no interest because they’re not whales & they’ll call them shelfies or even shelf turds.

 

No, but your "valid criticism" is quite ironic, given the responses.

 

The $60 price point doesn't really bother me when put in context. Every other brewery I know of that has onsite bottles of that level charges significantly more.

And the onsite beer absolutely allow him to get his big name beers out to more people. I, and many of my friends, acquaintances and many rando's on the internet, would have never even sniffed a Derivation if not for the onsite options.

I can admit that I'm a Stan, but I their releases to be better than most breweries I frequent. Even down to the tabs under the wax (dammit do I fucking hate waxed bottles).

 

rando internet lucky derivation sniffer right here, hi!

 

I appreciate that they have that many to go right now, but it's rather irrespective of the other points have been made. I'm not sure any of the criticism was "There's never anything available to go."

 

So the other points are, "His beer costs too much" and "He sells out stuff when he shouldn't"? Just want to make sure I don't miss any.

 

KBS is great. Do you know what else is great? Stuff you can't get as easily.

Yes. It is frustrating for many people that people are allowed to go through the line multiple times, and that coupled with large allotments leads to fast sell outs, which ultimately limit the number of people that get to try some of his products. Despite the "wanting to get my stuff into as many people's hands as possible" nonsense.

The grisettte is rated well. I'm sure it's great. Would love to try it. HF "shelfies" also are. Doesn't take away that people enjoy trying the limited stuff.

People can only do wht they are allowed to do, and people will do what they are allowed to do. If you allow 6pp allotments on a release that is expected to sell out, and then allow people to go through multiple times, it certainly will. Just a dumb practice, as simply as I can put it. It's just as ignorant that on Black Friday that a store will allow people to go through multiple times for multiple full allotments even (especially?) if there is no line.

I know why they do it. I still disagree with it.

 

Totally agreed. With the move to Maplewood and the new locations, it seemed we were entering a new line-free era of Side Project for all but the rarest stuff. You could grab a beer in five minutes any time over the course of several days.

The past few months, all of the more limited stuff requires squandering an hour or two in line twice a month, even when there would be plenty of it to last for days with enforced limits. The people who structure their lives around beer releases get a metric fucktonne of it. Those who work weird hours or have other obligations get shafted.

 

Beautifully worded.

This also gets at the "what he says" seems contradictory to his actions. He claims he does not like shit lording, but the way he sells indicates he does. He rewards to geekiest/shitlordiest whom have the freedom to always rearrange their schedule for releases. Surely this group of people isn't the group that supports him most of the year (in terms of total sales), or the group he wants all his bottles squareled away to. Yet, that's exactly what happens. They would still be rewarded with lower limits and no repeat trips through the line (unless it's lasted a full week). Still, this is not what is done.

 

Anybody have raspberry biere du pays yet?

 

Will be there in an hour and report back. I really liked blackberry so my hopes are high

 

Raspberry bdp is excellent, though I give a slight edge to blackberry. Nice well rounded beer and not exceedingly tart, as expected. Very refreshing on a humid day in StL

 

I completely disagree with everything you’ve said. I’m not a SP fanboy but every time I’ve visited SP it’s been a great experience. Every SP release I’ve ever been to has been on a weekend day and is super chill. Definitely something you can plan for. And every release I’ve been to of your in line by the time he does a count, you’ve gotten a bottle. Very fair. Nothing compared to the shitlording I see in Chicago.

I love the fact he supports the locals by offering his rarest beers for on-site consumption. This gives everyone the opportunity to DRINK his beer. Instead of releasing it all so shitlords can horde it. There is no right answer for on-site consumption (draft vs bottles). Your never going to make everyone happy. As for the price, $60 is better than any other brewery that does their bottles vintage or otherwise for on-site consumption (i.e. TG, Westbrook).

Just my 2 cents.

Cheers!

 

Raspberry BdP Saturday if anyone needed to know.

 

Raspberry BdP is 6pp with no apparent going back through line, since it was over the counter.


I'll sum up the following posts now:

"I can't believe Cory wants to sell his beer, having 6pp encourages shitlording"

"The last batch of BdP has been 6pp for nearly 6 months now, it's not a popular beer and the batches are gigantic"

"There's a ton of it"

"it's sold out"

"He needs lower limits"

"He gave ample heads up time for the release and it was available at both locations"

"How about that OWK?"

 

I really think the main "issue" if you want to call it that is people don't like change. In years past, if you could get to the release early enough you got the beer. Then they started doing on site only for the Derivation beers, and then they created a society in secret without any chance for most people to join. Feelings were hurt and then everyone starts looking for reasons to hate. I like his beer and will still buy it even if I don't get to feel like part of the club.