Surly Eight Ale Label

Has anyone who's contacted Surly got a response? How are they handling the bad bottles? I've got two on my way, and while I'm sure I'll crack one right away based on the paranoia this thread has induced, I was really looking forward to seeing how this beer aged…

 

So I initially hit Todd up on twitter just as an FYI and he said to e-mail the brewery. I did that yesterday and haven't heard anything although with the holidays I can't blame them at all. I am really not expecting anything in return other than just to let them know. Good luck on your bottles and I can't stress enough that even though mine was very infected it was drinkable for sure if you like sours even a little bit. The aroma will tell you everything you need to know...

 

I got a response, they said bring it into the brewery to taste.

They also said bring it back to the store you bought it from w/receipt...I don't think I've ever done returns to a liquor store...

 

Only problem with this, I don't keep receipts from stores. If this becomes a bigger issue, I hope they have a better method to handle it

 

Oh man, wow like leave some in the bottle and drive it over? I can't imagine walking into Surly (especially at the new place) with half a bottle of eight and being like here you need to taste this.... that's funny.

 

Phew, good thing I have all my liquor reciepts from the past 2 years in a safe categorized by liquor store distance from my house at home!

 

Two responses that say "We don't give a f---". Who keeps receipts from liquor stores? And bringing a half drunk bottle to them - seriously??
I'm sure that they will put together a feasible plan and deal with this like the responsible business they are.

 

I don't think it's a half empty bottle, bring one of my others to check...

"If you are unsatisfied with the product, please return the remaining bottles to the liquor store that you purchased them at, with a receipt, for a refund or exchange. I cannot offer to refund your purchase here at the brewery. If you are interested and have the time, I would appreciate you stopping by with one of your bottles of Eight so that we may analyze it. I would be willing to give you a replacement bottle of Eight, and/or some merch for your trouble."

 

If they're willing to sub potentially bad bottles with bottles they are confident is good, that's one route to take.

 

How the hell do they know which are the good bottles? I would gladly trade my few bottles in for bottles that I know are 100% uninfected. If they get enough emails, you'd think they would have to do something.

Btw, no one keeps their liquor store receipts because no one returns beers. You shouldn't have to question whether or not your beer is going to be infected when you buy it.

 

Agreed...and the fact that Surly's response is take it back to the liquor store...why should you infecting your beer have to create more work for a liquor store...and no one saves reciepts for beer...we don't expect the product we are buying to be infected

 

I return beer to the store a couple times a year. Never needed a receipt either. Bring the bottle back so the store can return it to the distributor or brewery and get their money back. It works the same as a bad bottle of wine.

 

*allegedly infected

 

What other response are you expecting?

 

Well, when Deschutes sold infected beer in 09, I sent them pictures of the unopened bottles and I got a refund check for the retail value of all bottles. I'm with Mothman, the retailer shouldn't have to handle this if the brewery is more local than Deschutes.

 

Because people that live in duluth will be happy to swing by the brewery.

 

My problem is I couldn't even tell you what stores I bought mine from.

I agree further out people shouldn't have to go to the brewery. Hell, I live in Albertville and only go as far as Brookklyn Park for work. I don't want to have to go to the brewery.

If it is infected, I just want any easy way to get replacement bottles or a refund (I don't care if it is for exactly what I paid) with out much hassle.

 

Did I mention somewhere that I was the single person in charge of making a rule that bottles should be returned only to the brewery in person?

No, I gave a specific answer to your question, from personal experience, as a more reliable option than returning beer to a liquor store. Other people mentioned the hassle of getting a 3rd party to accept it, keeping receipts, etc. and I agree. The brewery itself should have a more organized process for the option of a cash refund on their product. Ship your empty bottles back? Bring unopened bottles in? Pictures might not be concrete enough anymore. While I appreciate a replacement bottle, if it's just as infected, I'm still out what could be our garbage bill, or gas for our two cars, or a week's groceries, etc. for the bottles I bought that are not up to standards. The money back would be nice rather than playing Russian Roulette with bottles.

 

I asked what other response people expected. You responded to me and mentioned a refund check with a picture (which is shows nothing) and bringing it to the brewery. It's beyond premature for that. The best they can do at this time is say bring it back to the liquor store, get a refund, and surly will refund them. Just like every other transction you make. Why do people think booze should be different? It's on you to keep the recipet, not the liquor stores or surly.

So far it's a limited number of people saying they are having issues. Before they even think about asome wide spread recall/refund they need to actually figure out if and what is wrong with the bottles. If surly wants to just cut it off, then that's up to them, especialy if they find something. Seems like a recall could be in order. After that if you want to take the risk with any unopened bottles, that's up to you then.

 

OH, and it really shouldn't be something that could be your garbage bill or gas for two cars or a week's groceries.It should be your disposable income used for a hobby/enjoyment and the money would go to some other hobby/enjoyment. If you are spending money on beer that would be going to groceries, well then that's dumb.