Tap Takeovers

There are pros and cons. I went to my first takeover last week for Flying Dog. The only complaint I had was that the bar's website did not indicate there was a takeover, so some of the beers listed online that I was hoping to try were not available. That being said, I thought the takeover was cool. There were probably 12 different beers from FD, including three of their "limited release" beers. Importantly, there was a wide variety of styles ranging from lower ABV blonde style to higher ABV stouts and IPAs. The bar also stocked another 10 - 12 taps that were not Flying Dog.

 

I think you shouldnt call it a tap takeover unless EVERY tap is filled by that brewery. Tylers down here is guilty of calling it a Tap Takeover when they put on like 8-10 beers. Impressive, but not if you consider they have 50 lines.

 

I guess it really depends on the bar doing the tap takeover. The tap takeovers at Novare Res in Portland, ME are epic. There are usually around 20 taps devoted to the brewery and you're always going to be able to try a few beers you wouldn't normally have access to. A few years ago at a Smuttynose event I had their Baltic Porter aged in Samuel Adams Utopias barrels. Easily one of the greatest beers I've ever had. At a DFH event I had Palo Santo ranalized with coffee. Last summer I went to the Founders event and was able to try their Oatmeal Stout, Colombian Donkey Stout, and Goldust Woman, three beers that are usually only available on tap directly at Founders. I was also able to try Mango Magnifico before it showed up in bottles and they were selling 4 oz pours of KBS for 25 cents.

 

I've recently been at the very beginning of several takeovers and enjoyed a beer or two. Olde Hickory and Natty Greene both did a great job of not just showcasing their core beers, but bringing along some single hop and great dark beers. Friday afternoon Sticks and Stones had a firkin of Olde Hickory Death by Hops- dry hopped with I forget which hop and coffee. It was delicious. I never plan on attending these events, but I have a Foothills Jade or Hoppyum every day at Sticks and Stones and some days these events just seem to happen!

 

i think they are great when the brewery sends a rep or brewer. even better when they send some rare kegs. no rep or brewer and basic core lineup = snorefest.

 

Always been a big fan of Novare Res.Eric there, is a cool cat.I love when they have "SMUTTFEST",usually in june sometime.

Cheers

 

95% of my glassware came from these take over events, always free with beer purchase too.

 

The takeovers aren't only for your benefit I have to believe that the core stuff is there because that's what the brewery wants to use to initiate people who may not have heard of/had them before. The takeovers I go to (lots of them) almost always have the flagships, plus a couple new brews that hadn't been released to the public until that night. Usually the new ones kick quickly, and that leaves the stuff I'm familiar with. No big deal. At least I know the beer's good, and the people are awesome. I can't see how I would ever become annoyed by that. If it's a larger, super-familiar brewery, I just don't go.

 

Every Tap Takeover worth a crap around here has been WAY too crowded. To the point I'm waiting 30-40 minutes to get a beer.

I'd rather just go the day after and drink the leftovers while nobody is there.

 

I do like that place... But the drawback to their takeovers is the $2 upcharge per premium flight inclusion. If it was $2/flight I would be happier but it's normally, what, $14 per four 5oz pours, so that would be $22 for 20oz of premium beer - or >$1.10/oz. While the 12 oz was something like 7-8, so the flight is near double. I don't have a problem with some upcharge for a flight but... I just ended up with 12oz each of the XXII and XXIV but I would much rather try four things I might never try again.

 

Ya I'm not sure there is a brewery in the universe that will beat that.

 

I'd love to go to a Victory tap takeover.

 

Went to my first one last week by Carton at the great Cloverleaf in NJ. Some great stuff for sure, especially if you like the brewery.

 

Good point by several folks that takeovers can often include cool firkin offerings. Ah, were but cask beer more prevalent.

 

I'm in a small town. Dfh is about the best I can hope for

 

I concur. This was a fantastic event and would welcome another.

 

Tap takeovers are great...unless it's a local brewery at a local bar and they are charging $12 for an 8 oz pour..