The Bruery (2025)

Cracked a 2012 BT tonight. It was similar to the 2011 I had last year, although a bit more oxidized. Still very tasty, with stone fruit and tobacco characteristics. BT holds up great in the cellar in general, but the 2010 I had 4 years ago was truly exceptional relative to the other BTs I have tried with 10+ years.

I also cracked a Coton (2010, first anniversary ale) last month with friends and was shocked at how well that had held up. I was prepared to be disappointed but it was really nice and the oxidation was subtle but not overpowering with lots of raisins.

 

With everyone cracking their BTIGR lately, I might have to do the same. I really loved the first one I had and it exceeded my expectations.

I have a sampling of BTR and BTGR form the last several years to work through. The 2015 BTR I had a few years ago was sublime. Absolutely blew me away how incredible it was. I have a 2018 BTR so hopefully it is similar, with same amount of age if I open it this year.

 

Yeah, previous SHITs have been in the 14-15+% ABV range and this one was only 13.7%, not sure if that's reformulation or just the luck of the barrel/thirst of the angels.

Supposedly UPS compares the weight to the size such that a light but large package costs more than the same weight in a smaller package. But I suspect beer weighs enough that the weight becomes the overriding factor. Shipping cost was certainly comparable to the last few times. But I do think it would be much easier for the fulfillment crew. Those wine shippers work well, but are probably a pain to work with.

 

I had a 2012 BT a couple years ago, and it was pretty good, but definitely a bit past its prime. Aged bottles can vary wildly in my experience though. The oldest I had recently was a 2018, which was still pretty fantastic. I have a couple of 2020 BTRs that I'm expecting to hold up pretty well (you mention that the 2015 is still great, which is good to know)...

On the other hand, those anny ales are practically bulletproof. I think the oldest I have is a Cuir (3rd anniversary?), but I had a Fruet last year that was fantastic.

 

I could get a bottle of ‚As far as the rye can see‘ (2024) for msrp in EU, worth it?

 

Absolutely, one of the best of last year for sure. I had one a few months ago and it's holding up great (and I'm on the lookout for more at this point, as that was my last one...) It's a blend of Black Tuesday Reserve and One & Dunn Reserve, both bangers and the blend is great too.

 

Based on the recent BT marketing, I'm feeling like there will be no new BT boxes this year... that's too bad... I suppose my wallet won't complain.

 

Amen. I’m buying MUCH less than I used to primarily due to the fact that I can’t justify a lot of these price points.

I’ve been a member since 2013, and I would love to see a graph of my purchase history over that span.

 

Just pointing out that it's $16 for a 375mL non-BA Midnight Autumn Maple. That's kinda tough. Probably could have been a 4pk option or 750 mL at a cheaper per oz cost. I'm excited to try it, at least!

 

Just queued up my first shipment in a couple months, and the cost is slightly more expensive now (at least to MN) for 15 bottles, so that new packaging doesn’t seem to be helping with the shipping cost at that specific count. However, 15 was an “optimal” bottle count in the past for minimizing shipping costs.

OTOH, there does not appear to be a big jump up after XX bottles (e.g. 15 bottles used to be a threshold). The shipping cost only increased incrementally as I added more bottles but never jumped up. Also I think before 12 bottles cost the same as 15, and now 12 is a little cheaper than it used to be (if I am recalling correctly).

On the balance, seems like this means we can be more flexible about shipping random numbers and not feeling like we need to hit a certain number to optimize. Maybe makes a bigger difference at lower counts less than 12, but I started at 12 and kept adding more from there.

 

I've not been a member in years but I signed up for 2026 Reserve. What's everyone's thoughts on the BT Series 2022 box set. I'm a fan of BT but I've not had any of these barrel treatments other than red wine barrel.