Thoughts on returning beer

I probably wouldn't return it, but that's just me, I'm one of those guys who doesn't send back food at restaurant's either

 

That's pretty typical in NY and NJ -- while Firestone Walker recommends drinking their IPA's with 120 days, they don't normally get on the shelves here until they are close to that. FW DOES have a place on their website to report beer beyond sold beyond that cutoff date, but I don't know how good they are about responding.

And I know this doesn't help you, but my impression is that the 4 packs are usually fresher than the bombers of Wookey Jack or Double Jack, also that Wookey Jack beyond the 4 months can still be pretty good (especially if kept refrigerated); Double Jack not so much.

 

Any retailer worth a damn will let you return any product. I've been burned before with old ipas and took them back no problem.

 

No. You bought it with eyes wide open and they didn't lie to you.

They did, however, abuse your trust, either knowingly or unknowingly. Which one is what you want to find out.

As others have recommended, I'd take the 4 pack with one empty bottle back and without asking for anything, simply point out to the beer manager the date on the bottles and, if needed, explain its meaning for that particular beer style. Then explain that they've used up their one chance to fool you and that the next time you find a beer that is out of date in their store you won't buy it and if you continue to find multiple beers out of date you'll be taking your business elsewhere.

Finally, as others have pointed out, there is a lesson here. Even the best of shops will sometimes have out of date beer on the shelves. If you can't find a date or otherwise establish the age of the beer (e.g., a seasonal from this year), don't buy it.

BTW, if you do ask the age of an undated beer and are told, "We just got that in a few days ago." Remember that is not the answer to your question and be sure to ask how long the distributor had the beer before it was delivered.

 

Just drink them after you've got a nice buzz going.

 

Absolutely. I usually shop at non-chain stores that specialize in craft beer. they know me and they are very good about exchanging bad beer for something better. If the place won't accept the beer back and make things right, find another beer store.

 

Return it. If I bought a food product that was a year old I would make a pretty big fuss if they did not do something about it. Beer is not dangerous, but the inventory should be checked routinely to prevent this.

 

Interesting.

I noticed you did not include wine. I bought wine for a wedding rehearsal dinner at TW and was told to buy extra bottles of everything and just return the unused portion, which I did. Is the law different for wine? I assumed TW would take back anything, but assuming is a dangerous thing.

 

This, I never send food back, I'm not one to complain too much about food anyway, and I never want to piss off the cook or give them any reason to mess with my food.

As for beer, I just suck it up and drink it anyway. How bad can it be?

 

To my knowledge there are no laws that prevent a retailer from allowing and exchange or refund

While this is true every retailer has an obligation to it's customer ...returning, refunding, or exchanging an item is a very cheap way to keep a customer...

To the OP...talk to the shop where you bought it from and give them a chance to make it up to you

 

This is why you should only drink stouts and quadrupels which get better with age.

 

You can't return alcohol in GA.

 

FW, Ballast Point, Green Flash, Stone...notorious on east coast for being old and outdated on shelves. FW is probably the most noticeable from the forum posts.

 

Did it once. 2013. Wet hopped Terrapin. 2013 just arrived on shelves. Grabbed on, poured and said "WTF". Was a 2012 that was on shelf. Luckily regular at store. Owner was more then willing to make right.

 

I think a lot of stores would take beer back if you put up enough of a fuss

 

@bluehende
@KOP_Beer_OUtlet
According to section 306 in the ABC guide it is unlawful to return any alcholic beverage , unless it is contaminated. Also, if you over buy for a party you can not return it. Even selling any bottles to a friend is illegal.

 

If you shop at a reputable place you should have no problem returning those bottles. The retailer shouldn't care because they can get a refund from their distributor. If they won't give you a refund I would call or email Firestone and let them know the name of the store and the location. They don't want that stuff on the shelves.

 

I would contact the brewery - they would want to know about the problem so they can check with the retailer and the wholesaler. POSSIBLE BONUS: They give you free beer. No promises.

 

Thank you for enlightening me....I need to double check to see if PA has a similar law...even though I wouldn't care...I'd still take returns purchased here....

Another interesting and quirky alcohol law

 

Yes most laws involving any alcohol are very strange. Especially the Ohio one involving ABV%.