Town Hall Barrel Aged Week 2017

Ive had 2 year old growlers that have perfect carbonation and taste like the day they are filled. So for me they can age for 2-5 years probably

 

I remember reading that the whole counter pressure filled thing was a myth about a year ago. Someone less lazy can probably find it out there - pretty sure it was on BA. I was shocked when I read it, but I remember thinking that it seemed legit. The counter-pressure myth was a long-standing one.

That said, capping on foam for a big BA beer is almost as good. The little amount of exposure to O2 isn't going to change the beer dramatically, and the difference between 2 weeks and 2 years is probably nothing. I've gotten pretty good at doing this with homebrews that last years filled from the tap. You can definitely screw it up if you go too fast or the beer foams too much, but with some good technique it is pretty safe.

 

You folks need to spend more time sipping beers at the bar at Town Hall. If you sit there long enough you'll end up seeing someone from the brewing staff fill growlers straight from the tap with a hose.

 

Sorry man, I could swear someone told me that at the brewery as well. It was roughly two years ago, so I don't know if things changed (sounds unlikely), the employee was misinformed, or I was just dreaming, lol.

 

Funny, I say the same thing to myself every week, but then immediately gleam over the next shiny object.

 

There's a few reasons we don't fill other folks' growlers, but the main reason being quality control. Our brewers handle the cleaning and sanitation of empty THB growlers, as well as all the filling.
The other reason is efficiency. We're a full service restaurant with a lot of moving parts. Filling growlers is easy, but it's a pain in the ass. When you're busy behind the bar (pouring server tickets, greeting guests, taking care of your bar, answering the phone, running food, making change for servers, etc.), the last thing I want to do is fill a growler. This is why our brewers pre-fill Our growlers a few days a week.
That said, we do fill any insulated growler on the spot; 64oz or 750mL (I have yet to see the 750mL size come across my bar, though.)

 

I'm fairly certain that we have never counter-pressure filled our growlers. Yes, I agree - that is a lot of misinformation. Gives me something to talk about in our next bar meeting.

 

They "can", but please don't. 99.9% of beers in a growler aren't going to improve; even if it's a beer style that is more conducive to aging. It's not worth the gamble.

 

Planning on heading over on Tuesday for lunch. I won't be able to make it for the pre-sale, but I'm wondering if I will be able to get a growler of something. Anybody got any insight from years past?

 

I went on the first Monday night last year and was able to get 2 growler tickets each for Foolish Angel and Project 3106. When I went the following Saturday (last day), I believe they still had some tickets left.

 

you no longer only fill your branded stainless ones?

 

Correct!

 

Last year I was able to pick up growlers of 3106 and the cuvee on the day of their release. You're not going to get czar jack without a ticket but there's usually a couple that haven't sold out entirely in advance.

 

So TH BA Week Vets - which of the classics are the best? Jack? 3106? Angel? Manhattan?

Im after a foolish variant and a manahattan for sure and need to decide on two more choices

 

Buffalo Bock and Twisted Trace are my personal favorites.

 

I love Foolish Angel.

 

I didn't bother to buy a growler of Buffalo Bock the first year (barrel aged weizenbock, why would I bother?) & instantly regretted it after I had a glass. Bloody fantastic beer.

 

Huge improvement. Thank you very much!

 

Twisted trace, e.t.wee, and foolish angel tickle my tastebuds!

 

I'll echo the crowd and say twisted and foolish, amazing beers.