Waiting in Line for Beer

Thank goodness the beer universe is large enough for all opinions, regardless of whether or not we agree/disagree with any particular one...on this particular topic, I would probably stand in line with a buddy or two for a "younger"...it would be fun, like standing in line for Steppenwolf tickets was in 1974, etc., etc., etc.

 

Never done it. Can't picture myself ever doing it.

 

One of the arguments he presents -
"Waiting in line for beer is a divisive force in our community. It rarifies craft beer. It stratifies us into drinking castes. It values the scarcity of a beer over the enjoyment derived from it."

Comes right after this statement -
"...craft beer is abundant as fuck. As fuck, I tell you! There are around 4,000 breweries in the country, and every decent city has at least one great beer bar with dozens of taps and bottles galore."

What he doesn't realize is that the mechanics of this system, including the super rare overly-hyped products, actually lends itself as a function for the market to grow, spread awareness, and in the end generate more craft beer fans. Actually, when people wait in line for rare beers it actually does quite the opposite of what he's trying to argue. The problem is, he is only focused on one aspect of his argument - the fact that enthusiasts are willing to wait in line, and the fact that this is 'stupid'. While this may or may not be true, it by no means hurts the craft community as a whole, which includes die-hard enthusiasts, fans, and mild/general drinkers. It actually lends credibility to the brands and their products, which in turn creates a larger community. These lines and events and snobbery aren't really toxic or intimidating at all. Rather, they generate a feeling of 'wanting in' on something that every else has already agreed to be good. The insiders and enthusiasts and snobs actually give the backbone to the credibility which then spreads to a wider audience who might genuinely opt in to the culture, find that they enjoy the products, and then start purchasing them from their local bottle shops and grocery stores.

 

If you have the time and resources, do what you will. I don't do it much these days anymore as I really don't have the tiem to spend 3-4 hours in line, but if that's what you want to do then so be it. Plus, in the same vein as another thread here a week ago..i've noticed that a couple local breweries by me are now switching to a "pre purchased ticketed release" in that you buy your two beers well in advance, and you can walk in and out whenever you can get there. I'd take that any day of the week over freezing my ass off the day after thanksgiving.

 

First, if you still have the link open, scroll back up and take a look at the picture in the header with the title. It's, "Line for Russian River's Pliny the Younger. | FLICKR/NICK LONG". Now look at the faces of the people in that picture...they appear (to me) to be having a very good time.

Second, I attended a pair of PtY events yesterday and had the opportunity to chat with RR Co-Owner Natalie Cilurzo...the beer was spectacular (as usual) and the conversation riveting. The day was a win/win for great beer and the people who enjoy it.

Lastly, if author Dave Infante ever actually writes a book, you can damn well bet he will change his opinion about lines...if only for one of his own book signings.

 

I used to love camping out for concert tix in the late 70s...probably wouldn't do it for beer though

 

I wait in line for the beers I want enough to wait in line for them. This isn't stupid, it is what is necessary to get those beers. Just like high price is the cost of some beers, trading is the cost of others, and traveling is the cost of others. I see a future where there is plenty of top quality beer, and the hipsters have gone on to a different hobby to ruin, and there will be no lines.

BTW can't stand Thrillist, and I refused to click.

 

I think it is great that there are these kind of events and opportunities for those that want to participate. Good for the brewery and good for the consumer. It's not for me, but I could see it being fun and it is great it is there for those who do dig it. The beer community is pretty cool, especially when you can get them out from behind their keyboards.

 

And I always thought you just liked the can packaging format?

I'm not one to rain on someone else's parade; As long as nobody is being harmed let them chase trucks and stand in line -- it's their money, right? But there are PLENTY of good and some great shelf beers dying on the vine. I'm fine with those.

 

I've lost all desire to wait for three plus hours. I guess I'm getting old....

 

I waited for PtY last week. Had a good time. Met a bunch of cool people. Got some good recommendations for wineries/breweries/restaurants to check out while I was in town. Oh, and I also happened to drink some really super beer.

I fail to see a problem there.

 

He says waiting in line isn't inclusive? If I really want to buy whatever beer I think is the best in the world I probably have to drive somewhere (maybe a few hours), and then wait in a line for a few hours. If I wanted to buy a recent release of Domaine Romanee-Conti (arguably the best wine in the world), I'd probably have to pay $7-10k depending on how well regarded the vintage is. Beer sounds pretty inclusive to me.

 

I love these threads where all the people that don't wait in line for beer releases throw out condescending comments about hipsters, neckbeards, and having better things to do. But no- it's the LINES that are divisive. AKA the same lines where strangers share beer with each other and make new friends over a mutual interest.

 

Have I stranded in line for beer sure. Not for just one though that's just not worth it.

That was what was so great about the Younger event at Monks. There wasn't just Younger there we're MANY excellent beers to be had..

 

While I would not have phrased the above the same as the author I do agree newcomers seem to tend to fixate on only a handful of breweries, not to mention beer styles.

 

Maybe I read it wrong, but I don't think he's talking about the actual lines being non-inclusive but what they represent in the beer community.

 

"there are a bajillion spectacular beers to try, so instead of scheming for a Pliny, they should go forth and enjoy a dozen very good, non-fetishized IPAs first."

Why not.... both?

 

But how? Anyone can go to a beer release. Just because people choose not to go, that makes it non-inclusive? We could apply that rationale to literally anything.