Any BAs know how I would be able to get a 1/4 keg or so of a more limited brew such as BCBS and have it tapped at my wedding this fall? Is it something I have to arrange with the local keg store way ahead of time to make sure they can get their hands on some, or is it just pure luck to see if they have a keg available at that particular time in the fall? I'll have to ask around at the local keg stores of course, but I thought I'd ask here too.
Usually for stuff like BCBS, KBS, Black Note or other specialty beers, you just need to call your local keg store so they can order it from the brewery. Make sure you give them a few months notice because the brewery might have to brew up a batch if they don't have it laying around. I hope this helps.
Something super limited may be hard to get for personal use. While there was definitely more BCBS this year, there still is only so much to go around so you have to assume most will go to bars and restaurants or stay at the brewery for festivals and other brewery events. I would definitely recommend calling multiple stores way in advance, as stated above, and ask what they can do. You will probably be able to find something very tasty but may have to set your sights slightly lower than BCBS. I had a friend who had Hopslam at a wedding last year so you can definitely get some good beer, just maybe not something super limited. That's just my experience. Hope this helps.
A few months ago Binnys LP have a few 1/6 barrels for BCS for sale. Pretty sure it was a one off though....
Interesting, thanks for the responses. I'll certainly check with the local keg stores to see what they can do on 7 months' notice. I don't mind having some NG offerings though and those are going to easier to get than something like BCBS.. but I thought I'd at least bring up that possibility.
remember to check with the venue hosting your reception before committing to a purchase. i ran in to this situation several years ago. had a brewery ready to give me kegs at cost, even deliver them for me. the hotel at first outright nixed the idea. after much haggling and involvement by the brewery on my behalf, they caved and said they would allow it but charge me $315 a piece to serve them. then it became 315 ON TOP of their normal fee. scratched that idea
Check with the venue, as mentioned by misterid. Our venue is only serving bottles and cans (just clap your hands) so when I mentioned a keg, they said they wouldn't be able to pour. I did ask if their liquor guy could get craft stuff and he said he'd get a few cases of some Midwest stuff I recommended (Red's Rye, Daisy Cutter, etc.) so I was cool with that.
