I'm in NH and I just had family move out to CA and they are about 30 minutes from SARA. They are not beer people but they offered to pick up stuff for me if there was anything I wanted. I've always wanted to try a West Ashley and I was curious how the bottle releases for this go. I wouldn't want to put them out and ask them to stand in a line, but if it's not a huge pain to purchase I may ask. So info on availability, how long it stays on the shelf, and bottle releases in general would be appreciated. Cheers!
Watch https://www.facebook.com/santeadairius and then go to the brewery the same day and buy bottles when they're listed.
I appreciate the info, and I do follow them on Facebook, but I was most curious of what a bottle release there is like. Again, I don't want to put out my family and ask them to wait in a ridiculous line being that they're not into beer.
SARA releases are getting crazier as their beers are getting more popular now. If there is an announced major release like WA was last year, then they are safe getting there 1.5-2hrs before to ensure bottles. Most of the time SARA doesn't post their chalkboard until a couple hours before opening so they may have to drop what they are doing and head over if there is something you really want.
First, check their website everyday they are open because things rotate and they never announce any releases, so if you see something on their "to-go" section, then it time to head over. Most of the time their bottle release is pretty orderly . Doug, John, Jay and Jason does a good job controlling the situation. I'll give you an example of the last time they released West Ashley, which was about a month or so ago if I remember correctly. Saw post about 30mins before they open, so i got there about 45 mins after they open and got in line. The line was not too bad. It was out the door but I waited no more than 5-7mins until it was my turn. Usually its a one per person limit. The only problem is getting there before they sell out, which could be within the hour or LESS!
actually I think their facebook page is what you wanted to check, not their website. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think they've updated their 'bottles available' on their actual website it quite some time. Even on days when they do have bottles (shown on their facebook page) I'm fairly certain their website still shows 'No bottles available'.
Yes, Facebook is by far the most accurate when it comes to seeing what they have on any given day. Also, there may be a day in the not so distant future when WA is a little easier to get. We shall see.
Curious if anyone has any input on the next WA release? Just scored a Lady in Grey (first ever SARA brew) and I'm super pumped.
I went there the day loves armor was released, got there at about 630. No line and they still had a couple cases left. The saison Bernice is awesome as well. Keep an eye out for tripod when it releases. Might be their best release of the year.
