Anybody know if this will be released anywhere in NJ tomorrow? I checked the BP update, but still nothing on NJ. Are we going to see any? Looked for another thread on this, but didnt find anything. Apologies if this has already been discussed.
If and when it's released it will be handled by Hunterdon. That was confirmed by a Hunterdon salesman on Monday. Whoever told @demer that it won't be in NJ is just not correct. The only info given out by Hunterdon is that it will be through them. No info on when or how many will be distributed though so no point to speculate since hunterdon is pretty informative when it comes to super limited releases like this. All I will say is that any store getting it will be getting at least 3 bricks to cover the state's minimum 144oz distribution requirement. Useless info. And don't site stores getting 1 Sam Adams Utopias because the alcohol content of that classifies it as a liquor and therefore no ounce minimum.
True, they were definitely at stores in the NYC area (both the 8 and 12) for a number of years, but there was something shady about the whole thing- like an unofficial third party was bringing them into the States, and the monks didn't get any proceeds. There was even a made-up label and everything. The cap and beer were the real thing, though.
Sure they did - since they sold the beer at the Abbey to said "third party" (actually more of an unauthorized middleman) at the retail level they made as much as the usually did (and more than another brewer might when selling beer in larger quantities at wholesale prices). IIRC, those bottles still sold for less than these current "legal and approved by the monks" are. "Shady" ? (not exactly a legal term) ---perhaps. Definitely against the brewery's wishes but totally legal as far as US importation and alcoholic beverage laws were concerned (below the US ATF [at the time] approved labels from '99- with the still active importer's name and address, D & V International, clearly noted). Not much different from the 1970's era of Coors being sold legally by some enterprising east coast wholesalers against Coors' wishes, or the D.C. retailers today who can legally "self-import" and sell beers not avialable locally - even those from breweries that would rather not have their beers sold in that market. (And, as far as benefiting financially from another's product against their wishes, it was not much difference than the beer trading that goes on on BA for 'rare' beers that is not "dollar for dollar" - profit is profit whether it is in dollars or beer).
Westy came and went. Like I posted earlier, NJ didn't get any nor will they in the foreseeable future. I'm sure if it was Hunterdon would distribute it in our state. The salesman that Benz spoke with must be misinformed.
I know. I knew that ever since Shelton released the locations last week, but Benz's confidence was overwhelming. I figured he was the end all, be all source for information. I appreciate your input. - Joe
Definitely- in the $5-10 range, and probably at the low end. And that was an expensive treat, too- one that I passed up many a time. The funny thing is, if these hadn't been so limited I would definitely have spent the $85 just to revisit them once again, just this once (how times have changed...). The hassle, rather than the price, steered me away this time. 'Unauthorized Middleman' is much more accurate, and the term I should have used. But the point remains that it was being sold here directly against the monks' stated wishes (for a number of ethical reasons most likely, but weren't they also concerned with not being able to keep up with local demand?) and it was the monks who put an end to it.
still kicking myself in the A** for passing up those two cases sitting right there on the shelf. I have since learned to be a man of action.
