WWWBV Release

I have read your blog before and found it enjoyable but that youtube video with the guy mocking hip-hop culture was pretty lowbrow and tasteless, borderline racist even. The part about "underground, Fight Club" style tasting groups was kind of passe, I mean we don't all announce (or post pictures) that we're going to pop rare bottles with our friends do we?








inb4 everyone starts crying about how my schtick is old or I'm a hater

 

So ArrogantB and I have discussed this and we've agreed that I'll respond to his post and we'll move on, so as not to drag this out publicly. He actually tried to delete the thread, but it was already locked. He didn't intend any harm, but his post struck a nerve with me, largely due to the "racist" comment. Anyway...
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First, the mention of "underground" groups was started because Scott over at The Beer Whisperer mentioned giving access to his site only to a select group of people. Personal experience being my mixed feelings on posting to an audience on my site about events and small batch releases and knowing the risk of shutting out myself or other craft fans. The "underground" scene tied into that a bit and it made up all of 3 sentences in a nearly 2,000 word post.


Second, I don't appreciate in the slightest bit being called "racist" in any way, directly or not, in a public forum. I've seen you post for years and you've said a lot of things on here, but as someone who maintains a pretty low profile on BA, I certainly didn't expect this kind of response. While I understand you might not agree with the video and for the most part, I don't think it fits our site, please don't through the term racist around on BA or elsewhere.

If the video offends or is really that disturbing to you, simply let me know and I'll take it down. That wasn't the goal and I apologize if you it upset you. At the time, I was trying to make light of the oh-so-serious beer hunters that have hit the scene in the past few years. That's what I took from the video when I viewed it and I just wanted to put it up for an audience that might appreciate it.


I'm sure this is just a misunderstanding that can be fixed over a glass of WWBV, but come on my friend, let's consider the terms we're using before we use them.

 

I hope I don't come across as an oh-so-serious beer hunter! I crack all sorts of jokes and take it all in stride.

 

The Internet, and beer, is serious biniss

 

Not old or a hater, just a jerk. We can always count on you for that!

 

I can't believe I, of all people, am the voice of reason here.

How is it no one has made the most important statement of all?

This is not called a beer community because of the beer, folks...it is the other word - community. It is PEOPLE.

I am constantly amazed at the kindness, the generosity, and the comradery of the folks I know and continue to meet as a beer enthusiast/geek/snob. I arrived at WWBV a couple minutes before 12 (BTW, 3 from the last person to get bottles, and that is because Chad dipped into the stash he intended to set aside...credit where due). People were hollering hello all thru the line as I walked to the back. I had no less than 3 pours before I even got in line. Awesome.

However, this isn't my point. When I was at the recent Avery release, I got there late and got shut out. Guess what? I GOT BOTTLES. Know why? Because I go out of my way to make myself part of this community. I go to many releases, I go to tastings, I bring things to share, I am good friends with the folks at my local liquor stores, at all my favorite breweries...I AM INVOLVED. I DON'T have a sense of entitlement. It took time and effort to build my friendships. And when I was there at Avery, drinking their amazing beers on tap, multiple people that found out I didn't get a ticket OFFERED me to purchase one of their bottles.

I have 2 young kids, and a wife that could care less (until i crack a beauty around her), so I don't want to hear those excuses. I don't want to hear ANY excuses. Don't just show up with an attitude folks. Get involved. First clue...if you come on this site and post a complaint, and most people disagree with your statement - YOU ARE NOT INVOLVED. You are likely someone with a sense of entitlement, and frankly, WE DON'T CARE what you are complaining about.

Wow. I guess I needed to get that out.

 

Um, helloooo, I said community like 5 days ago or something while you were walking on the grass. If you're the voice of reason, and repeating what I say, then I must be Reason Lord help us

 

Cheers to gklover1 (and Mebuzzard), great post(s), and yes this is a great community to be involved in.

Although I'd like to make the distinction of a complaints vs. constructive criticism. Complaining would be expecting beer or sense of entitlement vs. constructive criticism of how the event could be handled differently in the future. I agree about no complaints, but I think constructive criticism should still be able to be voiced, no?

 

I'm giving away a bottle. I'm also drunk. Take me up on it regardless. First come, first served. Prove you didn't get any though.

 

I'll be more specific to prove I'm serious.

I was going to offer up the bottles on my blog as a "contest" of sorts (purely a contest, no moneys involved). But since people here have been so passionate, I thought it better to offer one up here instead.

I went in Sunday intending to buy 4 bottles. I bought 6 after waiting in line so long thinking, "I deserve it". We'll, I've been pondering that decision and think I done wrong. Right or wrong, move on.

So my offer is, first grabs. As long as you can prove you have none and are willing to pick it up either near my home or near my work. I live near Southlands mall, so that is a fine place to meet. I work near Park Meadows, so that works during the week. Only thing I ask is, don't inconvenience me.

'nuff said. Reply here.

 

sweet offer, if i lived near the south burbs id grab that but i dont even know where southlands mall is, lol

i wouldnt leave park hill if i didnt have to every now and then

 

I'm flying up from Houston next weekend (and have none) for some brewery tours and CS release and will buy you a few rounds downtown if you are that way on Saturday afternoon! If not, that's cool, and you're awesome for offering it out. I love the generosity on this site!

 

Scott, just as always, you are the diggity, don't know anyone who would give away their stash so others could enjoy this release.

 

I had a friend who got tired of waiting when he would have got bottles and said F- it instead and grabbed a beer at the bar so at least 1 more person got bottles at the back of the line.

 

No one took advantage of my offer, but I'm still offering up a bottle. I'll be at the Momi Hiwa release if that makes it any easier for someone to grab it then.

 

This weekend is the first Cellar Reserve bottle pick-up, right? Is it going to be zany, or a little more formal?

Knowing how many bottles people are picking up, I can't imagine it being logistically sound for a tasting...or is it a matter of "where there's a will, there's a way?"

 

First members pick up for me. I was hoping there might be a bottle share. I was told doors open for regular hours and just go pick up your bottles and meet some members. Is it only open to members?

 

Just got to talk to Chad. Sunday will be open to the public and normal hours. The day is only for bottle collection, although loitering by Cellar Reserve members is encouraged. Luckily, no line will be necessary.

 

would love to run into a BA or two on sunday. no idea what time i'll roll around though. sundays are the first day of my weekend (what kinda chef doesnt work saturdays?) so sometimes im a little slow to get started after the long week...