Bruery Reserve Society 2014 Allocations/Discussion Thread

[stxSS07]

Please explain more

I make joke.

 

[StarRaptor1]

I make joke.

that's what I was hoping

 

[StarRaptor1]

Yeah, and apparently "how to successfully run a beer club" isn't one of them.

What's your standard? They make a ton of money, but so does J Wakefield and his society is a ******* joke. This entire year the Bruery's communication and follow-through have been abysmal, as have the choices for what they've been making.

The question about resources is inane because the Bruery has by far the largest club, so no **** they devote more resources to it. But I've been pretty significantly more satisfied with both of my other clubs (SARA and Rare Barrel), and so far Schramm's is looking better too. I've also only heard positive things about De Garde and Crooked Stave (though that one was killed).

The fact that they haven't said a word about the release I was most looking forward to after delaying it for months has killed them forever to me. That's such a complete ******** move that there's no way I will ever give them credit again. If you're going to do that you have to ******* tell us what's going on. It's disgraceful.

I guess we must measure what makes something "successful" differently. For me growing a club from 300-400 people to a three tier society in excess of 2,000 people ( I have no idea how many PS there are) that sells out pretty rapidly every year to be a "successfully run a beer club." Comparing them to Wakefield just is plain sad

Your main complaint seems to be communication and sticking to a release schedule. Personally I feel they do a great job communicating, they acknowledge problems and shortcomings and come up with solutions. Not being in SARA and Rare Barrel I assume they tell you 12 months in advance everything you'll be getting and when?

As far as your concerns about ****. Let's assume they don't release it in bottles because they feel it doesn't live up to their standards (which they should be applauded for) that kills them forever to you? "Man those guys described a beer to me once then didn't release it, eff them forever!"

 

[franch]

you forgot the most important part - they did it because it's the beer he was looking forward to the most. patrick rue took a piss on stu's avatar before he clicked send on that fateful email.

 

[stupac2]

I guess we must measure what makes something "successful" differently. For me growing a club from 300-400 people to a three tier society in excess of 2,000 people ( I have no idea how many PS there are) that sells out pretty rapidly every year to be a "successfully run a beer club." Comparing them to Wakefield just is plain sad

Your main complaint seems to be communication and sticking to a release schedule. Personally I feel they do a great job communicating, they acknowledge problems and shortcomings and come up with solutions. Not being in SARA and Rare Barrel I assume they tell you 12 months in advance everything you'll be getting and when?

As far as your concerns about ****. Let's assume they don't release it in bottles because they feel it doesn't live up to their standards (which they should be applauded for) that kills them forever to you? "Man those guys described a beer to me once then didn't release it, eff them forever!"

If you honestly think that everything the Bruery has done over the past 2 years is hunky dory then that's your prerogative. I think it's been ****** and I'm done supporting them and that's mine.

 

[DougOLis]

What's your standard? They make a ton of money, but so does J Wakefield and his society is a ******* joke. This entire year the Bruery's communication and follow-through have been abysmal, as have the choices for what they've been making.

The question about resources is inane because the Bruery has by far the largest club, so no **** they devote more resources to it. But I've been pretty significantly more satisfied with both of my other clubs (SARA and Rare Barrel), and so far Schramm's is looking better too. I've also only heard positive things about De Garde and Crooked Stave (though that one was killed).

The fact that they haven't said a word about the release I was most looking forward to after delaying it for months has killed them forever to me. That's such a complete ******** move that there's no way I will ever give them credit again. If you're going to do that you have to ******* tell us what's going on. It's disgraceful.

Crooked Stave's management of the Cellar Reserve was pretty terrible. Especially this year. Communication was basically non-existent and they didn't really seem to give a **** (which could be why they ended it). That and some beers ran out before people were able to buy them even though allocation limits should have let them.

I agree that Rare Barrel has been good but I don't know if it's appreciably better than The Bruery. It should also be noted that one of the founders came from The Bruery so there's probably influence there.

I can't speak to SARA because I wasn't invited and seemingly won't be for 3-5 years. The size and intent of the societies make them very difficult to compare too.

Can't speak to De Garde Keeper's because I'm not in that (yet), but from reading the Keeper's Thread it sounds like most of the best beers De Garde makes are their release beers and not the Keeper's beers. Nor do you get access to buying those shelf beers online. No shipping and smaller pickup windows are a step down from The Bruery. They are small and that's not their focus which is fine, but on the other hand Oregon does seem to be one state where you can ship from across state lines.

For all of the issues they've had this year (and it's a many), their management of the Societies has to be pretty low on my list of complaints from them.

 

[stupac2]

Crooked Stave's management of the Cellar Reserve was pretty terrible. Especially this year. Communication was basically non-existent and they didn't really seem to give a **** (which could be why they ended it). That and some beers ran out before people were able to buy them even though allocation limits should have let them.

I agree that Rare Barrel has been good but I don't know if it's appreciably better than The Bruery. It should also be noted that one of the founders came from The Bruery so there's probably influence there.

I can't speak to SARA because I wasn't invited and seemingly won't be for 3-5 years. The size and intent of the societies make them very difficult to compare too.

Can't speak to De Garde Keeper's because I'm not in that (yet), but from reading the Keeper's Thread it sounds like most of the best beers De Garde makes are their release beers and not the Keeper's beers. Nor do you get access to buying those shelf beers online. No shipping and smaller pickup windows are a step down from The Bruery. They are small and that's not their focus which is fine, but on the other hand Oregon does seem to be one state where you can ship from across state lines.

For all of the issues they've had this year (and it's a many), their management of the Societies has to be pretty low on my list of complaints from them.

I feel like I've been pretty tolerant of the Bruery but not saying anything about what's happening with **** was just the last straw for me. I think RB has been clearly better than the Bruery because they've actually delivered everything they've promised and communication and has been clear and consistent. It would be absolutely trivial to add a few lines saying "Hey we've had these problems here's what we're doing", the fact that they haven't shows that they just don't get it. I'm out, I'm done, good luck to the rest of you.

 

[Previously]

Fwiw, and it's probably not much, I was told months ago that **** would most likely be a December, 1-bottle-per-member release. No further allocations would be available for purchase.

 

[Xul1]

Fwiw, and it's probably not much, I was told months ago that **** would most likely be a December, 1-bottle-per-member release. No further allocations would be available for purchase.

That might cause an even bigger shitstorm than not releasing it. Obviously they didn't promise us any more than the one bottle, but it seems like the sort of thing that 1) wouldn't be terribly difficult to produce compared to a lot of other things they do and 2) would be a popular item. I was pretty happy with the idea of an easily accessible, $15ish, 12% ABV BA stout. Again, I'm just left vexed.

 

[JulianC]

That might cause an even bigger shitstorm than not releasing it. Obviously they didn't promise us any more than the one bottle, but it seems like the sort of thing that 1) wouldn't be terribly difficult to produce compared to a lot of other things they do and 2) would be a popular item. I was pretty happy with the idea of an easily accessible, $15ish, 12% ABV BA stout. Again, I'm just left vexed.

Yes, and because myself included, most people split memberships, I worked out a deal with my partner in the beginning where he keeps the included bottle, pays more for membership, and I would buy another later because it was offered for purchase initially last year.

 

[walterfredo]

I agree with Stu, 2 years of extremely overpriced beers of which, in my opinion, maybe 1/4 were better than average. They really fumbled the ball. I'm starting my to think they're just marketing geniuses and I drank the koolaide. Those labels sure are pretty though!

 

[kscaldef]

but on the other hand Oregon does seem to be one state where you can ship from across state lines.

Cascade recently stopped shipping. I'm not sure if Pelican offered to ship MOAS this year or not. I've always gotten the impression that shipping from Cascade was a little nudge-nudge-wink-wink, and I think they finally got called out on it. (This is just my speculation; when I've asked at the brewery, no one will give any details.) Let's also keep in mind: Cascade and Pelican have dozens of employees; de Garde has 3 full-time and 1 part-time.

 

[DougOLis]

Cascade recently stopped shipping. I'm not sure if Pelican offered to ship MOAS this year or not. I've always gotten the impression that shipping from Cascade was a little nudge-nudge-wink-wink, and I think they finally got called out on it. (This is just my speculation; when I've asked at the brewery, no one will give any details.) Let's also keep in mind: Cascade and Pelican have dozens of employees; de Garde has 3 full-time and 1 part-time.

I believe that Pelican is shipping MOAS and Wolves & People are going to ship once they start releasing beers. Yes, I realize that de Garde is much smaller and probably out of their scope, which is why I stated as such in the sentence right before the quote you cut off.

 

[preacher1]

Someone please correct me if I am wrong...but the Bruery has more beers, employees and growth rate of any others that offer a "society" that I am aware of. This may or may not be a good thing, however QC has been addressed thus far even though they are still settling into the changes. Maybe they need to reconsider the way they "promise" new releases which could alleviate the sore bumbums.

 

[kscaldef]

I believe that Pelican is shipping MOAS and Wolves & People are going to ship once they start releasing beers. Yes, I realize that de Garde is much smaller and probably out of their scope, which is why I stated as such in the sentence right before the quote you cut off.

If Pelican is shipping this year, they're being a lot more discreet about it ("email [us] to order your case"), and I certainly don't see anything to suggest that Wolves & People plan to ship. Their CrowdBrewed page specifically says "Inaugural Cellar Society Membership: Six pairs (12 total) of new 750ml beers picked up on site".

OTOH, I randomly happened to discover this evening that Rogue _does_ have a webstore where they are shipping beer. But, I would not be at all surprised if technically they have a separate corporate entity acting as a retailer who is able to ship, or some similar loophole.

 

[DougOLis]

If Pelican is shipping this year, they're being a lot more discreet about it ("email [us] to order your case"), and I certainly don't see anything to suggest that Wolves & People plan to ship. Their CrowdBrewed page specifically says "Inaugural Cellar Society Membership: Six pairs (12 total) of new 750ml beers picked up on site".

OTOH, I randomly happened to discover this evening that Rogue _does_ have a webstore where they are shipping beer. But, I would not be at all surprised if technically they have a separate corporate entity acting as a retailer who is able to ship, or some similar loophole.

"
* SHIPPING INFO:
When it is ready to drink, your beer pre-sale and Cellar Society rewards will graciously be made available at the brewery when you visit.

We strongly wish to AVOID shipping any beer—all too often, it is damaged, lost, frozen, stolen, or otherwise improperly handled in transit.

However, if you have no hope of visiting the brewery in person (and we hope this is not the case!), we may consider shipping your reward with the following caveats:

We cannot ship outside the U.S. Additionally, if you do NOT live in the following states, there is no chance we can ship beer rewards to you: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Alcohol may not be shipped via USPS Priority Mail. UPS is considering accepting beer shipments.

Beer may freeze during ground transportation to the Midwest and Northeast states if the temperature is below 25F. Wolves & People may not be able to ship beer to these states via standard ground service during November to February. We will contact you for express shipping upgrade if/when necessary.

Come see us in person! That’s the very best way to collect your reward and Cellar Society beer."

https://crowdbrewed.com/rewards/wolves

 

[DougOLis]

If Pelican is shipping this year, they're being a lot more discreet about it ("email [us] to order your case"), and I certainly don't see anything to suggest that Wolves & People plan to ship. Their CrowdBrewed page specifically says "Inaugural Cellar Society Membership: Six pairs (12 total) of new 750ml beers picked up on site".

OTOH, I randomly happened to discover this evening that Rogue _does_ have a webstore where they are shipping beer. But, I would not be at all surprised if technically they have a separate corporate entity acting as a retailer who is able to ship, or some similar loophole.

I didn't order this year but this is what Pelican said: "
GET MOTHER DELIVERED FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
And finally, just like in years past, IF any cases are still available - there will be a first come, first serve
e-mail opportunity to purchase a case of Mother of All Storms - These will ship in time to enjoy over the Thanksgiving holiday. Send an email to[email protected] to be added to the email waiting list. We will contact individuals after the 16th of November should any still be available."

 

[drgarage1]

If Pelican is shipping this year, they're being a lot more discreet about it ("email [us] to order your case"), and I certainly don't see anything to suggest that Wolves & People plan to ship. Their CrowdBrewed page specifically says "Inaugural Cellar Society Membership: Six pairs (12 total) of new 750ml beers picked up on site".

OTOH, I randomly happened to discover this evening that Rogue _does_ have a webstore where they are shipping beer. But, I would not be at all surprised if technically they have a separate corporate entity acting as a retailer who is able to ship, or some similar loophole.

Gonna ship myself soooooooo much sriracha stout.

 

[kscaldef]

Okay, fine, it's tots legal to ship beer from Oregon. There's no weasel words in any of what Pelican or W&P said. Cascade obviously stopped because they just couldn't keep up with the demand for their beer in the local market.

 

[TheDuke1]

Okay, fine, it's tots legal to ship beer from Oregon. There's no weasel words in any of what Pelican or W&P said. Cascade obviously stopped because they just couldn't keep up with the demand for their beer in the local market.

Or they decided that they were tired of paying the overhead for storage, labor costs to run an online store, and eating the loss for damaged/lost shipments.

Generally speaking, if you played shipping costs right it was close to or cheaper than retail to buy shelf beers from their online store and have them shipped directly to your door. By doing the same with what were previously brewery/online store only releases not only are they making more money by saving that overhead but they are also increasing shelf presence and shelf longevity. Whether or not thats a wise decision long term has yet to be seen, as the shelf prices for "standard" cascade are comparable to Eclipse beers down here, and seem to move about as quickly. Their tasting room is definitely more accessible, which may offset the lack of a "futures" system.

 

[user 304985]

Okay, fine, it's tots legal to ship beer from Oregon. There's no weasel words in any of what Pelican or W&P said. Cascade obviously stopped because they just couldn't keep up with the demand for their beer in the local market.

Or it was easier/more profitable for them to just go the traditional distributor route so their bottles would sit around at every store in southern Cal with $30-40 price tags. 30 dollars for a gose? Umm no.

 

[degardebrewing]

Okay, fine, it's tots legal to ship beer from Oregon. There's no weasel words in any of what Pelican or W&P said. Cascade obviously stopped because they just couldn't keep up with the demand for their beer in the local market.

My understanding is that no, it is not legal to ship beer in Oregon.

If anyone thinks it is more lucrative for Cascade(for example) to go through the distribution system than to sell direct, I promise you are mistaken. If they could ship, I'm positive they would. I have no idea if Pelican will this year or not. I know they've been chastised for breaking the terms of service of a shipper before.

My other understanding is that, as stated in their details, W&P *MAY CONSIDER* shipping given their listed parameters, and only if UPS decides to allow beer shipments. Which reads to me exactly as 'we can't now, but will if it becomes legit and we have to.'

Beyond legality, we dont ship because of logistics related to our size. We'd have to hire on another person to cover that aspect resulting in a significant increase in price. Not to mention that the program was intended to favor our locally supporting audience foremost since we cant meet the local demand, much less regional or national. To say our membership sucks because we dont ship and dont offer online purchases misses a big point of the membership entirely. Its akin to criticising the Bruery for not shipping everywhere; you may not like it, but that policy is there for a reason.

(not just directed at you kscaldef, mostly agreeing)

 

[ridglens]

My understanding is that no, it is not legal to ship beer in Oregon.

If anyone thinks it is more lucrative for Cascade(for example) to go through the distribution system than to sell direct, I promise you are mistaken. If they could ship, I'm positive they would. I have no idea if Pelican will this year or not. I know they've been chastised for breaking the terms of service of a shipper before.

My other understanding is that, as stated in their details, W&P *MAY CONSIDER* shipping given their listed parameters, and only if UPS decides to allow beer shipments. Which reads to me exactly as 'we can't now, but will if it becomes legit and we have to.'

We dont ship because of logistics related to our size. We'd have to hire on another person to cover that aspect resulting in a significant increase in price. Not to mention that the program was intended to favor our locally supporting audience foremost since we cant meet the local demand, much less regional or national. To say our membership sucks because we dont ship and dont offer online purchases misses a big point of the membership entirely. Its akin to criticising the Bruery for not shipping everywhere; you may not like it, but that policy is there for a reason.

(not just directed at you kscaldef, mostly agreeing)

Psh, if you don't break laws and hire more people and take on a massive national logistics project to get me your beer, then i just don't have time for your club!



























PS: kiwi bu tickled me

 

[matedog]

As one of the few PS members here, I'm surprised they are doing a phased reveal of this quarter's release:

Usually they announce all three well in advance of shipping. Looks like they still don't know what #3 is going to be and they are to be shipped in a week or so. I thought it was supposed to be the Oaked Old Richland.

 

[JulianB1]

As one of the few PS members here, I'm surprised they are doing a phased reveal of this quarter's release:

Usually they announce all three well in advance of shipping. Looks like they still don't know what #3 is going to be and they are to be shipped in a week or so. I thought it was supposed to be the Oaked Old Richland.

This was answered earlier in the thread:

they probably need to wait until shortly before release to determine if it's going to be called a sour, a barleywine or a sour barleywine.

 

[jtmartino1]

I guess we must measure what makes something "successful" differently. For me growing a club from 300-400 people to a three tier society in excess of 2,000 people ( I have no idea how many PS there are) that sells out pretty rapidly every year to be a "successfully run a beer club." Comparing them to Wakefield just is plain sad

I'd be interested to see their turnover rates.

 

[StarRaptor1]

I'd be interested to see their turnover rates.

At what retention rate would you declare them successful then? 50% 75% 85%? Even at a lower rate could you really argue that they are unsuccessful? Does someone deciding no to renew because they have out growing the society or lose interest in the "craft beer game" (I know quite a few friends who beer isn't that big a part of their life anymore) count against the brewery?

 

[franch]

oh, S.H.I.T.

 

[DougOLis]

oh, S.H.I.T.

lame

 

[hi im richie]

Pretty ******* lame.

Oaked Old Richland is still coming, for now at least.