FIB War Room

[yeahnatenelson]

And to your point, yeahnatenelson -- here in Chicago, it looks more like the regional/national brands would rather play the taproom game themselves (Ballast Point, Goose, whichever comes next) while simultaneously pushing volume through retailers, where most of their beer is going to be sold anyway. What benefit could they reap by partnering with a handful of beer bars to "kill," taprooms? Wouldn't that force the smaller guys to go harder into distribution, creating more competition for tap handles, shelf placement, etc.?

My comment is in light of HB 4897. It's not only mid-sized breweries like Tallgrass that view taprooms as an existential threat. Listening to Pat Berger you'd think he's gearing up for a take-no-prisoners street brawl against the breweries that yesterday had his tap lines and today want his lunch.

Regarding Tallgrass' demise, yes, this is the squeeze in effect: international (not regional) brands like ABI, Heineken and Constellation are boxing regional/national craft beer brands out of grocery chains and box stores while local brands are beating them out on-premise.

What I'm wondering is: now that bars are also feeling squeezed by the proliferation of taprooms will they find themselves strengthening ties with regional players against what is viewed as a common threat?

 

[LSMroz]

I firmly admit i have NO idea what i'd do to keep even a fraction of the volume we had when i was there in this climate. It's just not possible. And it's going to get worse before it gets better.

I really think it's a problem of clutter. IMO it has become like Twitter, you follow too many people and you get overwhelmed and you just stop checking your Twitter app cuz you know there is no way you can keep up. For a long time now I don't really care what new beer is being released. Once I got behind and new stuff was popping up that I never heard of, I got scared and gave up. I had no idea if something was limited/rare/good/shelfie/bad so wouldn't buy new stuff. Now I only buy what I know will be good, and most of the time that's Rev...

 

[trickytunadicky]

I really think it's a problem of clutter. IMO it has become like Twitter, you follow too many people and you get overwhelmed and you just stop checking your Twitter app cuz you know there is no way you can keep up. For a long time now I don't really care what new beer is being released. Once I got behind and new stuff was popping up that I never heard of, I got scared and gave up. I had no idea if something was limited/rare/good/shelfie/bad so wouldn't buy new stuff. Now I only buy what I know will be good, and most of the time that's Rev...

I stopped following beer because mead is too much to handle. It’s why I have so many hot takes about hype breweries. I can’r be bothered to keep up with what vanilla fruit smothie bomb the kids are trading for this week. Send me good stuff. Or don’t. I backed out of BIFing and trading and barely ask for thank yous for trusteeing.

 

[ThatJackOC]

My comment is in light of HB 4897. It's not only mid-sized breweries like Tallgrass that view taprooms as an existential threat. Listening to Pat Berger you'd think he's gearing up for a take-no-prisoners street brawl against the breweries that yesterday had his tap lines and today want his lunch.

Regarding Tallgrass' demise, yes, this is the squeeze in effect: international (not regional) brands like ABI, Heineken and Constellation are boxing regional/national craft beer brands out of grocery chains and box stores while local brands are beating them out on-premise.

What I'm wondering is: now that bars are also feeling squeezed by the proliferation of taprooms will they find themselves strengthening ties with regional players against what is viewed as a common threat?

That is an interesting question.

cc: quinnsi vav

 

[vav1]

That is an interesting question.

cc: quinnsi vav

I mean, i already do, and it was a very conscious decision. I don't view it as a band-together-against-a-common-threat scenario per se, but from my perspective it just makes good business sense. Beer pricing is going up again, so the average keg cost is going up, and i'm already higher in the market that other place due to the way i run my program and blend my margins, so a larger-regional is more likely to have a half barrel keg i can squeeze some extra revenue out of than, say, a start up or small guy only selling sixtels...think bomber vs. six pack pricing by ounce, same rule applies to kegs.

There's also the issue of Salesmanship, which doesn't come up in these conversations very often. There are tons of smaller breweries that i'd be willing to buy beer from regularly that don't tell me what they have or just outright don't sell to me, or don't bother to send me a product list, or have chosen their niche and don't deviate from it, or sell everything at their taproom and then offer the slower seller leftovers/scraps to a handful of accounts as a "favor", or finally get a meeting with me and bring 14 different beers for me to taste when i asked for the 3 best, or whatever.

Speaking globally, we're sort of past the "They'll find us on their own" stage...if you don't put it directly in front of me, i probably won't know about it. I know about Sierra Nevada's beer. I know about Revolution's beer. I know about Off Color's beer. I know about Allagash's beer. Etc. I'm more likely to purchase what i know about than what' i don't.

 

[danbanana]

Salesmanship

I've long had the opinion that the downfall of a lot of breweries is simple business acumen. It's great your taproom is doing great today, but building relationships, pushing your product, etc. is critical for long-term survival. We're already at the point where hype only lasts you a couple years before the next trend hits, so when the next thing hits- or you can't keep up with the trends or god ******* forbid you just don't make good beer- you're screwed. The market is over-saturated, so that's not helping. But how ******* hard is it to stop by The Publican or Map Room or Dusek's or Bangers & Lace or Maria's or whomever to say "Hey, this is our ****. Try it." Because there's no ****** way getting a few kegs a month to spots like that are going to hurt your taproom business and the longterm benefits are obvious.

And understand that this is coming from someone who couldn't sell a glass of ******* water in the desert. This **** isn't hard to conceptualize and I'm constantly shocked how dumb start-ups act with regards to it.

 

[SAISON FUCK]

When places like Finch and White Birch survive, and a place like Tallgrass fails, it must come down to business sense or the sheer amount of money you have to dump into your business.

Tallgrass actually makes good beer. I certainly bought a number of four packs when in the mood for a change from locals. Bummer.

 

[trickytunadicky]

Good businesses take on bad debt while bad businesses coast by on their own capital.

 

[Ferowcious]

Posted this in the Afterthought FB group, but doesn't $80 + taxes + fees for a 3.5 half hour festival seem a wee bit excessive to anyone else?

Am I just spoiled by Great Taste only charging $60?

I mean didn't they just charge the same price to drink 90% of what's been on tap at Balmoral for the last 2 months and 10% breakfast cereal Benthic variants?

A real beer festival featuring probably some of Half Acre's better offerings and many other world class breweries sounds like a steal in comparison to the big north

 

[Gonzoillini1]

I had a great time this eveninig with friends and family, we didn't drink any rare beers, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

That's not the way it feels...

 

[trickytunadicky]

I mean I’ll drink every keg Cellrmen’s sends to Burger Antics but if any of you other folks want to put Razzgar on tap... please do.



Would drink every day.

 

[furley]

i feel like that Green Zebra isn't getting the respect it deserves

 

[Gonzoillini1]

Well It's amazing how fast thewimperoo's really usefull spreadsheet for Chicago / IL / Northwestern IN breweries needs to be updated to include some new spots. One of those is Wolfden Brewing in Bloomingdale.

Location is built in what used to be a fireplace sales room, and was originally a historical house in the neighborhood.

7bbl system with 4 fermenters and 1 bright that are all custom built from American Beer Equipment (new manufacturer to me, any of the industry folk heard of them?) to take advantage of the limited space for the brewhouse.

Good sized (18ish) sized old school wooden bar with a few tables in the main bar area.

Another overflow area up the stairs in front with a small / cozy area to the left in this picture with a few couches / leather chairs.

Also has a large outdoor porch area that I didn't grab pictures of today as it was too damn hot this afternoon. The Nuzzle Porter was phenomenal, the golden / pale and berliner we're all solid. The IPA was bit more bitter than I like with a bit of crystal malt so it tasted very much like an IPA of 10 years ago (which isn't always a bad thing), and the NE IPA was solid for the style (that I don't really enjoy so I'm a poor judge of it).

Overall a very solid spot for such a new brewery, and the staff / owners were all very friendly. Great vibe with a blend of beer nerds, locals and families that bodes well for them going forward.

Recommended if you are in the area, plus you can visit Dunt.

 

[middlebrow]

Well It's amazing how fast thewimperoo's really usefull spreadsheet for Chicago / IL / Northwestern IN breweries needs to be updated to include some new spots. One of those is Wolfden Brewing in Bloomingdale.

Location is built in what used to be a fireplace sales room, and was originally a historical house in the neighborhood.

7bbl system with 4 fermenters and 1 bright that are all custom built from American Beer Equipment (new manufacturer to me, any of the industry folk heard of them?) to take advantage of the limited space for the brewhouse.

Good sized (18ish) sized old school wooden bar with a few tables in the main bar area.

Another overflow area up the stairs in front with a small / cozy area to the left in this picture with a few couches / leather chairs.

Also has a large outdoor porch area that I didn't grab pictures of today as it was too damn hot this afternoon. The Nuzzle Porter was phenomenal, the golden / pale and berliner we're all solid. The IPA was bit more bitter than I like with a bit of crystal malt so it tasted very much like an IPA of 10 years ago (which isn't always a bad thing), and the NE IPA was solid for the style (that I don't really enjoy so I'm a poor judge of it).

Overall a very solid spot for such a new brewery, and the staff / owners were all very friendly. Great vibe with a blend of beer nerds, locals and families that bodes well for them going forward.

Recommended if you are in the area, plus you can visit Dunt.

When you peel off the American brewing plate, there’s a 5 star red flag behind it like in a bad movie. They’d spam the snot out of us with insane low prices...I’m pretty sure they’re brokers of Chinese equipment.

 

[thewimperoo]

Well It's amazing how fast thewimperoo's really usefull spreadsheet for Chicago / IL / Northwestern IN breweries needs to be updated to include some new spots. One of those is Wolfden Brewing in Bloomingdale.

Location is built in what used to be a fireplace sales room, and was originally a historical house in the neighborhood.

7bbl system with 4 fermenters and 1 bright that are all custom built from American Beer Equipment (new manufacturer to me, any of the industry folk heard of them?) to take advantage of the limited space for the brewhouse.

Good sized (18ish) sized old school wooden bar with a few tables in the main bar area.

Another overflow area up the stairs in front with a small / cozy area to the left in this picture with a few couches / leather chairs.

Also has a large outdoor porch area that I didn't grab pictures of today as it was too damn hot this afternoon. The Nuzzle Porter was phenomenal, the golden / pale and berliner we're all solid. The IPA was bit more bitter than I like with a bit of crystal malt so it tasted very much like an IPA of 10 years ago (which isn't always a bad thing), and the NE IPA was solid for the style (that I don't really enjoy so I'm a poor judge of it).

Overall a very solid spot for such a new brewery, and the staff / owners were all very friendly. Great vibe with a blend of beer nerds, locals and families that bodes well for them going forward.

Recommended if you are in the area, plus you can visit Dunt.

Nice review. I added this place to the list as well as a new spot in St. Charles that just opened. Only about a 5-10 minute drive north from Penrose. https://www.facebook.com/dandgbrewery/

 

[vav1]

When you peel off the American brewing plate, there’s a 5 star red flag behind it like in a bad movie. They’d spam the snot out of us with insane low prices...I’m pretty sure they’re brokers of Chinese equipment.

I believe that’s correct, I didn’t know they were making full systems, but I did briefly look at their tanks. They seem adequate.

 

[Thorpe]

Nice review. I added this place to the list as well as a new spot in St. Charles that just opened. Only about a 5-10 minute drive north from Penrose. https://www.facebook.com/dandgbrewery/

Where can I find the list? Sounds like a fantastic resource!

 

[capnmike]

(Link to media)

Early sesh tickets secured...

 

[ClCardinal84]

Early sesh tickets secured...

Ditto.

 

[LSMroz]

Nice review. I added this place to the list as well as a new spot in St. Charles that just opened. Only about a 5-10 minute drive north from Penrose. https://www.facebook.com/dandgbrewery/

That logo. Woof. The alternative logo that I see on a shirt in one of the photos is 10000000% times better.

 

[TheJB]

Ditto.

Same

 

[Tooch4321]

I have to work that weekend at The Mousetrap...

 

[middlebrow]

That logo. Woof. The alternative logo that I see on a shirt in one of the photos is 10000000% times better.

im just glad there's no super popular brand on the earth thats identified with the logo & initials of D&G.

 

[thewimperoo]

Where can I find the list? Sounds like a fantastic resource!

I took the list from the Hop Review website, and included only spots where you can drink on-site so that I could keep track of where I've visited. There's a tab for Chicago, and a tab for suburbs/NWI.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MGi4FGYcOU-Zq6GxYF_ayk7mgvEFSATP9Of8uyUGqPY/edit?usp=sharing

 

[DiscountMegaMall4ever]

im just glad there's no super popular brand on the earth thats identified with the logo & initials of D&G.

"Literally, hold my beer."

 

[LSMroz]

"Literally, hold my beer."

lol totally thought his sarcastic comment was referencing Dolce & Gabbana, not another beer company! I thought middlebrow went highbrow, but should have guessed he wouldn't...

 

[middlebrow]

lol totally thought his sarcastic comment was referencing Dolce & Gabbana, not another beer company! I thought middlebrow went highbrow, but should have guessed he wouldn't...

hahahaha...I was thinking of dolce & gabbana but this is even more bonkers. I know a couple of you on here are law dogs, does the spelling out of ‘and’ make enough of a difference?

 

[lb304854]

hahahaha...I was thinking of dolce & gabbana but this is even more bonkers. I know a couple of you on here are law dogs, does the spelling out of ‘and’ make enough of a difference?

 

[Gonzoillini1]

Villains Chicago
4 hrs ·
Hello Everyone, we would like to thank all of customers and supporters throughout the years. We have made the difficult decision to close Villains Chicago on Saturday Sept. 8th. Please come by for one last burger and beer or two. Cheers

I never made it out here myself, but I'm sure a number of you all have over the years.

 

[DiscountMegaMall4ever]

hahahaha...I was thinking of dolce & gabbana but this is even more bonkers. I know a couple of you on here are law dogs, does the spelling out of ‘and’ make enough of a difference?

I doubt they have the legal ability to fight any of it. A cease and desist maybe. There's almost no chance anyone would ever mistake them for high end clothing or even Red Stripe. But Bells went after some 1 barrel place in the south for using the word "Innovation". Yes, there is enough of a difference. The "and" would have to become part of their brand/logo and could not be without it or with an ampersand.
Lots of times things are similar on the surface, but not once you get into the story.