Help me improve my brewery tours!

[killian]

man you guys really wanna know where i give tours huh?

Well, if the brewery you are working for is brewing in two separate locations in rochester it has to be rohrbachs

 

[nyer]

I might have to go on one of your tours and heckle you a little.

 

[upperNY01brewer]

if you dont mind me asking, which brewery is that you have?

I havent been on a tour in quite some time, but i would also like to hear during the tour is how you test recipes, and "upgrade" from test to commercial.

Its not my post but it is Rohrbachs at the Railroad St location just outside of downtown Rochester, near te public market.

 

[FL_Brewer]

Hey been following your thread. My home town is in the Finger Lakes and I work in the Utica. I currently tend bar, I've served in pubs, worked dozens of beer tastings all over the finger lakes, and actually apprentice brewed at a competing brewery on the south side of town.
I've "toured" many of the bigger breweries in the aforementioned replies (and yes Sam Adams BLOWS, It wasn't an actual tour we were just herded around their show rooms, plus they selected the beers (3) all which I've had before) Pretty cheesy. So we went across town to Harpoon where we drank ourselves silly. I'd recommend others visiting Boston do the same.
Points I’d re-emphasize:
1. The Beer is most important! Don’t fool yourself into thinking anything else is more important. Obviously, you can't please everyone but 90%* of the people there would try as many beers as you stuck in their face. So don't be stingy, 4 ten oz pours is a good start. How about a smaller sampler flight with more varieties, because there are going to be people who want to try them all. I.e. Any home brewers Lastly, Can you please make sure there’s enough people on staff, I know people who walked out of Ommegang after waiting 20 mins for their first beer. (*the other 10% being the reluctant ladies we drag there who only drink wine or vodka).
2. Since I know Rohrbachs (better than some of the others), I'd almost say don't bother with the tour (Is the facility really big enough to do a tour? I'm just comparing it to others throughout upstate NY), allow your expert staff to cater to individual group needs by answering any of the questions or interests they may have. And I agree what others have mentioned, sell what makes you unique. New location, New Beers, Unique Recipes (I know the scotch ale is pretty damn tasty), History of the company, etc. Save the mandatory story about ingredients, even my girlfriend who could care less about beer doesn't want to hear it.
3. The F.X. Matt tour is one of the best. Reason's why... Great historical story, cool Victorian buildings, complete tour of the facilities, quick education about process and ingredients, pretty much as many beers as you want, and the staff is always friendly. Also, Utica Club is currently available in select bars From Buffalo to Albany, and throughout the Adirondacks. Historically is was more available during our parents' generation, disappeared for a while, now its making a comeback.

I personally wouldn’t do a tour. At Rohrbach’s size (compared to others who do tours) I would just design a tasting parlor that overlooks brewing operations. But it may be too late for such modifications.

Just my thoughts, many of which are based on the same fun, crazy, beer loving customers whom you’ll be seeing come through your doors. Good luck. Cheers!

 

[pwndabear]

tastings run throughout the day but we also want to show people where the magic is made, especially weve expanded, added fermenters, as well as a grain silo. it isnt as big of a facility as some other places ive been to, but its definitely big enough for a tour.

 

[FL_Brewer]

Nothing wrong with a tour, but I would avoid the doing the same hackneyed routine for every group. Because you're smaller (compared to FX Matt, Magic Hat, Boston Beer Co. ect) you have the luxury of keeping groups small enough you can tailor to individual group knowledge and needs. Doing so will add authenticity and sincerity to the customer experience.

Is every visitor required to do a tour to get a tasting (I.e. Boston Beer Co.)? Or are visitors allowed to just visit the tasting room?

 

[pwndabear]

nope, the tastings are throughout the day available to everyone and the tours are on the hour for those who want to partake

 

[FL_Brewer]

That's cool, Is there a bar inside? For instance can I relax and enjoy a pint, or tasting only? I went back and re-read your original post. I misunderstood the type of info you were looking for, sorry. I'll have to stop in for a visit.

I've done the tasting job before. Its fun for sure. FYI watch out for the older women celebrating 30th, 40th, even 50th birthdays. They are insane and will want to rip your clothes off. Honestly, they make the bachelors and bachelorettes look tame. haha Best of Luck, Cheers!

 

[doctorRobert]

Focus on whats unique and different about your brewery. You still need to talk about hops, barley, water, and yeast, but explain how your brewery gets those, what makes it different that what other breweries do.

And don't be afraid to make fun of bmc, people love that.

 

[pwndabear]

no pints unfortunately but its def cool to relax and just talk to people there

i usually tell people i am rinsing their tasting glasses out with bmc.