Philly area Homebrewers

[AnOldUR]

So, I tell the girl behind the counter (sorry, no name) I'm a Keystone Homebrew club member. I’ve been told before that I’m in the computer, but always mention it to be sure to get the 10% discount. She asks for my membership card. Hmmm, been buying my grains there for a long time (somewhere around 10 sacks a year) and never been asked that before. She says something about them wanting to be sure members are active and having to pay for club activities. New policy. Guess I missed the memo. WTF, I didn’t need that $18 dollars anyway.

 

[kingmatt]

So, I tell the girl behind the counter (sorry, no name) I'm a Keystone Homebrew club member. I’ve been told before that I’m in the computer, but always mention it to be sure to get the 10% discount. She asks for my membership card. Hmmm, been buying my grains there for a long time (somewhere around 10 sacks a year) and never been asked that before. She says something about them wanting to be sure members are active and having to pay for club activities. New policy. Guess I missed the memo. WTF, I didn’t need that $18 dollars anyway.

That sucks! I have always been given the discount automatically without even having to ask but I guess I will have to make sure I have my membership card with me next time I go in just to be safe.

 

[dfess1]

So, I tell the girl behind the counter (sorry, no name) I'm a Keystone Homebrew club member. I’ve been told before that I’m in the computer, but always mention it to be sure to get the 10% discount. She asks for my membership card. Hmmm, been buying my grains there for a long time (somewhere around 10 sacks a year) and never been asked that before. She says something about them wanting to be sure members are active and having to pay for club activities. New policy. Guess I missed the memo. WTF, I didn’t need that $18 dollars anyway.

well, if you really are a member, you've been getting the emails from the Keystone Hops club.

I'm not accusing you of not being a member, but this went into effect a while ago (want to say over 6 months, but not 100% on that) so it shouldn't be news to you. I'm not a member, and still get their emails (went once, a while ago). It used to be free to go to a meeting. They are trying to do stuff with that club that other clubs in the area are doing (bringing in guest speakers, club brews at area micro's, etc). that takes money. So, the perk to paying club dues (which are what, $15 or $25 a year), you get a card and get your discount.

 

[AnOldUR]

. . . I guess I will have to make sure I have my membership card with me next time I go in just to be safe.

So you have a card? Mind telling me what the dues are? She never gave me the option to join. Maybe I read into it wrong, but she made it sound like they were trying to weed out inactive members like me who were using membership for the discount. Made me feel really important to them after shopping there since I started brewing seven years ago.

I have been to a couple of meetings, but I'm from NJ and it's a good 45-60 minute drive one way. I considered them my LHBS because they had always been friendly, helpful and accommodating. I know Joe at Princeton Homebrew and have felt bad about not giving him my business, but I was loyal to Keystone since I started with them. It will take me a while to go throught the 135lbs of grain I just bought from Keystone, but the 15 minute drive to Princeton Homebrew will be welcome.

 

[AnOldUR]

I'm not accusing you of not being a member, but this went into effect a while ago (want to say over 6 months, but not 100% on that) so it shouldn't be news to you.

Yes I get the newsletter and emails, but admit to not reading them cover to cover. Just a quick skim to see if anything looks interesting, so I must have missed it. For what it's worth, I also spent over $80 there at the beginning of February and got the club discount. There was no mention of the new policy, but one of the guys who knows me was at the register.

In hindsight, I shouldn’t be ranting (whining) here. I should have known and shouldn’t expect special treatment. If nothing else, this might be a heads-up to some other Philly Area homebrewer who uses Keystone Homebrew and hasn’t gotten the news.

 

[kingmatt]

So you have a card? Mind telling me what the dues are? She never gave me the option to join. Maybe I read into it wrong, but she made it sound like they were trying to weed out inactive members like me who were using membership for the discount. Made me feel really important to them after shopping there since I started brewing seven years ago.

I have been to a couple of meetings, but I'm from NJ and it's a good 45-60 minute drive one way. I considered them my LHBS because they had always been friendly, helpful and accommodating. I know Joe at Princeton Homebrew and have felt bad about not giving him my business, but I was loyal to Keystone since I started with them. It will take me a while to go throught the 135lbs of grain I just bought from Keystone, but the 15 minute drive to Princeton Homebrew will be welcome.

Yeah, they only offer the discount to full (paying) members. I have a card but I haven't ever had to show it to get my discount because they have it in their system that I am a paid member.

You can still go to the meetings without being a paid member but you don't get the discount and can't compete in club competitions/particpate in club events (we did a brew day at free will brewing the other month).

It is only $25 a year and you get a pretty sweet Keystone Hops Homebrew Club tee shirt. Add that, the discount and the club events we do and it more than pays for itself.

 

[dfess1]

Yes I get the newsletter and emails, but admit to not reading them cover to cover. Just a quick skim to see if anything looks interesting, so I must have missed it. For what it's worth, I also spent over $80 there at the beginning of February and got the club discount. There was no mention of the new policy, but one of the guys who knows me was at the register.

In hindsight, I shouldn’t be ranting (whining) here. I should have known and shouldn’t expect special treatment. If nothing else, this might be a heads-up to some other Philly Area homebrewer who uses Keystone Homebrew and hasn’t gotten the news.

well, if it makes you feel better, I know alot of the employees, a couple of them are in our homebrew club even, and I still don't get a discount up there. I've been buying from there for 10+ years...

 

[IMXELITE]

Anyone going to the canning event at Keystone next month? I wish I could can some of my beer but I just put my last batch in bottles and probably won't have enough time to make another batch in time.

 

[InityBrew]

Anyone going to the canning event at Keystone next month? I wish I could can some of my beer but I just put my last batch in bottles and probably won't have enough time to make another batch in time.

I'd like to.. I have an ipa that I am going to keg next week (wed), but I am not sure if I should can it after only 1.5 weeks in a keg.. Has anyone canned before? Do you think that if fully carbed after a week and a half it would be ok to can?

 

[wobrien]

I've got six cases of clean empties (with labels) that are going to be recycled on Monday. If anyone wants them, shoot me a pm.

Edit: The bottles are spoken for.

 

[jjw5015]

So the Beer Store Southampton had Heady today 😳


Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

 

[FreddyMar3]

So the Beer Store Southampton had Heady today 😳


Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

Damn. Just cracked my HT clone last weekend. Would love to compare since I've never had HT.

 

[Gitmoe]

So, I tell the girl behind the counter (sorry, no name) I'm a Keystone Homebrew club member. I’ve been told before that I’m in the computer, but always mention it to be sure to get the 10% discount. She asks for my membership card. Hmmm, been buying my grains there for a long time (somewhere around 10 sacks a year) and never been asked that before. She says something about them wanting to be sure members are active and having to pay for club activities. New policy. Guess I missed the memo. WTF, I didn’t need that $18 dollars anyway.

As a Keystone Employee I apologize for the confusion and lack of explanation regarding the new Keystone Hops discount policy. The information some of the other guys on here mentioned is all correct. Effective Jan 1 2014 to get the 10% discount you have to be a "full" member of the Hops. That just means paying the $25 dues for the year. Keystone as a shop doesn't get any of that money, it all goes to the club to help support things already mentioned like guest speakers and special events. When you pay the dues we make a note on your customer account so we don't always ask for the card if the note is present. The $25 is well worth it for the year if you plan to attend any of the special events. Whoever rang you out should've better explained how the new system works. Technically speaking the Keystone Hops is a solo entity and not run by Keystone Homebrew. Sometimes communication gets lost on it's way between the club and the store. We appreciate you making the trek over from Jersey when Princeton is in your backyard. Every customer is important to us and we hope to help you again in the near future.

Just to be clear, I don't get paid to be on here answering questions regarding Keystone. I just love where I work and love our customers...

 

[jjp36]

Damn. Just cracked my HT clone last weekend. Would love to compare since I've never had HT.

I think i still have a can or 2 kicking around if your still looking for one.

 

[FreddyMar3]

I think i still have a can or 2 kicking around if your still looking for one.

Definitely. You looking for a trade or $$? How old is it?

 

[gone_fishing]

Ok I want 2 opinions from the local crew:

1) Wife and going on date night this Saturday. We live in Central Bux and looking for a brewpub. We LOVE Forrest and Main but just want to try something else out. Never been to Tired Hands. Worth the drive? It's about 40 minutes. Funny thing it's about 10 minutes from where I grew up. If not worth it, where do you recommend?

2) Am I being overly sensitive or is it okay that I find most of the Beer Advocate reviews by peeps to be overly douchy? I just read one that said: "A two-finger head of dense, eggshell-white foam sets up immediately and then takes its sweet time slowly collasping, leaving a generous ring of lace around the sides of the glass."

My review of beers: Color, taste from first sip, final review. Like or Don't like. End of story.

 

[milldoggy]

Ok I want 2 opinions from the local crew:

1) Wife and going on date night this Saturday. We live in Central Bux and looking for a brewpub. We LOVE Forrest and Main but just want to try something else out. Never been to Tired Hands. Worth the drive? It's about 40 minutes. Funny thing it's about 10 minutes from where I grew up. If not worth it, where do you recommend?

2) Am I being overly sensitive or is it okay that I find most of the Beer Advocate reviews by peeps to be overly douchy? I just read one that said: "A two-finger head of dense, eggshell-white foam sets up immediately and then takes its sweet time slowly collasping, leaving a generous ring of lace around the sides of the glass."

My review of beers: Color, taste from first sip, final review. Like or Don't like. End of story.

1: I like tired hands, it can get real busy. What about the general Lafayette or whatever it's name is now. Have not been since it was the general. (Non brewpub choices) Teresa's next door it a solid choice, or tjs everyday.

2: yes douchy

 

[temple240]

The food a Barren Hill is not particularly good but the beer is awesome (on par with f&m). Tired hands has good beer but not much for food (small menu of mostly panninis). F&M is much better than the alternatives because they have awesome beer AND food.

 

[InityBrew]

Ok I want 2 opinions from the local crew:

1) Wife and going on date night this Saturday. We live in Central Bux and looking for a brewpub. We LOVE Forrest and Main but just want to try something else out. Never been to Tired Hands. Worth the drive? It's about 40 minutes. Funny thing it's about 10 minutes from where I grew up. If not worth it, where do you recommend?

2) Am I being overly sensitive or is it okay that I find most of the Beer Advocate reviews by peeps to be overly douchy? I just read one that said: "A two-finger head of dense, eggshell-white foam sets up immediately and then takes its sweet time slowly collasping, leaving a generous ring of lace around the sides of the glass."

My review of beers: Color, taste from first sip, final review. Like or Don't like. End of story.

In response to #2...

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f45/beer-advocate-reviews-413318/

 

[dfess1]

I'll second the Barren Hill. I've not had any issue with their food, the fish and chips was quite good. Beer selection is pretty awesome, from the 12 or so brewed beers to 12 or so guest beers. if you haven't been, Earth Bread is pretty good too, awesome flat breads. not quite as "intimate" for a date night, but good spot non the less. Could always do a Germantown Pike bar crawl, start at either Earth Bread or Barren hill, and work your way toward the other (while stopping at the Iron Hill in Chestnut Hill, damn good beers there too).

To your second point. I rarely use BA, and when I do, its for one thing: Their "I'm in x city, where are the place's I should go" guides. Get a general sense on ratings, then go to the beermappingproject.com site to find out where I am in relation to the recommended places from BA.

other than that, that site is a waste of my time anymore. I love reading things from beer snobs that will tell you how a beer is made, when they have absolutely no clue. I like craft beer (why else would be here). I can enjoy pretty much anything but a Rauchbier. I'm not going to be a super ****** about it. And I'll drink most any macro product but an outright budweiser product (convinced it's the beechwood aging ).

 

[gone_fishing]

We've been to Barren Hill and enjoyed the beer and our meals. Earth Bread may be a good option too. I'll offer her that one but it's probably the same drive time for us.

Try this out:
http://www.brewerymap.com/

 

[KeystoneHomebrew]

You do not need to present a membership card to receive your club discount; we can verify your membership status in our system. I've sent you a private message with more details about the policy, and to see if we can correct the error.

 

[AnOldUR]

As a Keystone Employee I apologize for the confusion and lack of explanation regarding the new Keystone Hops discount policy.

You do not need to present a membership card to receive your club discount; we can verify your membership status in our system. I've sent you a private message with more details about the policy, and to see if we can correct the error.

I wasn't on HBT for a little while and missed these posts. Looking back at what I wrote, I regret bringing it up on a public forum. Keystone Homebrew has been incredibly accommodating to my weirdness (special grain orders and . . . well, just weirdness.)

As for Keystone Hops the club, as much as I’d like another beer t-shirt, being an active member is not practical for me. I already have a local club, The ANNiHiLATED. I may be the only one thinking this, but it’s too bad the store doesn’t have a frequent buyers club. Pay a fee up front and get a discount and special offers. It would be an option for people who can’t or don’t have the desire to be active in the homebrew club, but still might motivate them to use the store more often.

 

[BeerMeDuffMan]

Monde Market opened a case of Black Note, single bottle limit, 10.38 after tax.
Just a friendly FYI

 

[Coff]

Heading over now, thanks for the heads up.

 

[BeerMeDuffMan]

Heading over now, thanks for the heads up.

I was the fifth person in getting it, so its going fast lol

 

[dfess1]

I may be the only one thinking this, but it’s too bad the store doesn’t have a frequent buyers club. Pay a fee up front and get a discount and special offers. It would be an option for people who can’t or don’t have the desire to be active in the homebrew club, but would still might motivate them to use the store more often.

I like that idea, get a shopper's club card! Get on that guys!

 

[TheCanisDirus]

I like that idea, get a shopper's club card! Get on that guys!

I'd also end up putting this to great use. +1

 

[gone_fishing]

Review on Tired Hands: Loved the building and atmosphere. Reminded me of an old time warehouse. No TVs. Decent music in the background. Our waiter was terrific. A little forgetful but otherwise very funny, nice, and timely with service. We have enjoyed our time and got sample plates of the cheese, meats, and pickles at different times. All very good though I couldn't really taste a different between the pickles.

As far as I am concerned the two beers worthwhile were the Black Saison and their Imperial Porter. Both were very good. The rest all had the exact same coloring and I felt were too similar.

This place was a Hipster heaven evidently. I saw some interesting outfits and people trying way to hard to look different yet going to a place where they all look the same.

Overall it was a good trip but I wouldn't go back unless I was in Ardmore already.

 

[jjp36]

Review on Tired Hands: Loved the building and atmosphere. Reminded me of an old time warehouse. No TVs. Decent music in the background. Our waiter was terrific. A little forgetful but otherwise very funny, nice, and timely with service. We have enjoyed our time and got sample plates of the cheese, meats, and pickles at different times. All very good though I couldn't really taste a different between the pickles.

As far as I am concerned the two beers worthwhile were the Black Saison and their Imperial Porter. Both were very good. The rest all had the exact same coloring and I felt were too similar.

This place was a Hipster heaven evidently. I saw some interesting outfits and people trying way to hard to look different yet going to a place where they all look the same.

Overall it was a good trip but I wouldn't go back unless I was in Ardmore already.

This is pretty much my feeling on tired hands. Most of the time when you go they'll have a couple really good/interesting beers on tap and a lot of hoppy beers that kind of taste the same. Every now any then when i go i'll catch them when they have a bunch of sour/brett/barrel aged stuff on tap though and its wonderful.

That place is a magnet for hipsters though.