PLEASE let the Northern Brewer buy-out be a hoax!

[ericbw]

Nope, just money. I'm sure the actual brewers want to make good beer but the corp just wants to make money. I wouldn't be surprised at all to find out the first conversation that takes place any time they purchase a little guy is "how much of the grain bill can we replace with rice/corn". If they wanted to make good beer they easily could given their resources.

I'm sure there are people within any company that just want to count the money. And I am sure there are people who want to deliver a good product. And there are likely some who want to deliver it while reducing costs.

The actual brewers are the worst. They just go in to work and punch the clock to make money. If they believed in their "craft," they would be homebrewers and not take filthy money for it. (That part is sarcasm, this is not They go to work to make money, like all the rest of us. It happens that some companies have products that a lot of people want, so they make a lot of money.

 

[Homercidal]

Maybe BMC bought a brewery with a name similar to Northern Brewer?

 

[ericbw]

well please enlighten us, so we can save some money. I've looked at NB at least 5 times vs more beer on orders greater then $59, always 20% plus higher. Just compare 50 lbs of Briess 2 row: NB=$74.50 plus 7.99 shipping vs MB = $53 plus free shipping. Is there a secret handshake to get better prices?

When I look at Morebeer, it won't even let me add grain to the cart. It's 37.99 for a bulk sack, but since you can't add it, is that eligible for free shipping?

 

[jekeane]

I feel bad for people without local homebrew stores. My shop carries just about everything at around or less than the cost of the online retailers and there is obviously no shipping. Bulk hops direct from suppliers and fixed priced items (ssbrewtech etc) that a lhbs can't get any margin on, are all I buy online.


I also love the people who fuss about InBev but forgo their local shop to buy at online retailers.

Edit: I have received a surprising amount of comments on this so let me clarify. If your shop is just a bad business well that is there fault and they don't deserve your money. $2.50/lb for grain while online it's $1.50/lb again that is a problem with the lhbs.

Now if your lhbs is $50 total and the online mega store is $40-$45 then I believe you should still be shopping local. This is just my opinion and it is what I try to do infall of my purchasing endeavors. (shop local (and in season) whenever economically possible)

 

[NoIguanaForZ]

I feel bad for people without local homebrew stores. My shop carries just about everything at around or less than the cost of the online retailers and there is obviously no shipping. Bulk hops direct from suppliers and fixed priced items (ssbrewtech etc) that a lhbs can't get any margin on, are all I buy online.

So you never find yourself wanting a specialty grain or a (non-bulk) hop that your LHBS doesn't carry?

Really?

 

[MaxStout]

Not seeing a reference here....?

Manfred1974 is a troll. Joined HBT yesterday and dropped in to write one post--no link or other reference.

I'll believe the story when I see some industry verification.

 

[ericbw]

Manfred1974 is a troll. Joined HBT yesterday and dropped in to write one post--no link or other reference.

I'll believe the story when I see some industry verification.

A troll? On this forum?? It truly is the end of days...

 

[ericbw]

I feel bad for people without local homebrew stores. My shop carries just about everything at around or less than the cost of the online retailers and there is obviously no shipping. Bulk hops direct from suppliers and fixed priced items (ssbrewtech etc) that a lhbs can't get any margin on, are all I buy online.


I also love the people who fuss about InBev but forgo their local shop to buy at online retailers.

I agree on this. I have several good shops nearby, and I try to give them business, even if it costs a little more. I go online for some gear because they either can't compete or don't carry the things I want. But for ingredients, I almost always go to the store.

Hops distributors usually have fresher and different hops. Otherwise it's all Hop Union, which is fine.

I do my best to support the little guys, though!

 

[markstache]

Title needs more caps. -100 troll points.

 

[kristiismean]

Running a "Business" that is in the industry you "love" will hopefully be profitable

Running a "Business" because you "love" the industry usually will not.

also, there is no such thing as "Selling out"

if, big IF (since I cannot find proof of this either, legal header is still "Copyright ©2016 Northern Brewer, LLC. All Rights Reserved"

and if InBev was going to buy a homebrew site, it's because they are profitable. On a side note, they would probably only be purchasing the online site, and leaving the brick and mortar sites out of the deal.

 

[Boogogee]

Domain Name: NORTHERNBREWER.COM
Registry Domain ID: 7270838_DOMAIN_COM-VRSN
Registrar WHOIS Server: whois.networksolutions.com
Registrar URL: http://networksolutions.com
Updated Date: 2016-09-07T17:28:38Z
Creation Date: 1999-06-16T04:00:00Z
Registrar Registration Expiration Date: 2022-06-16T04:00:00Z
Registrar: NETWORK SOLUTIONS, LLC.
Registrar IANA ID: 2
Registrar Abuse Contact Email: [email protected]
Registrar Abuse Contact Phone: +1.8003337680
Reseller:
Domain Status: clientTransferProhibited https://icann.org/epp#clientTransferProhibited
Registry Registrant ID:
Registrant Name: Northern Brewer, LLC
Registrant Organization: Northern Brewer, LLC
Registrant Street: 2221 Highway 36 W
Registrant City: Roseville
Registrant State/Province: MN
Registrant Postal Code: 55113-3856
Registrant Country: US
Registrant Phone: 800-681-2739
Registrant Phone Ext:
Registrant Fax:
Registrant Fax Ext:
Registrant Email: [email protected]
Registry Admin ID:
Admin Name: Farley, Christopher
Admin Organization: Northern Brewer, LLC
Admin Street: 2221 Highway 36 W
Admin City: Roseville
Admin State/Province: MN
Admin Postal Code: 55113-3856
Admin Country: US
Admin Phone: +1.8006812739
Admin Phone Ext:
Admin Fax:
Admin Fax Ext:
Admin Email: [email protected]
Registry Tech ID:
Tech Name: Farley, Christopher
Tech Organization: Northern Brewer, LLC
Tech Street: 2221 Highway 36 W
Tech City: Roseville
Tech State/Province: MN
Tech Postal Code: 55113-3856
Tech Country: US
Tech Phone: +1.8006812739
Tech Phone Ext:
Tech Fax:
Tech Fax Ext:
Tech Email: [email protected]
Name Server: NS-1194.AWSDNS-21.ORG
Name Server: NS-1648.AWSDNS-14.CO.UK
Name Server: NS-464.AWSDNS-58.COM
Name Server: NS-798.AWSDNS-35.NET
DNSSEC: Unsigned

Domain information remains the same. Chris still owns the domain at least.

 

[pvpeacock]

Manfred1974 is a troll. Joined HBT yesterday and dropped in to write one post--no link or other reference.

I'll believe the story when I see some industry verification.

I'm confused. Manfred1974 didn't start this thread.

 

[ImNoExpert]

Domain Name: NORTHERNBREWER.COM
Registry Domain ID: 7270838_DOMAIN_COM-VRSN
Registrar WHOIS Server: whois.networksolutions.com
Registrar URL: http://networksolutions.com
Updated Date: 2016-09-07T17:28:38Z
Creation Date: 1999-06-16T04:00:00Z
Registrar Registration Expiration Date: 2022-06-16T04:00:00Z
Registrar: NETWORK SOLUTIONS, LLC.

Network Solutions? Beer is a solution. In Bev makes the most beer! In Bev owns network solutions which now owns Northern Brewer!

We're through the looking glass here, people!!1!11!1!

 

[ericbw]

Domain Name: NORTHERNBREWER.COM
Registry Domain ID: 7270838_DOMAIN_COM-VRSN
Registrar WHOIS Server: whois.networksolutions.com
Registrar URL: http://networksolutions.com
Updated Date: 2016-09-07T17:28:38Z
Creation Date: 1999-06-16T04:00:00Z
Registrar Registration Expiration Date: 2022-06-16T04:00:00Z
Registrar: NETWORK SOLUTIONS, LLC.
Registrar IANA ID: 2
Registrar Abuse Contact Email: [email protected]
Registrar Abuse Contact Phone: +1.8003337680
Reseller:
Domain Status: clientTransferProhibited https://icann.org/epp#clientTransferProhibited
Registry Registrant ID:
Registrant Name: Northern Brewer, LLC
Registrant Organization: Northern Brewer, LLC
Registrant Street: 2221 Highway 36 W
Registrant City: Roseville
Registrant State/Province: MN
Registrant Postal Code: 55113-3856
Registrant Country: US
Registrant Phone: 800-681-2739
Registrant Phone Ext:
Registrant Fax:
Registrant Fax Ext:
Registrant Email: [email protected]
Registry Admin ID:
Admin Name: Farley, Christopher
Admin Organization: Northern Brewer, LLC
Admin Street: 2221 Highway 36 W
Admin City: Roseville
Admin State/Province: MN
Admin Postal Code: 55113-3856
Admin Country: US
Admin Phone: +1.8006812739
Admin Phone Ext:
Admin Fax:
Admin Fax Ext:
Admin Email: [email protected]
Registry Tech ID:
Tech Name: Farley, Christopher
Tech Organization: Northern Brewer, LLC
Tech Street: 2221 Highway 36 W
Tech City: Roseville
Tech State/Province: MN
Tech Postal Code: 55113-3856
Tech Country: US
Tech Phone: +1.8006812739
Tech Phone Ext:
Tech Fax:
Tech Fax Ext:
Tech Email: [email protected]
Name Server: NS-1194.AWSDNS-21.ORG
Name Server: NS-1648.AWSDNS-14.CO.UK
Name Server: NS-464.AWSDNS-58.COM
Name Server: NS-798.AWSDNS-35.NET
DNSSEC: Unsigned

Domain information remains the same. Chris still owns the domain at least.

The company can still operate as it was, just owned by another entity. But I'm not saying it's true.

 

[chopandbrew]

Let's not act like - at this point in time - our hobby isn't an industry above all else. Unless we all start growing our own hops and malts, we pretty much have to play the game to keep brewing the beer we love at home. We all know it wouldn't be the first time NB (or other online homebrew powerhouses) have had under-the-radar business dealings in the form of buy-out/merger. It's not their requirement to make anything public and, in the end, they don't really owe anyone an explanation. IF it is true... I'm not sure why it would come to a surprise to anyone that InBev would turn to homebrewing eventually as part of its push into buying and owning craft breweries.

 

[akthor]

Same here but I almost can never fill my grain bill at one LHBS. Now that I am moving from a 10 gallon system to a 1 bbl one I am fearing this will get even worse. While I am lucky to have 3 shops to choose from they are not conveniently near each other with 2 being an hour in the opposite direction.

I agree on this. I have several good shops nearby, and I try to give them business, even if it costs a little more. I go online for some gear because they either can't compete or don't carry the things I want. But for ingredients, I almost always go to the store.

Hops distributors usually have fresher and different hops. Otherwise it's all Hop Union, which is fine.

I do my best to support the little guys, though!

 

[beernutz]

I don't believe the buyout happened but if it did I hope it is because InBev has applied a "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" strategy.

 

[brewcat]

Same here but I almost can never fill my grain bill at one LHBS. Now that I am moving from a 10 gallon system to a 1 bbl one I am fearing this will get even worse. While I am lucky to have 3 shops to choose from they are not conveniently near each other with 2 being an hour in the opposite direction.

Just call ahead and have them order the grains you need.

 

[flars]

Has anyone called NB and asked the question?

 

[ten80]

Maybe BMC bought a brewery with a name similar to Northern Brewer?

Great Northern Brewing Company in Australia

according to:
http://qz.com/522694/these-are-the-224-beer-brands-now-owned-by-just-one-company/

 

[ericbw]

Has anyone called NB and asked the question?

And end this thread? What is WRONG with you, man??!

 

[ericbw]

Great Northern Brewing Company in Australia

according to:
http://qz.com/522694/these-are-the-224-beer-brands-now-owned-by-just-one-company/

Scroll down and read the next article. It looks like David Crosby won a Nobel Prize in Physics.

 

[rtracer]

Not that I give a SH!$, but I used NB's chat feature to ask where the heck my order was that I placed last Tuesday and asked them, response I received was...

"I can't comment about any potential business partnerships. I can tell you that we're always exploring ways to grow NB and the homebrewing supply market"

 

[jekeane]

So you never find yourself wanting a specialty grain or a (non-bulk) hop that your LHBS doesn't carry?

Really?

There has never been a time since i discovered bulk hops that I would buy a non bulk hop from an online vendor. Online vendors like NB charge out of control price per oz. The cheapest hop per oz they have is $1.99 (for Magnum for example which you can get $9/lb). My lhbs sells that for about $1.00 / oz.Buy 3oz of miscellaneous hops that $6 + $8 shipping you are now at $14 for 3oz of hops there are many places online that will buy you a lb of magnum shipped.

As for specialty grains there certainly are some grains my labs doesn't carry but all I have to do is ask and they will order for me. They do have a hard time getting a few things like certain english crystal malts. And at that point I will buy from the most competitive online vendor and I will buy enough to store and last me for multiple brews.

I get it if your local store isn't good or is run by jerks. But I know way to many people in my neck of the woods that fuss about the big bad boogeyman InBev but don't spend their money at either of the two lhbs.

 

[jabba11]

well please enlighten us, so we can save some money. I've looked at NB at least 5 times vs more beer on orders greater then $59, always 20% plus higher. Just compare 50 lbs of Briess 2 row: NB=$74.50 plus 7.99 shipping vs MB = $53 plus free shipping. Is there a secret handshake to get better prices?

uhhh buy it in bulk not buy th epound. Search their grains for bulk sacks

 

[jabba11]

well please enlighten us, so we can save some money. I've looked at NB at least 5 times vs more beer on orders greater then $59, always 20% plus higher. Just compare 50 lbs of Briess 2 row: NB=$74.50 plus 7.99 shipping vs MB = $53 plus free shipping. Is there a secret handshake to get better prices?

22.41 shipping to my house makes a sack about 57 bucks. I hope you are enllightend

 

[jabba11]

also theres almost always some kind of code I use.

 

[Johow]

My local home brew store is within walking distance of my house so I will continue to support the local guy. He cares about his customers and goes the extra mile to see that we are happy, so I will try to keep him happy as well. It's good for both of us as well as the other local brewers that I have met because of his store.

 

[WestCoastBrew]

Not too sure why they would want a homebrew supply provider.

 

[bob1852]

Not too sure why they would want a homebrew supply provider.

It's their master plan to force us to drink Bud Light.

You see, once they crumble the crafter breweries, they'll need to crush the homebrewers.

Their plan is going well. I mean, I only counted about 46 different IPA's at my grocery store the other day...