Rant - What the frig is up with overpriced pints at the brewpub?

[hogwash]

It is obvious you don't know Jester King beers. I wouldn't buy the Petit Prince at the brewery, its good and I've had it, but I'd be buying the rare sours. And yes, I'd gladly pay $15-$18 a bomber for barrel aged sours better than any other sours I've tried. All JK beer is barrel aged, it is all farmhouse yeast, and the rare stuff is all kinds of crazy good sours.

Yeah but see, the flaw here is that you're talking about barrel aged sours which take time, rare yeast, etc. They are special beers and deserve a special price. I would totally expect to pay that much for something like that. The $7 pint that inspired this thread is an IPA. No barrel aging, no souring, 6.5% so no huge grain bill, don't know the hops or IBUs so I can't reckon on the hopping.

 

[hogwash]

Whatever happened to responsibility and false sense of entitlement? Why is it the brewery's fault for charging $7? It's a free market, they can charge whatever the hell they feel like charging. It's up to them to develop a legitimate business plan, including product costs, that keeps them in business and profitable. If people are willing to spend $7 on a pint of their beer, why in the world would they charge less? It's not about raw material cost, it's about market value. You don't want to spend $7 on a pint? Then go somewhere that's cheaper. That's beauty of craft beer... there are tons of bars, pubs, and breweries trying to earn your business. Blaming the brewery because you don't agree with the price is asinine. No one is making you purchase it, and there are plenty of other options.

Fun story. When the Concorde was first introduced, they weren't entirely sure how much to charge per seat as it was an entirely new realm. So they charged what they believed people would be willing to pay. Eventually, someone came up with a brilliant idea: They held a survey and asked people what they believed a ticket aboard the Concorde actually cost. They found out that most people believed the ticket prices were HIGHER than they actually were. What did Air France and British Airways do? They hiked their ticket prices to match what was expected and it's established market value.

I agree with you. I don't think I said or implied, or at least I never meant to, that he should lower his prices. He can do whatever he wants as can I.

 

[hogwash]

I really really like to ask for tasters of a new beer before paying--

I do this too, I have a feeling this new place doesn't offer free tasters since he has a 4oz option on his menu. Another flaw, I think, but that's for another thread probably.

 

[CycloneinCarolina]

I have to second that $7 is rather pricy for a 6.5% pint.

Our new brewery in Columbia SC has a tap room, I believe their pints are $4+tx.

I was drinking Skullpin IPA for $2/pt last night

MC

Just curious, what do you think about Conquest? I haven't been all that impressed so far but the rest of Cola apparently loves everything they make.

 

[hogwash]

If we don't support the local homebrew shops and local breweries, then they'll go away pretty quick. I don't think anybody's getting rich by running a homebrew shop.

True, but it's like any other business. You have to offer a good product, good selection, good service, and fair prices if you expect people to keep coming back. I mean I'll cut an LHBS and a small locally owned brewery a little slack but the positives need to outweigh the negatives.

 

[ktblunden]

True, but it's like any other business. You have to offer a good product, good selection, good service, and fair prices if you expect people to keep coming back. I mean I'll cut an LHBS and a small locally owned brewery a little slack but the positives need to outweigh the negatives.

I agree with this, but your first post eliminated the brewery based on price without knowing anything about any of the other variables there.

 

[hogwash]

I agree with this, but your first post eliminated the brewery based on price without knowing anything about any of the other variables there.

True, I was a little wound up when I wrote that and was being a little extreme. I have since reconsidered. But the $7 IPA is a big negative in my opinion.

 

[Mongrel]

It's not a "duty" per se, but we as craft beer lovers and homebrewers should understand more than many that this is a niche market and as such, there's not a universal demand for these products.

If we don't support the local homebrew shops and local breweries, then they'll go away pretty quick. I don't think anybody's getting rich by running a homebrew shop.

It's not a niche market here. Oregon Brewers Guild: nearly one out of two pints across the bar is Oregon-brewed.

 

[ktblunden]

True, I was a little wound up when I wrote that and was being a little extreme. I have since reconsidered. But the $7 IPA is a big negative in my opinion.

Understandable. I fly off the handle at stuff all the time. My wife has to just weather my ranting until I calm down enough to realize it isn't that big a deal after all.

 

[MarshmallowBlue]

Around Boston, 7 dollars is the going for anything middle of the road (sam adams, allagash white, etc) and goes up from there for anything real crafty.

 

[xjmox14x]

That is pretty much what those of us that think $7 is too much are saying.

We would chose to spend our money elsewhere.

Saying a brewery or any other business, for that matter, is charging too much for their product is not asinine. It is making a statement based on perceived value.

True, asinine was a poor choice of wording. Your perceived value is likely different from many others'. There are people in this world that will spend over $500 on a pair of Jordan basketball shoes. My perceived value is nowhere NEAR theirs, but if people are willing the spend the money, then so be it.

 

[the_trout]

This thread has been fun to see all the differen beer prices people pay. I live in San Francisco and the cheapest craft happy hour beer I have experienced is $3 Bear Republic's IPA Racer 5 on draft. I envy the $2 Sculpin. That beer is ridiculously expensive here and I don't buy it.

Here in Upstate NY a bottle of Racer 5 is likely to run $6.50 if your lucky enough to find a bar that has it. On the flip side beers from Victory, Southern Tier and Great Lakes are often found on tap at $2.50 for happy hour.

 

[gr8shandini]

. . .
I'll never understand the perspective that we, as beer lovers and brewers, are duty bound to support a new brewery or the LHBS. I will certainly support something if it's good and at a fair price but it's a one hand washes the other kind of thing. As a consumer, I need to feel like I'm getting a fair deal. And I know I said I'm a cheapskate in an earlier post but I'm really not, I just want to be treated fairly and I will return the favor tenfold.

I was never saying that you should blindly support a business just because it's local. As I mentioned earlier, the only brewpub within two hours of where I live draws a crowd because it's unique, but I'm the first to tell folks (if I'm asked) that their beer is crap. You gotta call 'em as you see 'em.

Rather, I was trying to say that one should give everyone a fair shake, even if you're initially taken aback by their prices. $7 for an IPA is a little steep, but if it's a mind-blowing, life-altering brew, you're cheating yourself by not giving it a shot. The chances of it being that are fairly low, but for me, it's worth the money to take the chance.

I would be concerned, however, when you mentioned that they were charging for tasters. A shot glass full of beer costs you next to nothing and I'd consider it money well spent to make sure that a new customer doesn't end up trying to choke down something they don't enjoy. To try to nickel and dime someone for something that should be on the house is kind of shady.

 

[hogwash]

I would be concerned, however, when you mentioned that they were charging for tasters. A shot glass full of beer costs you next to nothing and I'd consider it money well spent to make sure that a new customer doesn't end up trying to choke down something they don't enjoy. To try to nickel and dime someone for something that should be on the house is kind of shady.

I don't know if that's true, that's my pessimism coming through and I probably shouldn't have even said anything. I just saw the pic of their menu and they have 4oz pours for however much $$ and it made me wonder. Could be that they will pour you a swallow or two.

I'm heading to Maine for the week (Maine Beer Co., here we come!) so I won't get a chance to go in but will try them when I get back.

 

[bulldogbrewhaus]

I will probably go over sometime and see what they are like just for something new. I'll let you know how it is once I've gone. Might wait until Shenandoah is open so I can hit them both at the same time. Haven't made it to Champion yet, I don't get over to Charlottesville too much anymore. I've had a few of the 3 Bros, the VA Dark is pretty good, the Coffee Breath is pretty much truth in advertising - tastes like cold, carbonated coffee, and the Great Outdoors I thought was too sulfury but lagers aren't really my thing in the first place. Haven't had the Hoptimization, hopefully I'll get to try it soon.

Have you been to Heritage On Main here in the 'boro? They have 22 taps and only 2 or 3 are BMC beers. Tall for the price of a small, $4.50, during happy hour, 4 to 7 I think. The food is pretty good too.

Champion is pretty solid. Haven't had anything I disliked from there, and their Missle IPA is solid. I go to Heritage to watch UFC fights and I have been pleasantly suprised by their tap selection. There is also a new place in cville that just opened called Sedona Tap House, haven't been yet but they are supposed to have something like 50 beers on tap.

 

[Fennis]

Mainer here. Maine Beer Company is a good choice, their beers are just fantastic. Not sure where you are planning on staying, but the Portland area has a few breweries you can try out. Shipyard isn't exactly my favorite, but they have a decent tour. There is also Allagash to check out. In South Portland Sebago Brewing has a nice brewpub. If you go up the pike about 30 minutes to Lewiston there is Baxter Brewing Company and they are really putting out some good beers--and they only sell it in cans in the store. If you make it to Bar Harbor, I suggest you try out Atlantic Brewing Company. Their tour is pretty thorough, their tasting room is great and they also make a bunch of sodas that kids can try out so they feel like they are part of the tour too.

In response to your original post, $7 for a pint isn't out of the ordinary around here for something better than a BMC. When I am out and order a beer, I always think to myself for $2-$3 more I could have a six-pack, but what are you going to do.

 

[Gameface]

I would be concerned, however, when you mentioned that they were charging for tasters. A shot glass full of beer costs you next to nothing and I'd consider it money well spent to make sure that a new customer doesn't end up trying to choke down something they don't enjoy. To try to nickel and dime someone for something that should be on the house is kind of shady.

In Utah they can't give you a free pour. We had to fight to be able to get a flight of samples because there's a 1 drink per customer at a time rule.

 

[bulldogbrewhaus]

I'm heading to Maine for the week (Maine Beer Co., here we come!) so I won't get a chance to go in but will try them when I get back.

Smuttynose is right on the way....just sayin...

 

[Yellowirenut]

My parents visited the new brew pub in there town with some friends. they are not much into beer but one of there friends is.
According to mother -
Rather large glass of beer is $5 (i am going to assume its a pint)
gourmet popcorn is $5 for about two cups worth.
Glass of generic white wine $8
She mentioned a small snack tray also but not sure what was all on it. I think $10

So it sounds as if the pints are priced good and within expectation for tourist season. Its the price for food that seems a bit high. If I am going to have more than one pint then I enjoy snacking on something or a hearty sandwich. Price wont be a deal breaker for me but the food cost will limit the number of pints I have.

 

[HBngNOK]

I agree that 7 dollars a pint sounds high, but a friggin Whopper at Burger King today was darn near 4 bucks. Maybe it's a sign of the times. I remember when 32 cents a gallon for gas was high !!

 

[Shakybones]

I agree that 7 dollars a pint sounds high, but a friggin Whopper at Burger King today was darn near 4 bucks. Maybe it's a sign of the times. I remember when 32 cents a gallon for gas was high !!

You kids better get off that guy's lawn!

 

[ktblunden]

My parents visited the new brew pub in there town with some friends. they are not much into beer but one of there friends is.
According to mother -
Rather large glass of beer is $5 (i am going to assume its a pint)
gourmet popcorn is $5 for about two cups worth.
Glass of generic white wine $8
She mentioned a small snack tray also but not sure what was all on it. I think $10

So it sounds as if the pints are priced good and within expectation for tourist season. Its the price for food that seems a bit high. If I am going to have more than one pint then I enjoy snacking on something or a hearty sandwich. Price wont be a deal breaker for me but the food cost will limit the number of pints I have.

One of my biggest issues with brewpubs these days is the overpriced "gourmet" food model. I like to sit in a brewery, drink beer, and eat bar food, not nibble daintily on a $27 3 ounce portion of duck confit or whatever. Stone is one of the worst offenders and seems to have set the bar (at least in CA) for brewpub menus. I'm less likely to return to a brewery that costs me a fortune to eat at than I am to return to one that offers reasonably priced nachos or potato skins or something similar.

 

[CreamyGoodness]

One of my biggest issues with brewpubs these days is the overpriced "gourmet" food model. I like to sit in a brewery, drink beer, and eat bar food, not nibble daintily on a $27 3 ounce portion of duck confit or whatever. Stone is one of the worst offenders and seems to have set the bar (at least in CA) for brewpub menus. I'm less likely to return to a brewery that costs me a fortune to eat at than I am to return to one that offers reasonably priced nachos or potato skins or something similar.

You call this an issue, would you not agree that the market can support both types of pubs though?

 

[ktblunden]

You call this an issue, would you not agree that the market can support both types of pubs though?

It certainly can. And I'm more likely to choose the brewpub with cheaper, less pretentious food. Won't stop me from trying the beers in a place, but it will stop me from spending a long time there.

 

[CreamyGoodness]

You arent the first I have heard lamenting less fussy brewpub options. Sounds like there is a real market opp. for those that have the capital/investors.

 

[ktblunden]

You call this an issue, would you not agree that the market can support both types of pubs though?

Also, you overlooked an important word in my post:

One of my biggest issues...

I didn't say it was a universal issue, I said I had an issue with it. Others may enjoy that sort of thing, more power to them.

 

[ktblunden]

You arent the first I have heard lamenting less fussy brewpub options. Sounds like there is a real market opp. for those that have the capital/investors.

Absolutely. Lagunitas is one of our favorite breweries specifically because of its laid back atmosphere and more approachable food menu. Awesome pulled pork nachos, btw.

 

[evrose]

It certainly can. And I'm more likely to choose the brewpub with cheaper, less pretentious food. Won't stop me from trying the beers in a place, but it will stop me from spending a long time there.

Lucky for you, there are Chili's and Buffalo Wild Wings just about everywhere.

In MY experience, the more casual brewpub is the norm, with places like Stone being the rare outlier. I credit Stone for bringing a brewery experience to a higher end environment and expanding the demographics of people who will go to a brewery for food and drinks. Pre-Stone, brewpub food was almost always low-end, greasy, nacho-junk (which I love from time to time). Stone showed that it doesn't have to be that way. They've done a lot to expand the market and offer options.

 

[CreamyGoodness]

I reread my original post. Not only does the tone sound like I am looking for an argument (I wasnt), I'm not even entirely sure why I made the post at all. Maybe I heard duck confit and got all excited

 

[ktblunden]

Lucky for you, there are Chili's just about everywhere.

Yeah, I enjoy paying $6 for a "pint" of Sierra Nevada. Or I could ask them to ruin a margarita by dumping a little bottle of Corona in it.

In your area I'd say Pizza Port is an excellent brewpub and Lost Abbey is one of my absolute favorite taprooms. Also, Stone has one of the most amazing outdoor spaces I've ever seen at a brewery, but the food prices mean I sit at the bar. And usually break down and get Ruination Cheddar Soup because it's amazing.

EDIT: You edited your post before I quoted. Understand that I make a clear distinction between well made bar food and the greasy crap you find in most chains. I don't begrudge Stone their stance on quality and freshness, but I want them to at least give me the option of more "normal" options as well as their upscale offerings.