New beers on board
Often, I get requests – as do the managers – for us to bring on beers that cannot be distributed to us. One beer that comes to mind is Alaskan Brewing Company’s Smoke Porter. In fact, I have been getting requests for the porter and the amber for 14 years. It’s that good – I know – I’ve had it several times and would stock it in a heartbeat, but still no luck……
A few reasons we can’t stock EVERY beer. 1 – a brewery is too small and it does not make sense for them to venture too far from home. (quality control and logistics) and 2 – it is not imported to the US (most good Australian beers are not) or 3 – the ABC has restricted it or a distributor does not want it. Seems odd that a distributor may not want a unique and wonderful beer, but remember main stream consumers still drink fizzy yellow beer and distributors want VOLUME. (We are blessed with some very good distributors that “get it” and are on board with this craft beer movement.)
The Saucer does not franchise for a reason. Our seasoned managers know beer – some more than others, but we certainly focus on beer as el numero uno. It takes passion to run a beer joint – passion for good beer. So, we focus on breweries that make a difference and we make friends with brewers from all over the world. We seek out rare liquid to satisfy your palate AND ours.
We will always work hard to scour the market in search of interesting, unique and fantastic beers. That is our commitment to you and to the Beer Movement that we have emersed ourselves into.
Cheers!
Speaking of requests for beer, can you comment on why Yuengling, a very popular beer in the north-east is not an option at FS?
I worked in Pittsburgh a few months back and that stuff was everywhere… I want too share with my Texas friends.
Javier
Houston Saucer – Member # 11105
Comment by Javier Horta — August 19, 2009 @ 3:17 pm
Javier –
Yuengling is very popular in the Northeast. It has a very strong following as it is the oldest functioning brewery in America (founded in 1829). Not to mention that it is also very easy to drink, much like Shiner Bock.
It is NOT a small brewery (1.2 M barrels annually), but they have not rolled out their product to us in Texas. That is why you cannot find it.
Say hello to Jake, Asa and the gang!
Cheers,
Keith
Comment by Keith — August 19, 2009 @ 3:51 pm
Captain Keith,
You have to add one of the most popular beers in Ireland: Bulmers! Known in the states as Magners, it’s a beautiful cider beer that goes down like champagne. Unlike Woodchuck, this is a very light cider and won’t make you sick to your stomach after just a couple. I miss it soooo much! You would make a lot of Irishmen and otherwise very very happy around here. There’s also a pear version that is even better, but I don’t believe it’s being distributed in the states at all.
The down side to all this is that the only distributor I can find anywhere near Little Rock (my home town) is actually in St. Louis, MO called “Summit Distributing.” I’ll be making the six hour drive up there next weekend to buy a few cases of Magners. I might share… a couple… with REALLY good friends.
It’s that good!
Comment by David Hudson — September 4, 2009 @ 2:14 pm