From Dan:After lengthy discussions and consideration, we've decided not to hold our annual Open House this year. We know this will come as a disappointment to many, HOWEVER, your welcome to stop in any Saturday from Noon to 3 for samples and/or tours. You do NOT need to take the tour to sample, just amble right up to our sampling bar and you'll be able to taste 10 or more different styles on any given Saturday. AND, you can mix-n- match your own variety case any Saturday, just like at Open Houses in the past. Many beer fans are still unaware that we're here every Saturday for just these reasons.
Why did we choose not to hold the Open House? Last year we experienced such large crowds that people were standing in lines 50 deep or more at some stations. Many people were unable to sample all of the beers due to the heavy crowds and long lines. With even more equipment and raw goods inventory filling the brewery this year things would have been even tighter. We simply felt it was no longer a great experience for beer fans, whereas any Saturday there may be only 30 to 40 people present and much more time to interact with staff and sample the beers at leisure.
We even considered renting a tent (very expensive & subject to cold weather) as well as a few other options. All options required more expense, more personnel to give a fulfilling experience and more logistical considerations than made it worth while. While we aren't ruling out the possibilities in future years, we are ruling it out for 2009. As a small brewery we hope we'll have your continued support for our mission here on Saturdays, as well as at your favorite beer store.
While my first reaction is of disappointment, I certainly can and will not argue the point they make about their Saturdays being a better experience, as well as providing a better opportunity to purchase their beers.
ReplyDeleteI've only been to the last two open houses, and even in that one year span, the amount of visitors exploded. I can see the same trend on Saturdays (maybe much of that has to do with warm weather as well).
I'd agree Cody...the normal Saturday is much more intimate and much more enjoyable....the openhouses tend to be a little frustrating dealing with the crowd...makes sense to me.
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