“Sultry”. “Decadent”.|
Unforgettable”.
Just a few of the superlatives used over the years to describe our Bourbon Barrel Sexual Chocolate Imperial Stout, which we will release on September 8th (draft) and 9th (bottles).
Following are frequently asked questions we get every year. If you’ve been with us before for this most special of days, then these details will no doubt be familiar to you. Read them anyway. If this is your first time, then congrats on scratching this particular shindig off your Craft Beer Bucket List. You too must read on carefully.
- So what exactly is the big deal about this beer?
We brew our Russian Imperial Stout, Sexual Chocolate, just once a year. A small portion of the yield goes into bourbon barrels (Buffalo Trace, in this case) , where it’s aged for several months. Then we put it in bottles and on tap. Then we drink it.
The beer has a 100 rating on RateBeer, a 96 rating on Beer advocate, and is often called one of the most sought after and coveted beers in America.
We traditionally tap our first keg Friday afternoon at 4pm, then have bottle sales on Saturday.
- I hear there’s a party the night before the release?
You are correct. Foothills will host its traditional Bottle Share Pre-Release Party on Friday night September 8th beginning around 7:00 pm, in the brewery portion of our pub at 638 West 4th Street in Winston-Salem. Here’s how it works: we open up the party to anyone and everyone who brings a bottle or two (or three or four) of their favorite rare, unique or coveted craft beer. Interpretation of that description is up to you, but show up with a six pack of any ol’ suds and we’re not responsible for the incessant mocking which will inevitably ensue. Barrel Aged Sexual Chocolate will be on tap at the bar, and we’ll have appetizers to snack on if you’re famished.
- What are the rules for getting in line for bottle purchase?
The line to buy BA Sexual Chocolate bombers (22-oz. bottles) will begin on the sidewalk outside the front door of the pub. You’re welcome to queue up any time after we close at 2:00 am the previous evening. (For once you don’t have to actually go home at closing time.) NOTE: do not, repeat, DO NOT, start lining up before we close. Please and thank you.
- Any rules while I’m in line?
Only the Golden Rule. Treat your line mates as you would like to be treated.
City police officers will be on hand overnight – no doubt this will prove to be for cosmetic purposes only, since we all know what a well-behaved lot craft beer enthusiasts are. There’s a rumor that those nice officers will let you enjoy your own, um, refreshments until daylight. We can neither confirm nor deny . . . we will, however, refer you to the aforementioned good behavior. #winkwinknudgenudge
- Can I pitch a tent in line?
As long as it’s not one of those 10-person monstrosities, yes you can bring a tent. The 2-man type works best. We’ve seen everything in line from sleeping bags to lounge chairs to blow-up mattresses. Let your comfort be your guide. That and the weather – overnight lows are usually in the high 50s – low 60s.
- Any restroom facilities available overnight?
There will be portable restroom facilities in the back parking lot. We’re thoughtful like that. Please pay that thoughtfulness forward during your use of them.
- How is the bottle purchase organized?
Around 6:30 am we will rouse you for a brisk round of calisthenics. Just kidding. We will, though, distribute numbered wristbands at that time to denote your place in line. (Captain Obvious says make sure you have your ID with you.) We’ll also have some schwag to pass out as a ‘thank you’ to those brave souls who spent the night on (or near) the ground.
- What’s the best time for me to get in line and be assured a bottle?
Ah, that most frequently asked of the frequently asked questions.
Here’s what we can tell you: bottles tend to get snapped up quickly. That will probably continue to be the case this year. We politely suggest that, if you want to partake in this beer, please plan accordingly (“wow they put that in bold italics they must be serious”). If you show up at 4:00 in the afternoon and complain bitterly that there’s none left, you will only create bad karma for yourself. That and the staff will be doing impressions of you until next year’s release.
- How about if I ask on social media what the best time to line up is?
Another way to create bad karma. Trying to take the easy way out and asking us on Facebook/Twitter the best time to get in line/show up is not in tune with the spirit of this event. Please believe us when we say WE DON’T KNOW. Every year is different. So suck it up and come stand in line. Hang out. Make friends. Be one with us.
- When does the pub open on Saturday?
The pub will open at 8:00 am. Barrel Aged Sexual Chocolate will be tapped and waiting (as will 14 other beers – viva le variété). We’ll also have breakfast available for purchase. You know, solid food. If that’s your thing.
Bottle sales will commence at 9:00 am. You’ll be summoned by your wristband number in groups of 50, whereafter you’ll pay for your bottles in the pub, then proceed in somewhat orderly fashion to the brewery in back, where you’ll receive your beer. IMPORTANT: once you receive your beer, we kindly ask that you exit the rear of the building instead of heading straight back into the pub. Keeps the line from devolving into anarchy.
- How many bottles can I buy and how much are they?
Bottle limit this year is 12 (double last year’s limit!). Bottles are $20 each. We take all forms of payment — cash, credit cards, your firstborn…
- Will you give me something to carry my beer in?
While we are emptying case boxes as we go, we don’t guarantee a box or bag to stash your bottles – doing so would expand our carbon footprint exponentially. Please bring something to safely cart away your newly purchased liquid treasures, just to be safe. How big you ask? About (insert number of bottles you plan to buy) bottles big.
Can I get growler fills of Barrel Aged Sexual Chocolate?
No growler fills of Barrel Aged Sexual Chocolate. And no growling about no growler fills.
- Will you have any other cool stuff for sale?
Why yes, we’ll have plenty of Sexual Chocolate Rastal Teku glasses for sale ($15). They’re very cool. Somehow the beer seems to taste better in them. We’ll also have an assortment of merchandise, including Sexual Chocolate long and short sleeve t-shirts.
Our Tasting Room will also be getting in on the fun with their Barrel Aged Sexual Chocolate Draft Release Party. They’ll tap their kegs on Friday afternoon September 8th at 4pm when they open. La Vie En Rose food truck will be there, with a special “breakfast for dinner” menu, and there will be live music from Triad favorites Bad Hombres (with members from Big Daddy Love) 7-10pm.
Want to stay up to date on all the latest leading up to this event? Then follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Also check back to this blog, we’ll update it frequently with new info. In fact I just now added this sentence.
Curious about the history of Sexual Chocolate? Read all about it here. Or watch an incredibly hip video about it here.
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