Ugh...
Seriously? Is it becoming that time again...where breweries are releasing beer in the wrong season and there's another rant by me on this platform? I know, it's here to stay and I probably shouldn't mention anything, but holy shit this is just irritating.
My good friend Dan is obsessed with everything pumpkin. Pumpkin beer, pumpkin bread, pumpkin soup, pumpkin everything. I don't blame him though. The dude buys a case of Southern Tier's Pumking (which for the record is a f'n awesome beer) and enjoys it year round. Sarah also makes a ridiculous pumpkin soup. However, Dan posted on Facebook today that Weyerbacher, who claims their "...beer is more pumpkin-y than yours," will be releasing their Imperial Pumpkin on Friday July 12th.
Now, I get it. I really do. I was a business major in college and I see sales and their practices on a daily basis. Breweries are a business and they are out to make money, some for shareholders, all for stakeholders, and they're always trying to get the edge on the market. But, it seems every year beers are being released earlier and earlier and usually it's most notable with the "fall beers."
There are two HUGE culprits for seasonal shift: Industry Leaders and consumers. The industry leaders push their high selling products to market earlier each season looking to get the edge. And it's not just "fall beers" - the Spring seasonal are released in December, the Summer beer is available in April, and before you know it the Winter beers are going to hit the market in September. Consumers only further this by demanding the product and are there to buy the beer once available.
The whole thing boggles my mind. I mean, it shouldn't because this is clearly not the first time I've posted about this. I will, however, try to make it my last one.
Again, to read an eloquent explanation of seasonal shift, please visit the Notch Brewing website and read brewer Chris Lohring's post "The Death of Seasonal Beers."
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5 comments:
As Dan, the above mentioned poster, I feel the need to submit a counter point. Yes, it is summer. Yes, we are in the middle of a heat wave, and yes, autumn is more than a few weeks away.
However, you make my point yourself, by stating that market demand is what pushes sales each year. Consumers have voted with their dollars, and autumn in July is here to stay.
I love pumpkin. Everything you stated about me is true. But the answer is simple: if you don't want to drink beers out of season, then don't. But allow those of us obsessed with our pumpkin (or spring or summer, depending on the season) beers to rejoice in this early offering! Cheers!
I think we're stuck with this no matter what. I may have to buy my fall beer in July but it doesn't mean I have to drink it them! I get a collection of my favorite fall craft beers together and save them for a nice, crisp fall day to drink. : )
I don't want to buy it, but I'm afraid when I'm ready it will all be gone. Now that I live in Atlanta, I'm even more nervous that when I'm ready for a fall beer (probably late Oct. or Nov. down here) it will all be gone. What's a girl to do?
Market demand is just ONE of the factors; however, industry leaders are the primary factor for early releases. Nevertheless, what Chris Lohring says is absolutely true, and the main cause of his BSA "fall seasonal" beer not being released as a seasonal.
Hi Clarice,
Thank you for your comment. Typically if your local store is out of a beer, they would be willing to order more. Unless, of course, they only receive a limited supply. A lot of these pumpkin beers for some reason seem to be readily available and not very limited.
It could be different in GA though, but these beers seem to be all over the place in New England!
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