northyorksammy wrote:12.75 a bit steep for a rookie brewery?
Aventinus 5.60 for 500 ml, imported
While it is flattering to be compared to such a recognized name, we would respectfully point out that the Norseman is a barrel aged eisbock.
No one is questioning the consumer's absolute and unquestionable privilege to decide whether ten months of aging (Norseman is fully aged, not blended) in-hard-to-get 20 to 25 year old Armagnac barrels is adding anything to this beer's character and profile.
However, there is a real cost, unfortunately rather high, that comes with this process. European craft brewers are all over the artisanal distilleries seeking high quality barrels, therefore driving the price up. Shipping and brokerage costs practically double the initial investment of barrel acquisition. Lastly, there is the tangible cost of storage and transfer, not to mention the "loss" of freezing a doppelbock to 14.5% ABV.
Needless to say, we are curious to hear about pricing levels for similar eisbock barrique offerings, on any market.
We are not arguing that you should like the Norseman, or to find it to be of great value - just saying that the last thing on our mind was to get rich on this beer. There is a higher cost of production associated with certain styles. Now, whether a rookie brewery should even attempt produce anything outside the framework of "basic" styles is an on-going discussion here in Ontario. We would be more than happy to be part of this discussion - in words and deeds.
Cheers!