Well said Mikey boy. I agree with almost everything there. Though I'm not pointing my finger at anyone directly, so please don't think that. Rather, I'm commenting on what I've witnessed on this board over the long term.....day in day out, for 5 or more years. That's all.cratez wrote:Lenny, you may as well address me, Ukie, or JerCraigs directly, since we're the only ones who have criticized this decent release. Your blanket generalization of myself and others - who are intensely dissatisfied with the inept service and brutal selection at the Control Board - as perpetual naysayers is offensive and, with all due respect, delusional.SteelbackGuy wrote: Like I always say, the naysayers will continue to say nay. You could build a Stone brewpub in their basements and they'd still complain....."Oh woe is me, government this, government that"......a bunch of cry babies. Not seeing the forest for the trees. Things are improving, and when we vote with our dollars, things will continue to do so.
I would probably stop buying retail beer period if I had a "Stone brewpub in (my) basement," but this hyperbolic statement misses the point: people are fed up with having virtually no selection or style variation at their local liquor store, and a handful of solid seasonal beers that are available for a few weeks at a time is not enough to stop the complaining or dissatisfaction. It is shocking that you don't seem to understand this, and you're probably the only member of this site and beer geek that I know who thinks the Board's beer lineup (seasonal or otherwise) is sufficient.
The 'government' argument doesn't wash with me since I'm currently trying to work for it. The reason why people mention 'government' when they're referring to the Crown corporation that employs you is because even lefties like myself don't believe the government should be involved in selling liquor (a private rather than public good) to its citizens. But you've heard me say before that I'd be fine with the province allowing for private boutique stores, instead of privatizing the 'BO and throwing thousands of people out of work.
I can see the forest for the trees and my response to Bobsy's post reflects that. But I have mixed feelings about "voting with our dollars" when it comes to the 'BO. I buy the seasonals brought in by R&R and HMH and regular listings from Grand River, Flying Monkeys, Black Oak, etc. for the purpose of supporting 'the good stuff' and in the hope that our retail craft beer selection somehow drastically improves in the long run. However, nowadays for my regular everyday drinking I rely much more on US beer hauls and beer bars that do direct-from-brewery purchases and private orders, than I do on trips to the Board.
I think markaberrant is right that our dollars are better spent directly supporting brewers, beer bars, and private independent retailers, as opposed to upholding a backward monopoly that cynically offers table scraps of craft beer to bolster its own political legitimacy and existence. The hoppy and noteworthy beers in this release suggest that things are improving because of better submissions from importers and interest in our market among out-of-province and foreign brewers, NOT because the LCBO (which passively approves submissions) is taking a greater benign interest in micro beer or sympathizing with the demands of craft beer drinkers. Let's not lose sight of that.
I guess stuff really doesn't bother me, thats all. I can't explain it. I'm happy , for the most part, with the selection here, and I don't get worked up about it. I'm in the minority I know, but I'm ok with that, as I am entitled to my opinion and thoughts, as everyone else is here. That is the beauty of the discussion board here.What would it be if we all just agreed with eachother.
And while we all may agree to disagree, we can still come together and enjoy the wonderful thing that is delicious beer.
Mike, I look forward to discussing this further over some pints this week. Should be back in town Monday morning. And keep next weekend open too foo'
Should be fun.Leon
