Tree Hophead IPA

Ukie · Post by **Ukie** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 1:59 pm

Dundurn in Hamilton has stock, just got back, still 8 sixers on the shelf. Probably more in back.

Pulled chicken and Hop Head for supper.

Is 200 pm too early to start the barby?

Chris and NA Craft thanks!

Chris Stirling · Post by **Chris Stirling** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 2:01 pm

Ukie wrote:
Is 200 pm too early to start the barby?

not on a Friday! Cheers!

Streets · Post by **Streets** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 2:24 pm

Ukie wrote:Dundurn in Hamilton has stock, just got back, still 8 sixers on the shelf. Probably more in back.

Thanks for the tip Ukie! I was already planning to stop by after work for some Pugnacious so hopefully I'll be able to grab a six of Hop Head as well

.

heebes · Post by **heebes** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 4:31 pm

Streets wrote:
Ukie wrote:Dundurn in Hamilton has stock, just got back, still 8 sixers on the shelf. Probably more in back.
Thanks for the tip Ukie! I was already planning to stop by after work for some Pugnacious so hopefully I'll be able to grab a six of Hop Head as well .

exactly what i just did, went to my local to grab Pugnacious and lo 'n behold! Hopehead was on the shelf! cant wait to try.

Belgian · Post by **Belgian** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 5:50 pm

Chris Stirling wrote:
Ukie wrote:
Is 200 pm too early to start the barby?
not on a Friday! Cheers!

Never on days that end in 'y'.

probstk · Post by **probstk** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 10:56 am

It has arrived in Ottawa and it is deeelicious.

Lukie · Post by **Lukie** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 8:28 pm

Wanted to buy a single bottle today at 401/Weston, because I already had lots of other things, and the cashier was unable to scan it in and refused to sell it to me. I went over to the manager and he said the same thing after scanning it with his portable scanner.

I mentioned to both that, in these situations, they can use the domestic generic code to allow me to purchase it but they didn´t know anything about it. While I remained civil and appreciative of the man´s time, it just boils the blood that he doesn´t know about his own store´s basic procedures. I´m going to contact LCBO about this and hopefully they will set him on the right path. Unless I am the one in error. Anyone? I know, theoretically, I should be able to purchase singles from an open top, but do they have to use their generic override codes when its not scanning in (perhaps, because its new), or is it up to their discretion?

zane9 · Post by **zane9** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 9:02 pm

Lukie wrote:.. Anyone? I know, theoretically, I should be able to purchase singles from an open top, but do they have to use their generic override codes when its not scanning in (perhaps, because its new), or is it up to their discretion?

I am too new to all of this to give you a specific and 100% correct answer. But the main message of LCBO employee Steelbackguy (who is/was an integral part of BT) was always clear; NEVER accept the bull$hit from CSRs at LCBO.

I can't speak for him obviously, but his advice was always consistent. Ask for the store manager. Demand that he/she solve this problem right then and there. If they refuse, then call customer service at LCBO and complain clearly about the problem.

Case in point: a while back I was trying to buy singles of Rogue Dead Guy. Scan code never worked. Went back to the same store 3 times. Insisted they resolve the problem, since Rogue was sold in an open case. The manager ultimately disappeared into his office for 15 minutes and came back with the scan code. No doubt called the LCBO gurus at head office, a step he refused to take on my visit #2.

Despite how infuriating all this is, stand your ground and insist on a resolution. LCBO must be responsive to customers. Period.

Lukie · Post by **Lukie** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 10:06 pm

zane9 wrote:
Lukie wrote:.. Anyone? I know, theoretically, I should be able to purchase singles from an open top, but do they have to use their generic override codes when its not scanning in (perhaps, because its new), or is it up to their discretion?
I am too new to all of this to give you a specific and 100% correct answer. But the main message of LCBO employee Steelbackguy (who is/was an integral part of BT) was always clear; NEVER accept the bull$hit from CSRs at LCBO.

I can't speak for him obviously, but his advice was always consistent. Ask for the store manager. Demand that he/she solve this problem right then and there. If they refuse, then call customer service at LCBO and complain clearly about the problem.

Case in point: a while back I was trying to buy singles of Rogue Dead Guy. Scan code never worked. Went back to the same store 3 times. Insisted they resolve the problem, since Rogue was sold in an open case. The manager ultimately disappeared into his office for 15 minutes and came back with the scan code. No doubt called the LCBO gurus at head office, a step he refused to take on my visit #2.

Despite how infuriating all this is, stand your ground and insist on a resolution. LCBO must be responsive to customers. Period.

After the CSR, I spoke to the store mng. He was unable to help me because he just didn´t know how to. For him, I don´t believe it was a problem of laziness but one of ignorance in this matter. Had I stayed in the store buzzing about and being stubborn (in the evening, when he would not be able to contact HQ) that only would have deteriorated the situation, testing mine and his patience. Did I mention that store has like 5 police officers on Friday evenings, looking quite bored and ready for action?

However, I will definitely contact head office and try to clarify this situation. I did not enjoy the CSR´s matter of fact ¨ trust me, you have to buy the whole six pack, honey, or its nothing¨ line, nor the manager´s lack of basic knowledge.

North American Craft · Fri Sep 02, 2011 11:34 pm

Hey folks,

Rogue Dead Guy ale had an issue with the single cspc codes on their open 6 packs and was corrected last Tuesday. As for Tree, I submitted a request to head office and was told this would be up and running by Tuesday regarding this discrepancy. Hope it all works out.

Have a great weekend and much appreciated for your support!

Cheers!

ErkLR · Post by **ErkLR** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 11:48 pm

Different beers and store, but this reminds me of when I was in Ottawa a couple weekends ago the shelf labels for both Smashbomb and Hopital had "NO SINGLES" written on them. I didn't want either anyways, but it made me think of what Len had said.

Lukie · Post by **Lukie** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 7:44 am

ErkLR wrote:Different beers and store, but this reminds me of when I was in Ottawa a couple weekends ago the shelf labels for both Smashbomb and Hopital had "NO SINGLES" written on them. I didn't want either anyways, but it made me think of what Len had said.

I wish there was more uniformity, from store to store, on this subject. I think that´s what the LCBO wants and Len has articulated that, but it seems that on the ground each store has its own little policy with this six pack issue, that is largely based on their convenience as well the area and the type of customers it typically deals with. On the one hand, I understand that if the six pack bottle does not have its own code, the manager would be hesitant to sell a premium beer for a generic code price. On the other hand, if the official policy in these situations is to punch in the generic code, than the LCBO should do a better job of making its own employees (at least its store managers) aware of this. When mentioning the domestic override product code, this dude (i.e., the store manager at one of the busiest, most accessible and most important LCBO outlets in Ontario) had literally no idea of what I was talking about.

Lukie · Post by **Lukie** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 8:04 am

North American Craft wrote:Hey folks,

Rogue Dead Guy ale had an issue with the single cspc codes on their open 6 packs and was corrected last Tuesday. As for Tree, I submitted a request to head office and was told this would be up and running by Tuesday regarding this discrepancy. Hope it all works out.

Have a great weekend and much appreciated for your support!

Cheers!

Great to hear. Cheers for the timely response.

rejtable · Post by **rejtable** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 12:54 pm

Rideau St in Ottawa just had some singles sitting in a basket next to the main Hop Head setup.

Chris Stirling · Post by **Chris Stirling** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 1:21 pm

On behalf of the entire team at Tree Brewing I would like to thank everyone in Ontario for your tremendous support for the launch of Hophead IPA 6 bottles!

Claude and his team at North American Craft have done a great job getting HopHead into LCBO stores all over Ontario quickly and working with the LCBO to ensure the warehouses don't run out of stock.

LCBO stores supported Hophead from day 1 and have taken the time to taste and educate themselves on HopHead to answer any questions customers have.

And of course our fans in Ontario have done an incredible job supporting Hophead since the day it hit shelves. The sales have been better than we thought and are still growing!

Thank you!