The Bar Towel

DragonOfBlood wrote:You don't happen to work for Sleeman do you?

The "venom" isn't over the top at all. Sleeman is a terrible brewery that makes subpar products. Hell, it's not even the best brewery in Guelph.

Sleeman is nothing more than a quasi-wannabe craft brewery and deserves all the criticism it gets.

One might almost think that perhaps you had worked there.....

However, I would agree that Sleeman is not the best brewery in Guelph (not sure if they ever claimed to be or if any else even mentioned this) given the beers of F&M and Wellington, but I do think they can make a decent beer.

lagerale wrote: However, I would agree that Sleeman is not the best brewery in Guelph (not sure if they ever claimed to be or if any else even mentioned this) given the beers of F&M and Wellington, but I do think they can make a decent beer.

Everyone's entitled to their tastes and opinions...however, you would be one of the few on this forum who think Sleeman's make any decent beer.

Mother G wrote:"Honestly, based on the last two, they shouldn't even bother."

"Beer is just not Sleeman's field of expertise."

...I think these comments are harsh and out of line.

Why? They represent frank, honest opinions - to the effect these products disappoint the very same consumers of real craft product which Sleeman were aiming for.

Sleeman-branded beers are an attempt to trick their consumers into thinking they are drinking 'craft'-level beer - and the trick failed, with a VERY loud flop. This is a very interesting outcome! - a few OCBA members should take note. Craft-wannabe Macro's take note. There's may be no ultimate reward for this marketing strategy, so maybe consider that before going down this perilous road. You may be doing nothing for the industry, so why risk your own investment?

Craft beer is not everyone's field of expertise, so it's "fool me once, shame on you" - just don't expect to fool me twice wtih ersatz product and/or persistent marketing.

PS: The 'image-strategy' didn't work for wine here either, with Ontario consumers basically getting fed up and telling sub-par vintners to go 'VQA' themselves. A shame for the good apples in the bunch.

Belgian wrote:Sleeman-branded beers are an attempt to trick their consumers into thinking they are drinking 'craft'-level beer - and the trick failed, with a VERY loud flop.

Obviously there are lot of people posting on this forum that do not appreciate Sleeman. I am not in a position to pass judgement (or defend) on any of their business or marketing practices, but I will reiterate that I like their Fine Porter.

And for anyone reading this that hasn't tried the Fine Porter, go try it and decide for yourself....and post your views!

lagerale wrote:

Belgian wrote:Sleeman-branded beers are an attempt to trick their consumers into thinking they are drinking 'craft'-level beer - and the trick failed...

Obviously there are lot of people posting on this forum that do not appreciate Sleeman. I am not in a position to pass judgement (or defend) on any of their business or marketing practices, but I will reiterate that I like their Fine Porter.

Sleeman beers are what they are (and not what they are not.) Sleeman Honey Brown tastes, to me like adjunct and funky chemisty; I don't need to be in any special 'position' to plainly see that or to disagree with Sleeman's marketing claim to 'Canada's premium beer'. I wish things were different because I do try to appreciate what each Ontario brewer tries to offer.

lagerale wrote: And for anyone reading this that hasn't tried the Fine Porter, go try it and decide for yourself....and post your views!

Sure, I'll try it & there's certainly nothing wrong with liking any beer, even from the "big guys." I liked Nethergate Old Growler Porter and few people had much to say about that one either!

If anyone wants to get an example of how "premium" is regarded in the business world, check out this article

It makes me glad that most craft brewers are avoiding the word premium! Now if only they (OCB, this is you) could define what "craft beer" means.

Getting back to the original question, I was just wondering what the John Sleeman Presents will be for this year. If I recall correctly, the previous 2 where announced at the start of November but this year we have yet to hear anything. Will there be one at all this year??

aeroeng wrote:Getting back to the original question, I was just wondering what the John Sleeman Presents will be for this year. If I recall correctly, the previous 2 where announced at the start of November but this year we have yet to hear anything. Will there be one at all this year??

Probably not. They seem to be more interested in promoting their new Sleeman Light Extra Smooth. (Question of the day: Why did they feel the need to introduce this new beer when they already make Sleeman Premium Light?)

But if you want to know for sure, you should contact Sleeman directly.

GregClow wrote: Question of the day: Why did they feel the need to introduce Sleeman Light Extra Smooth when they already make Sleeman Premium Light?

So you can have both in your fridge for mixed company?

The marketing potential of Grand dad's book is still lurking around but I would be shocked to see the launch of dozens of more sku's from Sleemans. They are closer to a hundred than they are to zero with the number of brands they have out there and they can't just do a draught only one off and leave it alone for a year.

A launch for Sleeman involves hundreds of thousands of dollars in packaging, marketing and huge distribution costs. The question I have and maybe MotherG could chip in is:

When does TBS and the LCBO say no more shelf space for you?

Rob,

You make very good points on the need for Sleeman to "rationalize" it's brand and SKU base. I think that has already started to happen and will increase in the next 12-18 months.

LCBO and TBS have been asking many Brewers to take the "one in, one out" philosophy.

Using basic Category Management it is plain for everyone to see that there are way too many similar brands at both of those retailers.

At the LCBO Beer sales are on the rise. The challenge for them is to get enough of the "Call" Domestic brands in the proper quantity while still attempting to offer new brands that consumers are after.

I think we all would like to see them list more of the beers that Bartowelers desire. I think they need to cull the middle ground of the segment (beer) and offer more "exotic" beers that are also very high in margin for them. Maybe a copy of the Spirits model there.

Mother G

I think the Sleeman-brand beers have increased potential if they focus on more characterful brands such as its IPA and Porter. I think some people who like, say, Moosehead and Coors Molson's beers would shift to Sleeman's if the beers offer a real alternative in taste. Also, some micro fans will take to these beers because while not as assertive as some micro beers they are fairly distinctive and well made.

I think fewer but better beers is the way to go and Porter and IPA should point the way. It is important in my view in this regard to keep the flavours of these fairly assertive.

Gary

Here's the response from Consumer Relations for Sleeman


"Thank you for your inquiry. We really appreciate your interest in the
Sleeman Presents line. I am sorry to tell you this project was put on
hold this year due to all the activity surrounding the sale of the
Brewery. However, both Sleeman Fine Porter and Sleeman India Pale Ale
have been brewed and are back on the shelves. I hope you will be able
to continue to enjoy them. Again, we thank you for your interest."

lagerale wrote:

Blankboy wrote:Honestly, based on the last two, they shouldn't even bother.

Why is that?

Because I thought the Porter and IPA were crap. I tried both once and never bothered again.

The IPA had an odd chemical taste mixed in. I think others noted this when it was first reviewed on Ratebeer. I have no idea if this got corrected or not...rather off putting for me.