The Bar Towel

They have updated their home page with some new stuff, including a contest to "be an OCB brewer for a day".

It seems Amsterdam is no longer a member as they're off the site.

http://www.ontariocraftbrewers.com/index.php

It seems odd that this is what a 5 million dollar marketing investment gets you.

Al of Kingston wrote:It seems odd that this is what a 5 million dollar marketing investment gets you.

that's 5 million over 5 years, which is actually a paltry sum in the world of business. not saying that i wouldn't mind having that paltry sum in my pocket, mind you...

Keep in mind that many of the brewers had TINY or non-existent advertising budgets prior to that. I think many spent the bulk of their promotions spending on thinks like the beer festivals and tastings.

New episode for your listening pleasure! Interview with Ralph Morana of Bar Volo. Great interview with lots of interesting information that I don't think is common knowledge yet.

http://www.bartowel.com/radio/

P.S. the file size is bigger than the last one, but I think the sound quality is significantly better.

Cass wrote:New episode for your listening pleasure! Interview with Ralph Morana of Bar Volo. Great interview with lots of interesting information that I don't think is common knowledge yet.

that interview was cool. fun to hear some of the history of volo that i didn't know. the future should be pretty exciting too.

Cass wrote:P.S. the file size is bigger than the last one, but I think the sound quality is significantly better.

i found the volume on this one to be lower, especially at the beginning. otherwise it sounded great.

New episode added today - a chat with George Milbrandt from C'est What. It's a new format as we recorded it live at the pub. We chatted about the history of the pub, the beer scene yesterday and today and the local neighbourhood. Available through the feed on at bartowel.com/radio.

Another new episode added today - with longtime BarTowel member Peter Lopaty of Esprit Agencies. In this episode Peter discusses how he got into the importing biz, and weighs in with his opinions of the LCBO and imported beer segments in Ontario.

I have some more interesting interviews booked for this week - stay tuned for more episodes!

My favourite episode so far. Good interview.

Just listened to myself...man, do I ever take a breath...more of a monologue than an interview but I thank Cass for giving me the opportunity.

I'll say this Peter, you are an easy interview I culled down over an hour of audio into this episode!

I've got two interviews today so watch for some more episodes later in the week.

Another new one, with Phil DiFonzo of the King Brewery. Check it out at bartowel.com/radio.

Cass

Just got around to adding it to my itunes and ipod tonight, looking forward to listening to all five episodes at the office tomorrow!!

esprit wrote:Just listened to myself...man, do I ever take a breath...more of a monologue than an interview but I thank Cass for giving me the opportunity.

Some of the best "straight talk" on the Ontario retailing monolith I have ever heard...bravo Peter...you enunciated my own feelings to a 'T'...

A) the government retail monopoly cannot service the whole market

b) This monolithic government run retailer ( and the politicians who commission it) have become more tuned to its own interests rather than the wider market.

c) There is room for private retail and importers to fill niche markets the monopoly ignores.

D) No one is harmed by broadening the imported craft beer selection it is mutually beneficial to all ( with the possible exception of the mega brewers who get protectionist patronage from the government running a retail/import monopoly)

BTW: Peter one correction...the AB retail industry may be completely private but the provincial liquor control board is still firmly in charge with revenue harvesting for the province

Cass wrote:Another new one, with Phil DiFonzo of the King Brewery. Check it out at bartowel.com/radio.

Cass

Waiting for those one offs and new bocks with great anticipation Phil...make sure a few pins end up at the Castle in Kitchener.