Is lining up for beer releases a thing of the past?

[El Pinguino]

When was the last time you stood in line waiting for a beer release?

With online orders possible almost everywhere now, it seems this old tradition is a thing of the past.

For me it was probably one of the Goose Island BCBS releases. I used to line up for Double Tempest Day, but was out of the country and didn't even bother asking anyone to grab some for me this past year, as it was still available 2 months later.

Oddly, I haven't bothered to try to snag any hyped up online releases from Third Moon or others...I think because it doesn't have the same friendly, fun celebratory atmosphere?

[JerCraigs]

I think part of it is that there is SOOO much beer out there now that there is not really as much scarcity as there used to be, but also as I get older, the bar for what i'd be willing to line up for has gotten a lot higher and frankly there aren't many beers I'm willing to line up for anymore!

[seangm]

I can say I never lined up for a beer release, could never be bothered. Very little I'll line up for, more so now than ever. Meant I was late to the party trying some things though, i.e. I'd never had BCBS until the year the LCBO switched to the online release (2020, 2021?)

Not sure what would get me into a lineup these days, apart from the unavoidable ones like entry to events or at the airport, etc.

[Cass]

I think so, at least in Ontario. The frenzies of DFH 60 and peaking with Westy seem like ancient history.

Americans still seem to clamour for hot releases (are there still lines at Hill Farmstead?), but I just don't think folks here would do it. And as the overall quality and accessibly of good beer is so much higher I think it is harder to reach a 'lineup' height of demand.

[El Pinguino]

Good point about Hill Farmstead, I haven't been there in many years...last time I went down to Vermont I skipped them. I guess because....SO many options out there as also mentioned.

I love Treehouse beers, and last time I went to their main spot it was easy in and out, with virtually no waiting for on-site pours too. Was so much more relaxing, lol!

And here, in Toronto, going to Bellwoods now you're presented with maybe 20 beers to choose from...so I suppose with increased capacity, people know there is no reason to rush out and get something before its gone.

[sprague11]

I think so, at least in Ontario. The frenzies of DFH 60 and peaking with Westy seem like ancient history.

Americans still seem to clamour for hot releases (are there still lines at Hill Farmstead?), but I just don't think folks here would do it. And as the overall quality and accessibly of good beer is so much higher I think it is harder to reach a 'lineup' height of demand.

Almost everywhere has online sales, Hill included, so with huge exceptions the lineups to buy bottles are a thing of the past. There's still the odd lineup for big BA stout releases for places that don't let you build a cart online (Mortals, the bigger BCBS bottles) but those are the exception these days as opposed to the rule. Hitting the browser refresh button is more in these days.

[Tapsucker]

I think so, at least in Ontario. The frenzies of DFH 60 and peaking with Westy seem like ancient history.

Americans still seem to clamour for hot releases (are there still lines at Hill Farmstead?), but I just don't think folks here would do it. And as the overall quality and accessibly of good beer is so much higher I think it is harder to reach a 'lineup' height of demand.

Almost everywhere has online sales, Hill included, so with huge exceptions the lineups to buy bottles are a thing of the past. There's still the odd lineup for big BA stout releases for places that don't let you build a cart online (Mortals, the bigger BCBS bottles) but those are the exception these days as opposed to the rule. Hitting the browser refresh button is more in these days.

Isn't Live Nation buying up all the breweries and handing this action to Ticketmaster?

[Cass]

Almost everywhere has online sales, Hill included, so with huge exceptions the lineups to buy bottles are a thing of the past.

Looks like even in the online world Hill still has their mojo.

Not being able to "just buy it" when I want would aggravate me to no end and I would go elsewhere.

At 3:00 p.m. ET on Friday, our webshop (shop.hillfarmstead.com) will open. As with previous sales, we will use our electronic pre-queue and waiting room system, which opens at 2:45 p.m. ET (15 minutes before the sale goes live). When you sign into the pre-queue, you’ll join everyone for the sale. The time when you sign into the pre-queue will not impact your order in the queue. As the sale opens, people will be randomly added to an order queue, moved to the waiting room, and brought into the shop to make purchases.

[anthony9]

Suarez took a little shot/observation about his former boss. He said his place is to relax and not come hours before open to get beer. Online sales to multiple states 24/7.