Dupont & Spadina Location Open Today

DukeofYork = Richard · Mon Dec 02, 2002 9:08 pm

Yes, indeed, it was.

Being from Kingston and all, I thought this was the bee's knees. This location is far larger than any of those in my home town. As for beer, pretty well stocked... except that almost all the beer is in their open face fridge.
Isn't this a problem if you don't intend to keep it cool afterwards? I read that each cooling and rewarming damages the beer... anyway, those in the area should check this place out.

Josh Oakes · Post by **Josh Oakes** » Tue Dec 03, 2002 11:05 am

The new Yonge/Eg store opened last week. It is abysmal. No winter beers whatsoever, row upon row of bland swill. The good gift packs are buried in the corner away from the rest of the beer while the Corona and Rickard's packs are given pride of place. Once again, our government is telling us that binge drinking is better than casual enjoyment of quality. The faster they can dismantle this anachronism the better.

DukeofYork = Richard · Tue Dec 03, 2002 9:55 pm

I understand the frustration. I had my first Christoffel blond a few weeks ago and instantly became very annoyed... how much trouble would it be to drop Carib Lager or Red Stripe (not to bash the Caribbean, these just came to mind) or other dubious brands and bring in something decent instead? Generic is generic is generic, and the general public isn't going to give a damn if one (or three or eight) generic beer(s) vanish(es)- especially if they probably don't buy them anyway. Conversely, beer lovers will be all the happier.

But that's just my two cents. And yes, I know I'm pointing out the obvious.

hoppy · Post by **hoppy** » Wed Dec 04, 2002 2:55 am

The bottom line is that the general public buys tons of Red Stripe and Carib. Try to find Red Stripe or Carib on the shelf in the summertime, especially during Carabana. Duvel is a great beer, but its always stocked at thr LCBO (meaning they rarely sell out). Red Stripe is sold out on a more regular basis. If Duvel was sold out more regular, then more Belgians would apear on the shelf. Bottom line is that there are not enough beer lovers in the city.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: hoppy on 2002-12-04 02:58 ]</font>

esprit · Post by **esprit** » Wed Dec 04, 2002 9:16 am

As the agent for Duvel let me comment that a couple of years ago we were chronically out of stock as we relied on the LCBO's inventory people and their computers to monitor stock and determine when to re-order....it just didn't work so we took it upon ourselves to be actively involved in monitoring our inventory and proactively soliciting orders from the LCBO whenever we thought orders should be placed. We still get into disagreements with the inventory people who try to be too conservative but usually we win out so Duvel has not been out of stock for the past year....not because the demand is not high! Sales for Duvel are up 60% over last year and Chimay Premiere is up 75% over last year so you're barking up the wrong tree with your comments about Duvel. I would suggest that the agents for Carib and Red Stripe are not doing a very good job if their product is regularly out of stock.

PRMason · Post by **PRMason** » Wed Dec 04, 2002 9:31 am

Beer education (knowledge and educated palate) is not that far advanced in Canada as a whole. Most beer drinkers are a conservative lot and are not easily moved to a new beer. Most of them are on the frugal side as well.Beaumont's beer courses are a fine beginning on the road to educating the masses that paying $5.00 for a bottle of a world classic beer is not out of the question.
Toronto does have a large dedicated group of premium beer drinkers, but the potential is far greater.

screw2000 · Post by **screw2000** » Wed Dec 04, 2002 12:48 pm

For most of the 'unwashed masses', the only way they'll ever try something different is if their favorite mass-market brand X is out of stock.

I'll refrain from slagging the LCBO though. I'm heading out to Calgary next week -- the Alberta experiment should be proof that retail liquor privatization does not prevent the spread of mediocrity.

SirIsm · Post by **SirIsm** » Wed Dec 04, 2002 1:11 pm

Agreed...for as good of a selection of wine that the Alberta privatized liquor stores have produced...I have not had much luck with beer selection or price.

Rubaiyat · Post by **Rubaiyat** » Wed Dec 04, 2002 3:02 pm

To paraphrase Esprit, as the agent for Christoffel Blond I agree with DukeOfYork wholeheartedly. And Josh Oakes.

There, that's all I have to say. For now.