Ames Lager

Saul_T

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Nov 16, 2020
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It's not that embarrassing. Swarm has a 2+month head start on Ames Lager. West O will catch up.
It wont. The amount of Swarm brewed vs Ames Lager is apples to oranges right now. Exile has the capacity to brew more Swarm than West O can produce in an entire year. Combined with Exile's distribution footprint and fact that it's on draft all over as well, unless West O contracts out production, it's just not realistic.
 

CloniesForLife

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It wont. The amount of Swarm brewed vs Ames Lager is apples to oranges right now. Exile has the capacity to brew more Swarm than West O can produce in an entire year. Combined with Exile's distribution footprint and fact that it's on draft all over as well, unless West O contracts out production, it's just not realistic.
West O just installed more capacity and I guarantee a lot of liquor stores are asking distributors to get on this gravy train. Availability will improve
 
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Saul_T

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West O just installed more capacity and I guarantee a lot of liquor stores are asking distributors to get on this gravy train. Availability will improve
I don't doubt there's a demand for Ames Lager, but Exile's capacity is nearly 6x that of West O. West O could certainly up production of AL, but that would also mean sacrificing brewing capacity for their other core beers. The amount of Swarm released initially likely exceeded West O's yearly production capacity.
 
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MJ29

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I don't doubt there's a demand for Ames Lager, but Exile's capacity is nearly 6x that of West O. West O could certainly up production of AL, but that would also mean sacrificing brewing capacity for their other core beers. The amount of Swarm released initially likely exceeded West O's yearly production capacity.

Regardless of capacity, Exile is still trash.
 

cydsho

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Apr 10, 2006
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West O just installed more capacity and I guarantee a lot of liquor stores are asking distributors to get on this gravy train. Availability will improve
But I want it now! I will be extremely disappointed if I'm not able to drink Ames Lager on game day and instead have drink some other beer I really like. Ok so maybe not that disappointed.....
 

Cyinthenorth

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I don't doubt there's a demand for Ames Lager, but Exile's capacity is nearly 6x that of West O. West O could certainly up production of AL, but that would also mean sacrificing brewing capacity for their other core beers. The amount of Swarm released initially likely exceeded West O's yearly production capacity.
Bigger or not, I think the concern isn't who can produce more. The suggestion is West O won't be able to keep up with demand. I think they will eventually. Swarm is not nearly in such high demand right now. There are stacks of it in every liquor/grocery store I've been to. They have a surplus despite their capacity to produce. West O will keep chugging along within their current capacity, eventually the novelty will wear off to some degree and supply will be able to keep up with demand. That is my theory anyway.
 

Erik4Cy

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Jan 22, 2007
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www.cyclones.com
I've got Backpocket CloneFest for the early, hot part of the tailgate season, West O Ames Lager for midseason/Brocktober & PeaceTree Jack Trice red corn ale for the later cold football season into winter/basketball.

Cheers to Cyclone beers
 
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intrepid27

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Oct 9, 2006
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I was able to score some Ames Lager at Local Craft Cellar on north side of CR last night. Have not tried it yet.
They also have a big selection of Climbing Kites.

Good selection and pretty good staff. FYI if you ever go there and just want to try a single of a certain beer they will always break open a sixer and sell you one individually.

https://localcraftcellar.com/
 

MugNight

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Reminds me of when Templeton was new and it sold out each shipment in minutes. Embarrassing that the Swarm beer is everywhere and you can't find Ames Lager anywhere, and football season is here.
Maybe people aren’t buying Swarm so that’s why it’s sitting on the shelves?
 

CyPunch

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May 3, 2019
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Sandy Springs, GA
Need to put the WeWill Venmo QR on the label.

As someone mentioned, the can does include the QR label for the website. The can design is a nice blend of a simple, vintage beer look while also being informative on the WeWill Collective.

One thing I'm wondering about is will there be We Will advertising inside JTS and Hilton? Advertising might not be the right word but signage with QR codes for the website/venmo, a message on the video board, even donation boxes or something to that effect near the concessions, etc. Anything like that at home games? @brentblum
 

NorthCyd

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I have seen huge piles of Swarm at just about every Hy-Vee I've been too. Honestly I would rather have it be a little scarce and have some demand rather than just seem like it's something that is sitting around and no one wants.

At the end of the day the availability of Ames Lager is what it is. Anyone acting like West O can just flip a switch and drastically increase their production and distribution look pretty ignorant. Everyone is doing the best they can with what they have. It's not going to change for a while so you may as well get use to it.
 

hiltonisheaven

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WestO needs to ramp up distribution. Kudos to them for producing a good product but they are benefiting from this partnership just as much as anyone imo.
Correct. Still Zero AL available South of I-80. I’m sure they’ll get there as we have other WestO products, just no AL.
 

CRcyclone6

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I was able to score some Ames Lager at Local Craft Cellar on north side of CR last night. Have not tried it yet.
They also have a big selection of Climbing Kites.

Good selection and pretty good staff. FYI if you ever go there and just want to try a single of a certain beer they will always break open a sixer and sell you one individually.

https://localcraftcellar.com/
Really like this place.
 
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CyPunch

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May 3, 2019
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Sandy Springs, GA
I have seen huge piles of Swarm at just about every Hy-Vee I've been too. Honestly I would rather have it be a little scarce and have some demand rather than just seem like it's something that is sitting around and no one wants.

At the end of the day the availability of Ames Lager is what it is. Anyone acting like West O can just flip a switch and drastically increase their production and distribution look pretty ignorant. Everyone is doing the best they can with what they have. It's not going to change for a while so you may as well get use to it.

It will be interesting to see how Swarm sales do long term with the beer itself not being as good of product. Exile is obviously a much more established brand in the craft beer industry so they have no issues with distribution. I predict they will maintain sales through football season but it will be difficult to maintain when the product loses its newness and apathy for Iowa basketball begins.
 
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