West O, Blum, and banning exile brewery from your thoughts

[Cyinthenorth]

I'm nervously awaiting my local Urbandale HyVee to get it. I know the Wine and Spirits manager is a HUGE hawkeye homer, and they've had a big old display of Swarm Ale and Swarm Vodka.

I haven't looked for Hawktober or Clonefest yet.

I also noticed that there is no Cody Road on the shelves over teh weekend at all. Probably coincidental?

That close to Ames, I would think you'd have a good chance at seeing it. But who knows...if store owners really want to be that petty and turn away entire segments of their customer base let them. I am already prepared to boycott all the Hy-Vees in Dubuque when they inevitably don't carry any of these ISU beers (I am a pessimist what can I say lol). Over here Swarm has been really taking off the last couple weeks too I have noticed. It's a had a small spot on the shelf at most places for awhile, but am starting to see end caps/displays of it now too.

 

[baller21]

What is bizarre to me is that all the stores near me are stocking Hawktoberfest but not Clonefest from the same brewer, Backpocket. Not sure if Clonefest just hasn't been released yet or if it is just a sign that I should move if I want any of these Iowa State beers.

They’ll be pouring Clone Fest at the ISF craft beer tent along with West-O CocO Stout and Raspberry Shandy.

 

[Tailg8er]

Has any of this hit Des Moines yet?

Look at any of the last 4 pages and you'll see that it will be in stores August 25th

Literally 9 posts before yours..

 

[intrepid27]

I've had the iron monk OSU beer. It's been available since before NIL. It's pretty good.

I'd second that I spent an afternoon in their taproom the Friday before the game last year. Solid brewery

 

[jaj040]

After failing to find any West O at a few places in waterloo/cf, I was in a bar in Storm Lake that had a shandy on tap. Well, it was sold out. Good sign? Bad sign? I don't know. One of these days I'll be able to throw some money their way, but it hasn't been easy.

 

[GetAwesome]

After failing to find any West O at a few places in waterloo/cf, I was in a bar in Storm Lake that had a shandy on tap. Well, it was sold out. Good sign? Bad sign? I don't know. One of these days I'll be able to throw some money their way, but it hasn't been easy.

I'm hoping we'll be surprised when Ames Lager finally releases, but the summary of my multiple attempts talking to grocery and beer stores in the CF/Loo area to get West O in stock:

1. We as a store can't request directly from the brewery. Talk to the brewery.
2. Breweries say it's up to the distributor.
3. Distributors say we just deliver what's on the truck.

Thanks, State of Iowa.

 

[Cyinthenorth]

I'm hoping we'll be surprised when Ames Lager finally releases, but the summary of my multiple attempts talking to grocery and beer stores in the CF/Loo area to get West O in stock:

1. We as a store can't request directly from the brewery. Talk to the brewery.
2. Breweries say it's up to the distributor.
3. Distributors say we just deliver what's on the truck.

Thanks, State of Iowa.

Seems like the burden should be on West O to make sure their product gets on these trucks then. Yes? No?

 

[KnappShack]

Seems like the burden should be on West O to make sure their product gets on these trucks then. Yes? No?

There was a documentary on the beer business. It's a dirty business with dirty tricks and ways to prevent competition from getting on the beer trucks.

 

[MJ29]

West O just said on their facebook that they expect Ames Lager to begin showing up in stores on August 24. In 12 oz six packs.

 

[jcisuclones]

West O just said on their facebook that they expect Ames Lager to begin showing up in stores on August 24. In 12 oz six packs.

Gonna need some twelvers at least for football season.

 

[GetAwesome]

Seems like the burden should be on West O to make sure their product gets on these trucks then. Yes? No?

One would think. Sounds like it's dependent on what class of license each brewery obtains from the state in terms of how much control they have over how and where they sell/distribute off premise.

 

[Cyinthenorth]

One would think. Sounds like it's dependent on what class of license each brewery obtains from the state in terms of how much control they have over how and where they sell/distribute off premise.

I see. Well, I am at the point where my expectation to ever see it in Dubuque is low, and I will be pleasantly surprised if it ever happens.

At the very least, I am sure it will be sold in Ames. So maybe just a good excuse to load the family up and take them to another game this fall. Went to our first one as a family, and my first in over a decade last fall.

 

[CyPunch]

 

[06_CY]

Bought Clone Fest yesterday at Jordan Creek Hyvee in WDM.

 

[BACyclone]

After failing to find any West O at a few places in waterloo/cf, I was in a bar in Storm Lake that had a shandy on tap. Well, it was sold out. Good sign? Bad sign? I don't know. One of these days I'll be able to throw some money their way, but it hasn't been easy.

Hy-Vee W&S spirits carries West O beers in both CF (University) and Waterloo (next to Walmart). The spot on the shelf is just very small.

I'm pretty sure Happy's has a small spot for WestO as well, but not sure, I haven't looked recently. They've been bringing in a lot more Iowa beers lately. However I'm sure they would be glad to bring it in upon request. I have not asked myself, because I know they can't get it right now.

 

[Cyinthenorth]

Hy-Vee W&S spirits carries West O beers in both CF (University) and Waterloo (next to Walmart). The spot on the shelf is just very small.

I'm pretty sure Happy's has a small spot for WestO as well, but not sure, I haven't looked recently. They've been bringing in a lot more Iowa beers lately.

This is encouraging. I drive thru town on my way up north to see family. Will check it out next time I'm in the area, unless by chance I find West O here in Dubuque first.

 

[BACyclone]

This is encouraging. I drive thru town on my way up north to see family. Will check it out next time I'm in the area, unless by chance I find West O here in Dubuque first.

The HyVee in Waterloo is probably your best bet and easy to get to. Happy's is smaller but a great second option, carry more variety of Iowa beers specifically.

 

[mitchforcy]

What's the price point for a six pack?

 

[brentblum]

What's the price point for a six pack?

Looking at $10 I believe. But again a very nice portion goes to We Will

 

[brentblum]

On the distribution/availability front, we are doing all we can. Hopefully everyone is patient to start as the demand is really high. Will focus early on in Central Iowa and NW Iowa, but will build up everywhere as the production ramps up. West O is bringing on 3 large new tanks and expanding their brewery to help meet the need.