 One of the unique things about our beer cooler is the encouragement of single bottle sales (besides the fact that it's a really sweet vintage cooler from the 1930's). Walking in and grabbing an empty six pack to fill with a combination of new adventures and old favorites is a grand thing.
Read on for Brandon's thoughts on why large format bottles are perfect for summer (and anytime!)
An interesting thing happened to me the other day. I was heading to the lakeshore to meet up with a few friends for a day of boating and relaxing. Gee darn, right? I naturally decided to bring a few of my favorite beers and a few I had the need to revisit. The problem was my mixed 6 pack was the coveted treasure of the beer cooler. Needless to say, it was stand out company amongst the sea of mass produced green bottles.
In my opinion, beer, wine, food, anything really is best shared amongst friends...but let's face it, I'm a beer "snob". While sharing was my intention, drinking a few cold beers that were pleasing to the taste buds was also on my mind. My beer quickly vanished with only a few sips of each for all present company. Really, it was somewhat sad.
When I walked into the cooler the next day to do some stocking, I had a shocking revelation: LARGE FORMAT BOTTLES WOULD HAVE SOLVED MY PROBLEM ON THE BOAT. There is much more beer to go around, everyone gets a healthy taste, while you have plenty left to enjoy for yourself.
Now, I know you are thinking, 12oz bottles are just so convenient, especially when boating/camping/other outdoor activities. My response is, you bring a glass for wine, why wouldn't you bring one for beer? Craft beer is much better out of a glass to begin with. The aromatics are released, the beer opens up and the flavor is much more balanced than out of the bottle. Problem solved.
Besides the obvious benefit of being able to share with friends and family, large format bottles have certain other benefits.
- One being the aging factor. Most beer being put into large bottles will have the ability to be aged. A sturdy stout, Belgian Trappists ales, even a few of the IPA's offered can stand a few years in the cellar. While this is still true of capped bottles, it is especially beneficial with a corked bottle. We trust that wine is generally better with age, but beer? Certain beers, absolutely. A strong ale can benefit greatly from a few years of being laid down.
One last thought; certain beers that are must tries are only available in large format. Don't pass by a beer because it doesn't fit in the 6 pack holder. There is a whole world waiting in a 750ml or 22oz bottle.
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~ An example of our large format bottles ~
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Fraoch 20th Anniversary
Meantime IPA
Delirium Tremens
Duvel
Maredsous Dubbel
La Chouffe Golden Ale w/spices
La Chouffe Houblon Dobbelen IPA Tripel
Chimay Grand Reserve
Leelanau Brewing Company Whaleback White
Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary
New Holland Brewing Co. Beerhive Tripel
Victory Golden Monkey Tripel
North Coast Brother Thelonious
Ommegang Abbey Ale
Ommegang Hennepin
Ommegang Three Philosophers
Jolly Pumpkin Wiezen Bam
Jolly Pumpkin Bam Bier
Jolly Pumpkin Oro de Calabaza
Moylan's Hopsickle Imperial IPA
North Coast Le Merle
Lagunita's Hop Stoopid
Lagunita's Wilco Tango Foxtrot (WTF)
Goose Island Night Stalker
Rogue Chocolate Stout
Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar
Anderson Valley Brewing Co. Brother David's Double
Anderson Valley Brewing Co. Brother David's Triple
Avery Seventeen Black Lager
Avery Maharaja Imperial IPA
Avery Czar Russian Imperial Stout
Avery Kaiser Imperial Oktoberfest
Stone Russian Imperial Stout
Coney Island Human Blockhead
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