Friday, September 7, 2012

Septemberfest?!



My oh my, the times they are a changin'!

This past summer was the season of the can in the world of craft brews. It seemed like everyone was on board as Renzo rolled out the new craft beer in cans section where you could build your own case by mixing and matching from a couple of dozen choices in order to customize your own craft brew case and it really went over well with our customers. Picnics, boating and back yard BBQ's had a new look! It was all about choice this summer, no longer were our beer friends getting a keg of Bud or Coors Light, Instead stacks of craft beers in cans were rolling out the door to fill the tubs and coolers. All to the delight of our Beer Maven, Renzo.
Now, as we switch gears again and Labor day has past signaling the end of summer, Renzo has turned his eye toward Harvest, Pumpkin and "Fest" beers. Every year it seems like the selection grows and the timing of their arrival is earlier. When he had stuff rolling through the door before Labor day I was really surprised and was trying to pull the reigns a bit so that we could officially close summer out before the pumpkin beers hit the shelves but this guy can't be tamed and he kept the supply building in the back store room until I had to relent and let him start building his newest masterpiece.

So, gone are the lighter summerfest beers and in are the Octobrefest and Pumpkin beers. Just a few years ago we might have had 2 or 3 Pumpkin and 6 or 8 octoberfest selections but already the selection has passed that and more seem to be coming in everyday. Just like our Rosè section has grown by leaps and bounds in the summer, so too has the seasonal brew section from the craft beer producers. Every season we are offered more and more selection and the job of wading through and choosing the best products keeps us very busy (Renzo that is). my latest count is showing nearly 20 Pumpkin/Harvest selections and a similar count for Oktoberfest/Fest choices. Keeping it all staight will be a fun challenge this fall.


Many of these beers will be the order as the crisp autumn air moves in to Connecticut and the foliage brightens our trees. The kids have gone back to school and the lawn chairs and Grills are being put back in the garage as we redecorate our lawns with Mums and scarecrows in anticipation of the upcoming season. Fear not fellow New Englanders the outdoor fun will continue on and that crisp air seems to be holding off for now. Remember the Harbor brewfest as you are making your plans in the upcoming weeks. Get your tickets for the September 22nd event here at Harry's and you'l pay just $30.

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