Having spent most the day there, I think the ebay thing is being over-reported… I mean, just look at how many bottles are on ebay versus how many people showed up – it’s a pretty tiny ratio.

We had a good enough time that next year I’d consider going, forgetting about buying the beer, and just to drink for the day. The barrel aged stuff they were selling was almost worth the trip by itself, and I had so many people offer me beer…

My guess is the only people that went home unhappy showed up way late. You wouldn’t show up late to buy Tickle Me Elmo for Christmas, would you? A little common sense goes a long way.

I was outside almost the entire day. I spent probably 45 minutes inside and I was there from 9 until at least 3 or 3:30 (I sort of lost count, thank goodness for dd’s). But thank you for disqualifying me from commenting on your already disqualified comments.

The people around me were at least having as much fun as the people in that short video you posted.

Say what you like – but it also sounds like the beerinator (Jonathon?) was not outside the place for hours either so by his logic he is disqualified to comment on that experience. I don’t agree with that logic but do note that pissing off any folk is never a good business plan.

I think that was my point. I should have just stopped by pointing to the photos.

I was there and everyone that was near me was having a great time. If you weren’t in line, the whole event was more like a festival than it ever has been before. There were live bands, casks and beers from multiple different breweries from all over the country and other local breweries. You could walk around the parking lot and if anyone noticed you had an empty glass they would call you over or walk up to you hoping to get you to sample the beers that they brought.

People were walking around with half open bottles of extremely rare beers and they were simply looking for like minded people to share with.

From my viewpoint the entire day was an incredible display of beer passion and the community aspect of the hobby that we share.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50alY0JYQUc

The brewery would have the same return if distributed in an other manner – maybe more if they auctioned off 20% for their own benefit at the end of the fest?

And I do find it mighty sad that there are greedy “frat boys” who want to take advantage. I understand bottles are on ebay, but I haven’t looked and sure have no intention of including a link.