An Interview with Magic Hat

June 25, 2010 | Posted by Tim Noetzel

When Magic Hat’s PR agent contacted me about running a story on the brewery, I jumped at the chance. The larger craft breweries are the subjects of some controversy in the beer world. While these breweries have garnered devoted followings, especially in their home states, accusations of disingenuous marketing campaigns and mediocre beer are equally common. I thought an interview with Magic Hat’s cofounder, Alan Newman, would prove a good opportunity to set the record straight. And having only tried Magic Hat’s #9, Circus Boy, and Wacko, I decided a liberal sampling of Magic Hat’s less pedestrian products wouldn’t be amiss either. What I discovered was a reality far different from the stories of either the fanboys or the critics—and much more interesting.

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Brown Does Nothing for You: A Form Letter to UPS

March 08, 2010 | Posted by Tim Noetzel

Shannon recently blogged about a recent UPS decision to selectively deny service to internet beer distributor Brewforia. When I heard the news, I was so outraged that I decided to both call and email UPS asking them to reverse their decision. I have written a form letter for those of you that might also want to contact UPS to express your concern. If you'd like to show your support for Brewforia, you can contact UPS at customerrelations@ups.com and use the following form letter:

 

Dear UPS,

As a loyal UPS customer, I'm alarmed at the recent news I've been reading about the company selectively denying service to small internet beer distributors.  I recently stumbled across this story describing the United Parcel Service of America's treatment of Brewforia, an Idaho-based beer retailer company: http://www.pintley.com/blog/post.cfm/why-do-they-hate-beer

This story is spreading rapidly, creating significant negative PR for UPS. Internet users on popular sites like Twitter are decrying the decision to deny service to Brewforia, stating things like: "What can Brown Do for You? Apparently Nothing." Given my repeated positive experiences with UPS, I wanted to bring this story to your attention and explain to you why I will be boycotting UPS until this policy is reversed.

Brewforia is a lawfully-created American company that follows all applicable laws and regulations. By retailing craft beer, Brewforia provides a unique and valuable service to its customers that supports America's historic brewing tradition. I believe that selectively denying service to Brewforia is unethical, unpatriotic, and harmful to the economy.  Moreover, I believe that selectively denying service to small businesses significantly harms the brand and image of UPS and undermines the marketing efforts and expenditures intended to position the company as the premier resource for small business shipping.

I do not support the policy of selectively denying service to Brewforia or other beer retailers without legal grounds, and neither I nor my business will use UPS services until UPS changes its policy.

Sincerely,

{Your Name Here}

Why Do They Hate Beer?

March 08, 2010 | Posted by Shannon Hicks

Tons of recent anti-beer news has me pretty riled up. Over the weekend I was made aware that Pintley retail partner Brewforia is currently in a battle with UPS and FedEx over shipping beer to their customers. It seems that both shipping companies will happily ship wine and spirits anywhere it's legal to ship to, but oh boy, beer isn't allowed. Except that they seem to be singling out Brewforia, since there are plenty of Beer of the Month clubs out there that are still shipping their product without any hassle. If you believe that beer should have the same shipping rights as wine and spirits, then let UPS know at (404) 828-4900, or by e-mail at customerrelations@ups.com. Be sure to mention "Beer Equality" in your email or phone conversation. Harassing/yelling at/mocking the poor customer service reps that are not involved in the decision making is counter-productive. Please make your stand in the same manner that you'd present an argument to your mother.

Similarly, Philadelphia Daily News reports that the state police just confinscated a whole bunch of beer from three popular craft beer bars, because the beer that they sold did not match word for word a list of "properly registered" beers. Of course, lots of other bars and grocery stores sell some of these beers, and even advertise them in their flyers, but none of them got targeted.

Ok, there's one advantage of living in Wisconsin

March 08, 2010 | Posted by Shannon Hicks

Greetings Pintley users! I'm Shannon, the lead developer for Pintley. When I'm not coding awesome new features for you all to use, I'm watching out for interesting beer news.

My friends know that everyone once in awhile I have to complain about living in Wisconsin, but on a rare occasion there is something interesting that I can boast about. This is one of those instances.

Check out this map of the beer belly of America.  Go, Wisconsin!