The Chicago Tribune is reporting that the drug store chain Walgreens has rolled out their own private label beer in cans, called Big Flats 1901. Walgreens is carrying the new beers in 60% of its nearly 8,000 locations and the average price is about $2.99 per six-pack or 50 cents a can. Around 15 years ago, Walgreens stopped selling alcohol in all (most?) of its stores, but recently starting stocking it again in less than half of the locations.
It would appear that Genesee Brewing in New York, part of North American Breweries, is the contract brewer making the lager beer. The label refers to the it as “Premium Brew” and includes a generic “Genuine Brew” logo and the tagline “It’s the water that makes it.” Supposedly the name comes from the “flat boats that traveled the” rivers in upstate New York “delivering goods to early settlers.” Curiously, the trademark for the name “Big Flats 1901” is owned by the Winery Exchange, which styles itself as a “full-service, value-added, corporate brand beverage alcohol company that sources beer, wine and spirits from the finest regions worldwide.” They’re also located in the same small Marin County town where I live, Novato, California.
I bought a 6-pack of this right before New Years Eve out of curiosity. I still have 5 cans left a month later. 🙁
My advice is to pay the extra dollar and get some Pabst instead.
I also bought this out of pure curiosity. It is one step above Bush Light. One small step.
Winery Exchange markets a number (about two dozen) of “house” brands. doesn’t seem that much different then the house and store brands that used to be prevalent back in day. Price cutter, Brown Derby, Scotch Buy, etc.
I’ll be attending an ACG event in SF tonight http://bit.ly/ho7wyS at which both Peter Byck, CEO of Winery Exchange, and Keith Greggor, CEO of Anchor Brewing, will be on the guest panel. The topic of the consumer products panel is “Searching for the New Normal.” Having had extensive experience with contract beer production (Pete’s Brewing Company), I know that it’s a tricky balance between brand image and quality/consistency from brewing “partners”. Critically in the instance of this Walgreen’s offering, is the consumer getting what is promised? Only tasting, time… and sales will tell. Cheers!
The can and tagline are similar to so many of the old regionals. Between that and vague memories of store brand beers of the past, it shows that everything old is new again.
Yeah, whatever happened to the 7-11 beer from El Salvador? That one tasted skunky even when it was fresh!!
I stopped by Walgreens last night and picked up a 6-pack of the Big Flats. I’d say it’s a pretty good example for the style. Being a homebrewer for years I’ve grown to enjoy beer, good beer. I wouldn’t knock this one, especally for the price. Judge it for what it is, not for what you want and you’ll agree I’m sure! Cheers!!!