black donkey sheep stealer farmhouse ale

[RichSib]

I'm the brewer at Black Donkey, and I'm very sorry to hear of your unfortunate experience with one of my brews Jimmy. I will pull a few control bottles from that batch when I'm in the brewery tomorrow and check them for off flavours or aromas. For reference, that batch, 3,800 bottles, has been sold out since July and yours is the first issue I've heard about with it, so hopefully it's an isolated one. If you want to pm me your address, I'll send you something to help rectify the situation.

GarciaBernal, please apologise to your friend on our behalf, and ask him to get in touch.

Of almost equal concern to me Jimmy is that Sheep Stealer was selling in Tesco for €2.99. Was this a stand alone price, or was it part of a "group buy"?

[helmet]

I saw it for 2.99 in Tesco today, stand alone price. It was also part of a 6 for 5 deal.

[helmet]

I saw it for 2.99 in Tesco today, stand alone price. It was also part of a 6 for 5 deal.

Also, your Buck It at the same price.

[JimmyM]

Hi Rich, Im almost sure it was 2.99.. therre were other beers for 3 something in or around the shelf. I appreciate that you have come on to address the issue... I feel a bit bad now i didnt go to you directly. As mentioned above, based on the feedback from the guys and your good reputation, id have no problem buying black donkey products in the future and I hope this hasn't caused you bad press.

[garciaBernal]

I second what Jimmy said. Wouldn't put me off these 3 excellent beers either.

[RichSib]

We opened a couple of bottles of batch 01715 yesterday, and I'm relieved to say that we couldn't find any sign of infection, or other off flavours, in them. Our strain of saison yeast does impart some funky flavours, especially since we let it ferment quite warm.

There are dozens of reasons why a bottle of beer may explode. The exact cause remains a mystery in this case, which incidentally is the only case of an exploding Black Donkey bottle we've ever heard about.  We have also checked the carbonation on batch 01315 and couldn't find any significant issues. Sheep Stealer is highly carbonated, by irish standards, although it is not carbonated to the point it will break bottles. The bottles we use are certified up to 3 Bar.

As an aside, because the beer is highly carbonated, any dirt, scratches, nucleation etc in the serving glass may cause the CO2 to break out of solution causing very vigorous foaming. Clean glassware is the key to craft beer enjoyment.

Once again, we apologise for any inconvenience caused to our supporters, and we do appreciate being made aware of any issues with our products, although we would much prefer being told directly, rather than through a public forum. Our email is always open. Thanks again for your continued support.

[DEMPSEY]

Great answer RichSib and well done on your response. As the expression says "shit happens". the bottle itself may have had a flaw which I am told is an industry issue and every now and then one just blows. I worked with glass for years and have seen toughened glass sitting on a rack simple explode. I had some of your beer down in Kerry a while back and found what ye brew to be of top class,best of luck with the future.

[auralabuse]

No press is bad press. Any recommendations from lads/lasses on this site holds weight for me. Going hunting for your beer for this weekend now

[Vermelho]

Just to note, I ended up trying this beer because of the thread. It was excellent. Looking forward to the next now.

[garciaBernal]

The Beyond Rye Pale Ale is a personal favourite.

[auralabuse]

Had the beyond rye last night, fantastic, one of the nicer beers I have tasted in a while.

[cruiscinlan]

Of almost equal concern to me Jimmy is that Sheep Stealer was selling in Tesco for €2.99. Was this a stand alone price, or was it part of a "group buy"?

Is there a reason this is bad?  Provided that the seller isn't forcing a discount on the supplier?