The Team Beer: Where To Buy And Sell

On November 5, 2019, Harpers Ferry Brewing, a brewery in Purcellville, Virginia, announced the release of a new beer called Sell the Team. This beer is a double west coast IPA with 9.5% alcohol content. Described as bitter and slightly disappointing like a day at FedEx Field, the beer is an ode to the brewery's favourite football team, the Washington Redskins, and its owner Dan Snyder. At the time of the beer's release, the Redskins had a record of 1-8 for the season, the worst in the NFL. While Harpers Ferry Brewing does not have distribution in the DC area, customers can try the beer on-site or bring/buy a growler.

'Sell the Team' beer can be bought on-site at the Harpers Ferry Brewery in Purcellville, Virginia

If you're looking to buy "Sell the Team" beer, you're in luck! This unique brew can be found at the Harpers Ferry Brewery, nestled in the charming town of Purcellville, Virginia. Purcellville is located in Loudoun County and is just a stone's throw away from the nation's capital, Washington, DC.

Harpers Ferry Brewery sits on the picturesque banks of the Potomac River, offering stunning views of downtown Harpers Ferry. The brewery is known for its creative and innovative beers, and "Sell the Team" is no exception. This beer was crafted as an ode to the brewery's favourite football team, the Washington Redskins, and their owner, Dan Snyder. With a catchy name, "Sell the Team" is a double West Coast IPA with a strong 9.5% alcohol content. The brewers themselves describe the beer as "bitter and slightly disappointing like a day at FedEx Field", referring to the home stadium of the Redskins.

While the brewery doesn't have distribution in the DC area, beer enthusiasts are in for a treat as they can enjoy "Sell the Team" on-site at the Harpers Ferry Brewery. The brewery provides a wonderful atmosphere to savour this unique brew while taking in the stunning surroundings. Whether you're a local or visiting from out of town, a trip to the Harpers Ferry Brewery in Purcellville, Virginia, is certainly worth the journey.

In addition to its distinctive flavour and aroma, "Sell the Team" also carries a bit of humour and sports passion in its branding and marketing. The name itself is a playful reference to the chant "Sell the Team" directed at the owner of the Redskins, Dan Snyder, during a low point in the team's performance. The beer's description further adds to the narrative, providing a witty take on the team's performance and offering a unique drinking experience for fans and enthusiasts alike.

So, if you're a beer aficionado or simply looking to try something new, make your way to the Harpers Ferry Brewery in Purcellville, Virginia, and ask for their special "Sell the Team" brew. It's a great opportunity to explore a new location, support local breweries, and indulge in a drinking experience that combines flavour, humour, and a passion for sports.

The brewery doesn't have distribution in the DC area

If you're looking to try Harpers Ferry Brewing's "Sell the Team" beer, you may be disappointed to learn that it's not currently available for purchase in the DC area. The brewery, located in Purcellville, Virginia, does not have distribution set up in DC, so you'll need to visit the brewery in person if you want to sample this unique brew.

"Sell the Team" was released in 2019 as a double West Coast IPA with a strong 9.5% alcohol content. It was created as an ode to the brewery's favourite football team, the Washington Redskins, and their owner, Dan Snyder. With a slogan like "Bitter and slightly disappointing like a day at FedEx Field", this beer was crafted to reflect the team's less-than-stellar performance that season, which saw their record fall to 1-8.

While the beer is not available for purchase in stores or restaurants in the DC area, there are a couple of options for those eager to taste it. One option is to visit the Harpers Ferry Brewing brewery in Purcellville, Virginia, and sample the beer on-site. The brewery offers stunning views of downtown Harpers Ferry, making it a worthwhile destination for beer enthusiasts. Alternatively, you can bring your own growler to the brewery or purchase one there and fill it with "Sell the Team" to enjoy at home.

It's important to note that, due to its high alcohol content, you should plan to have a designated driver if you intend to visit the brewery and sample this beer. The brewery is just under an hour's drive from the Redskins' Ashburn HQ, but the trip is well worth it for fans looking to show their support for the team, even during a challenging season. So, if you're willing to make the journey, you'll be rewarded with a unique beer experience that combines football fandom with a potent IPA.

The beer is a double west coast IPA with 9.5% alcohol

On November 5, 2019, Harpers Ferry Brewing, a brewery that sits on the Potomac River in Purcellville, Virginia, announced the release of a new beer called "Sell the Team". The beer is an ode to the brewery's favourite football team, the Washington Redskins, and its owner, Dan Snyder.

Double IPAs, also referred to as Imperial IPAs, are a stronger, very hoppy variant of IPAs with alcohol content typically above 7.5% by volume. The term "double" refers to the increased amount of ingredients used, particularly hops, resulting in higher alcohol content and a richer hop character compared to standard IPAs. Double IPAs are claimed to have originated in 1994 at the now-defunct Blind Pig Brewery in Temecula, California, with Vinnie Cilurzo's Inaugural Ale.

West Coast IPAs, also known as American IPAs, are hop-forward in character, with examples from the 2000s being especially bitter. They often have brilliant clarity and are dry with minimal malt character. Being highly hopped, West Coast IPAs tend to be very bitter, with a common range of 40 to 70 IBUs. They commonly feature resin, citrus, and tropical fruit flavours from the use of American "C" hops, although other hop varieties can be used.

The beer was released in November 2019

While the brewery didn't have distribution in the DC area at the time, beer enthusiasts could try the brew on-site or bring/buy a growler. The brewery is only about a 47-minute drive from the Redskins' Ashburn HQ, but with the beer packing such a strong alcohol punch, anyone visiting would need to bring a driver.

The release of "Sell the Team" was also an opportunity for Harpers Ferry Brewing to give back to the community. They announced that a portion of the proceeds from each keg sold would go towards covering the cost of Thanksgiving dinners for the Tree of Life food pantry.

The name of the beer, "Sell the Team", was not just a creative marketing ploy but a reflection of the sentiment of Redskins fans at the time. In 2009, the occupants of Redskins owner Dan Snyder's luxury box were reportedly "stunned" when fans at FedEx Field chanted "sell the team" during what was then considered a low point in the team's performance. With the Redskins performing even worse in 2019, the chant seemed fitting once again.

If you want to sell your own beer, you can either sell it in your own taproom or to a retailer or wholesaler

If you want to sell your own beer, there are a few different routes you can take. One option is to sell it directly to consumers in your own taproom. This can be as simple as setting up a bar in a corner of your brewery, or you could opt for a full-scale brewpub that serves meals. Having your own taproom allows you to keep a larger portion of the profit from each pint sold, but it also comes with additional expenses and regulations to navigate. You'll need to consider factors such as food service, labour costs, and whether to offer beers from other breweries.

Another option is to sell your beer to retailers or wholesalers. This route can be more straightforward, as you won't have to deal with the added complexities of running a taproom or pub. However, you'll need to be prepared to wear a salesman hat and promote your beer to publicans and bottle shop buyers. It's important to check your state's laws on self-distribution, as they vary depending on the size and type of brewery. If you decide to work with a distributor, choose one that is willing to give your brand the attention it deserves and be sure to maintain a good relationship with them.

When selling at wholesale, you won't have control over the price of the beer at the tap, as wholesalers and retailers have their own profit margins. It's crucial to price your beer competitively to ensure it's attractive to distributors and retailers. Packaging your beer in smaller kegs, known as sixtels, can increase its appeal to bars with limited cooler space.

Some brewers choose to do both a taproom and limited distribution. However, this requires careful management of production space and time to ensure you can meet the demands of both your taproom and wholesale accounts. Ultimately, the route you choose will depend on your specific situation and business goals.

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