The Landmark Beer Blog

The first speed bump

2011-08-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

So we left off just after my meeting with the potential brewer. I went home and started to dot all my I's and cross all my T's. Back then you had to request a paper copy of the necessary paperwork from both the Federal and State Governments. While waiting for the paperwork I decided to go back to the brewery for dinner and a few beers for research of course. Well I pulled into the parking lot and the lights were out. They had closed their doors without any announcement or warning. I was crushed. Lets just saw I felt like Mike Tyson just punched me in the gut. After a few days to recover from my wounds I made a few phone calls to other breweries from Maine to Pennsylvania. Some seemed like they might work others weren't interested in my idea at all. Life decide to change my direction, my wife and I found out we were going to be having an addition to our familty. My plans were put on hold for the next few years. Before they would pop up again I would have moved 300 miles and had two children. More on that in my next post.

The beginning

2011-08-24T05:46:00.000-07:00

Our journey started back in the mid 1990's. I discovered craft beer and soon got the bug to visit breweries. After visiting a dozen or so it hit me that I wanted to start a brewery. I began researching the cost of brewing equipment, legal requirements and began writing a business plan. By 1998 I had come to the realization that opening a function brewery was well beyond my finances so I turned to the contract brewing route. My plan was to start for a nautically themed brand with a pale ale to start and 4 seasonals. The name was going to be Frigate Bay Brewing Company. At the time I was living in NYC and working at a large hospital. I called up a local brewery on LI that had lots of excess capacity. I meet with the general manager over lunch and discussed my plan. He was very helpful. They also self distributed and would be glad to take on my brand. All I had to do now was get the need capital and we were good to go. Then the rug was pulled out from under me. Unexpectedly they went out of business. Lets just say it took the wind out of my sails. I decided to put the brewery plans on hold for now.

next up a move to syracuse and another brewery closes.

ITS been a while

2011-08-17T05:41:00.001-07:00

Well I'm back to blogging. Been using my facebook page lately and kinda let my blog fall by the wayside. I've been taking a small business class online and its inspired me to get back to my blog. Over the past 7 years its been a great journey with lots of highs and as many lows so I've decided to send the next month or so blogging about how we've got to were we are. We've brewed with 6 different breweries, sold in 5 different states, brewed 11 different beers and yet it feels like were still in the beginning stages of our business. Please feel free to comment or email any questions you have as you about our journey.

thanks
Kiernan
Landmark Beer Co.

Job Opening

2010-09-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

We have a job opening for the Syracuse area.

Job description

Responsibilities:
You will be working with existing retail accounts and opening new accounts

Maintenance and management of current accounts. Weekly and monthly goals will be set
Creating solid, professional relationships with clients.
Build displays at retail accounts
Deliver point of sale where appropriate, ensure it is used effectively
Plan and excute promotions
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications:

Have a passion for beer, sales and driving
Must be available for sales calls between 10am-2pm on at least 1 weekday
Clean Drivers Lic. and reliable transportation required
Knowledge of beverage business and sales preferred
Strong interpersonal skills
Ability and desire to work evenings and after hours for promotional events
Ability to lift 60lbs a plus but not needed.
Give me a call if your interested

Kiernan (315)720-2013

did i say once a week?

2010-07-12T11:12:00.001-07:00

I didn't say I'd post once a week did I? Well things are going pretty good. Looking get into some more grocery stores in the coming months. got my fingers crossed.

K

finally I posted again

2010-06-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

man once I got a facebook page I found I stopped blogging. I'm going to try and blog at least once a week. Business has been pretty good lately. Working on details about a fall release in bottles and draft. should be exciting. I've had to eliminate comments due to a high level of spam. I grew tired of deleting ads for natural enhancement.

Kiernan

I'm back

2010-05-06T07:48:00.001-07:00

I'm back. its been a while. We welcomed an addition to our brewing family the other day. 21 more years until he can work but we'll wait. Been having trouble with the transmission on the delivary truck hopefully a fluid change will help that. We'll be getting out a bunch of draft next week so keep your eyes open.

Kiernan

Job description

2010-04-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

Job description

Responsibilities:
You will be working with existing retail accounts and opening new accounts

Maintenance and management of current accounts. Weekly and monthly goals will be set
Creating solid, professional relationships with clients.
Build displays at retail accounts
Deliver point of sale where appropriate, ensure it is used effectively
Plan and excute promotions
Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Have a passion for beer, sales and driving
Must be available for sales calls between 10am-2pm on at least 1 weekday
Clean Drivers Lic. and reliable transportation required
Knowledge of beverage business and sales preferred
Strong interpersonal skills
Ability and desire to work evenings and after hours for promotional events
Ability to lift 60lbs a plus but not needed.

Give me a call if your interested

Kiernan (315)720-2013

Help Wanted

2010-04-13T08:08:00.000-07:00

We're looking for some part time help here in the greater Syracuse Area. primary responsibility will be support sales. This is a part time position. I'll post more details shortly. Anyone interested should contact me at sales@landmarkbrewing.com or 315-720-2013

Kiernan

new india red ale label

2010-03-22T16:14:00.000-07:00

Heres our new/old india red ale label.

I'm getting excited

2010-03-22T16:03:00.001-07:00

Getting close to packaging our first batchs at Paper city soon. . I can't wait to get the India red and ipa again. Switching brewers is a pain in the back side but I still finding it as exciting as the first batch we brewed(well almost, that first batch was an awesome feeling).

Just wanted let everyone know I disabled auto comments because I was tired of deleting viagra ads and other odd posts. Any comments are moderated before posting. Don't be shy about posting a comment.

Kiernan

Black Steel Imperial Stout

2010-03-05T08:04:00.000-08:00

Shipped out the first kegs of Black Steel to Rochester yesterday. Look for it at Tap and Mallet and Old Toad.

Brewing the first batch of India Red Ale in over 3.5 years today. Feels good to bring it back. Kinda like seeing an old friend for the first time in a while

K

plowing ahead

2010-02-26T10:23:00.000-08:00

Well I just placed the biggest order for malt and hops I've ever placed this morning with our supplier. 4000lbs of malt!!! Not a huge amount to some but for me thats big. Thats enough malt for our three year round beers (including a new/old favorite).

Kiernan

updated list of Imperial Stout locations

2010-02-25T10:58:00.000-08:00

Look for our Black Steel Imperial Stout at the following locations in the first few weeks of March
J Ryans
Brilbecks
Marcy Discount Beverage
Empire Brewing Company
Clarks Ale House
7 or so Consumers Beverage Locations

buffalo news article

2010-02-23T13:03:00.000-08:00

Look we got mentioned in the Buffalo News. Article is right we are going to start brewing with Paper City but that is direct result the events occuring at Flying Bison.

goings on

2010-02-23T10:18:00.000-08:00

Black Steel Imperial Stout will be out real soon.

Look for it at
Clarks Ale House
7 or so Consumers Beverage locations
Marcy Discount Beverage
J Ryans

with more to come

Kiernan

Answer a couple of ????

2010-02-13T11:50:00.001-08:00

Here's several questions that came up at the Brewfest last weekend.

I've gotten a couple of inquiries about the alcohol content on the barleywine. Its 9.2%abv.

We have no relationship with the Landmark Theater just like Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. has no relationship to Sierra Nevada College.

We use Madagascar Vanilla Beans in the brown ale.

Keep asking questions and I'll try to answer them as soon as I can.

Whats going on with Us

2010-02-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

Many of you have heard that our main brewer, Flying Bison Brewing in Buffalo has run into some financial difficulty and are attempting trying to complete a deal that would sell their business to the FX Matt Brewing Company in Utica. Over the past several months we have had a decreasing supply of our beer. Tim Herzog and all the guys at Flying Bison have been do a great job producing our beer but unfortunately all good things come to an end. With the impending sale of Flying Bison we've decided to move our production to another brewery. That brewery would be the Paper City Brewing Company in Holyoke Massachusetts. I'm very excited to get started brewing with them in the coming weeks.

To commerate this new start we've decided to bring back the beer that started it all, Landmark India Style Red Ale. We are hoping to have it out by mid march in bottles and draft. Also look for a change in our IPA recipe also, dry, lighter color, MORE HOPS.

While all this has been going on we found time to have an oak aged imperial stout called Black Steel to be brewed for us by our friends at Custom Brewcrafters. That should be out the first week of march. The Old toad in Rochester will be have a sneek peak of it on cask today minus the oak aging.

Cheers

Kiernan

happenings

2010-02-09T10:17:00.000-08:00

Had a great time at the brewfest this past weekend.

I'll be dropping off a keg of barleywine at J' Ryans wednesday

Old Toad will have a cask of Imperial Stout friday

Whats happening

2010-01-29T06:28:00.000-08:00

As many of you know our main brewer, Flying Bison Brewing Company, has been making the news alot lately about its possible sale to FX Matt Brewing in Utica. Presently we are not sure where everything will fall out for us but don't worry we have some good things going on behind the sences that we will be able to talk more about in the coming weeks. On a side note our next draft only beer is being brewed now Black Steel Imperial Stout.

K

Comments

2010-01-25T10:08:00.000-08:00

I've been getting a few off topic comments that have been deleting. to make my job easier I've switched the blog settings so all comments now will be reviewed before posting. sorry for any inconvience

other news outlets

2010-01-13T15:12:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder to check our twitter and facebook accounts for other updates. goto our website and we link to them from there

www.landmarkbeer.com

misc

2010-01-08T05:55:00.000-08:00

Well over the holidays did some inventory and found a keg of black lager. Its on its way to the Tap and mallet today. Also dropping off Barleywine there and at Old toad. Lots of stuff also going to Beers of the world.

Also noticed my spelling didn't get any better last year. HAHA. Nice to see 4 years of college and some grad school and I still can't spell. maybe i should use spell ck one of these days

managing all our online stuff

2009-12-14T10:54:00.000-08:00

Man its funny how I get behind on updating the blog. Between twitter, facebook and the blog I have the ability to spread tons of info about whats going on. Well we had a tasting Saturday at Green Hills which went great. Got another tasting on the 23rd at Brilbecks. Look for another one or two in January. Love these tastings. Meet lots of great people and turn them on to our beer. Next up in our limited draft beers is Imperial Stout. Still working on the recipe with Jason but should have that done soon and brewed next week.

Kiernan

Barleywine locations

2009-11-10T08:29:00.000-08:00

Here's the list so far
7 Consumers Beverage locations
Old Toad
Clarks Ale House
Greenes Ale House
Marcy Beverage
Finger Lakes Beverage

More to be added

2009-11-09T08:05:00.000-08:00

I've been awful keeping up with things lately. Our facebook account has been giving me a head ache for some reason. I can't getting the setting right. Barleywine comes out this week. I'll post where to get it when the list is final. Also have some major changes happening with out Massachusetts distribution. More on that later in the week

Kiernan

Good News

2009-10-14T05:36:00.000-07:00

Been busy behind the scenes the last few weeks. We are moving our operations from our present locations (we have a seperate office and warehouse) to one location just off of James St in the Eastwood section of Syracuse. This new space offers us twice the storage and also the possibility of adding our own brewery in the future (no plans yet but you never know). It will take some time for the state to approve move of the lic but its still very exciting for us.

Also we have added a new Syracuse sales rep who should be getting started next week. More on that later.

Almost forgot, we are brewing our new barleywine today.

Kiernan

GABF video

2009-10-02T05:44:00.000-07:00

heres a link to a good time lapse video of the Great American Beer Festival in Denver last month

http://vimeo.com/6853577

Kiernan

beer update and off topic stuff

2009-09-30T05:49:00.000-07:00

A few post ago I announce that we would be releasing a new beer called Landmark Winter Ale, well I canceled that already. Its going to be replaced by Landmark Barleywine. I've been asked to brew a barleywine for years now and my winter ale was going to be nearly a barleywine .so I decided to up the gravity a bit and make it a barleywine.

A lot off topic but my cousin, Bridget Kelly has been performing with Jay-Z lately. Here's a link to one of her performances.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWw9qBH3HA8
Cheers
Kiernan

Just a reminder about the Job opening

2009-09-22T12:01:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder that we have an opening for a salesperson/delivery person/warehouse person.

any interested parties please contact us at sales@landmarkbrewing.com or 315-720-2013

thanks
Kiernan

great video of Sam from Dogfish head

2009-09-09T10:40:00.001-07:00

http://www.realamericanstories.com/dogfishheadbrewery/?curpage=0

Job openning

2009-09-08T18:11:00.000-07:00

We'll we are looking for a new sales rep for Onondoga County. Any one interested drop me and email or phone call at sales@landmarkbrewing.com or 315-720-2013 and we can discuss the details.

Kiernan

fall/winter beer

2009-08-26T14:44:00.000-07:00

Well I'm trying to decide on what to brew for a seasonal/limited edition beer for the fall/winter and I'm down to 2. I'd love to bring back the original India Red Ale in 12oz bottles and draft or a new Winter Warmer with a nice hop bite in 22oz bottles and draft. Whats everyone think?

comment or email me your opinions

Kiernan

Its been a while

2009-08-12T05:57:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't been the best blogger the last month or so. Summer is a very busy time for me. Well the Double Wit was kegged last week and is making its way to accounts. The entire batch was pre-sold which was a first for us. Now to get to work on a new beer for sept/oct. We recently hired a Rochester sales rep who has sold a bunch so far. Unfortunately due to trucking issues we haven't got the beer out there but it will get there thrusday. I'll update the places you can get landmark in rochester friday or saturday. Unfortunately inventory is running extremely low and we won't be able to attend the Flower city Brewfest.

cheers

Kiernan

Tim on TV

2009-07-14T08:52:00.001-07:00

Here Tim Herzog owner of Flying Bison and my defacto partner it this business on TV at the brewfest last friday

http://www.cnycentral.com/news/video.aspx?id=323174

I am a craft brewer

2009-06-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

I meant to post this months ago but forgot. Its the key note speech Greg Koch from Stone gave at the craftbrewers conference.

http://iamacraftbrewer.com/

AWESOME

5th aniversary month

2009-06-26T12:57:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I 've doing this for 5 years now. Its been a roller coaster. Next month we are planning a bunch of events for our aniversary. Already on the Schedule is the debut of our new Double Wit. We are attending the Empire State Brewing and Music Fest, planning several tastings. First definite one is on July 17th at Brilbecks on Tipp Hill. I'll annouce more as they are finalized. Pre sales of the Wit are going strong, looks like half of the batch is spoken for already.

cheers

Kiernan

brewing update

2009-06-15T17:45:00.001-07:00

We're scheduled to brew our next limited release beer, Landmark Double Wit. There is one twist. This time we are taking our brewing to Custom Brewcrafters in Hoenoye Falls. The opportunity to brew with them arose a few weeks ago and things moved fast. I'm excited about working with another brewer. Just to keep the record straight we are still brewing all of our year round beers with Tim and the crew at Flying Bison. When we decided to embark on this limited release program we realized the batch size at Flying Bison was too big for limited beers so we took that program on the road. Who knows whats up next but what ever it is I'm sure it will have a story behind it.

Kiernan

new stuff

2009-06-10T18:48:00.000-07:00

well the double wit it closer to getting brewed then ever. There is a twisted, more on that in the next week or so. If this works out it might lead to even more good news.

brewing a much delayed batch of IPA beginning of next week, followed by a batch of Amber. Will be switching to traditional 6pack carriers from now on. While the plastic ones were more environmentally friendly and economical too many problems with preception by retailers and consumers. Cash is tight so they will be plain carriers with a sticker on them.

We are looking for a Rochester rep so if anyone is interested drop me a email or call.
sales@landmarkbrewing.com
(315)720-2013

Also I seem to have lost the # and email of the few people who applied for the sales job in syracuse, please email me again I have some samples for you guys.

Kiernan

happenings

2009-06-01T12:40:00.000-07:00

We are hoping to add a Rochester area sales rep in the next week or so. When things get finalized I'll give everyone an update. Still have 3 1/2 kegs of Black lager. The first 12 flew out the door but as it warmed up people weren't so hot for a Black lager. I'm hoping to set a brew date for our next draft only beer soon. Ask for the Sunrise Amber at both Quaker Steak and the Mission in the syracuse area.

Kiernan

Need article about us.

2009-05-13T05:06:00.001-07:00

Heres a link to an article written about us for a Syracuse University magazine.

http://www.jerkmagazine.net/smut/blood-sweat-and-beers.html,

Funny thing is that if I knew the mag was call the Jerk I probably wouldn't have done the interview. Liam the writer did a good job on the story

Kiernan

Clarify who's brewing what for us

2009-04-22T16:49:00.001-07:00

There's some confusion out there as to who is brewing for us these days. Flying Bison is brewing all our year round products in both bottle and draft. That includes the IPA, Vanilla Bean Brown and the Sunrise Amber Ale. We brewed the Black Lager at Rohrbach's brewpub location as a side project with thier old brewer. We are planning on continuing that relationship with them in the coming months. Next in line will be a double wit. Hope that clears up any confusion people had.

Kiernan

what goin on

2009-04-16T07:04:00.000-07:00

Been busy lately. Shipped our first beer to Gasko and Meyer. They are a old independent distributor out of Lake Huntington, NY that distributes throughout the Hudson Valley, Catskill Mountains, and the capital district. If you live in that area ask your store to carry our products.

We'll be bottling up some more vanilla bean this week to fullfill more orders. Also were down to our last few kegs of black lager so if you want your local bar to carry it have them call us now. I might save a keg for the brewfest in Clinton sq but I haven't decided yet.

Cheers
Kiernan

First deliveries of Black Lager and festival update

2009-03-26T07:45:00.000-07:00

Tap and Mallet, and the Old Toad will be the first to get the new black lager. Friday Clarks Ale house, Brilbecks and one or two others will get it. Any feedback on it will be much appreciated.

Also wanted to let everyone know that the Vanilla bean will be at the New york beerfest this weekend at the Nassau Coliseum. We'll also be at TAP into The Most next Saturday.

Kiernan

Phone outage

2009-03-23T09:30:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that our phone has been down since friday morning. I aplogize to anyone who has tried to get a hold of me. I'll have it straighten out by this afternoon

Kiernan

Black Lager pics

2009-03-14T05:45:00.000-07:00

Just upload some pictures from the Black Lager brew day at Rohrbachs.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23580480@N04/sets/72157615238773572/

happenings

2009-03-12T14:22:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is a busy day. We're taking delivary of a bunch of product. Finally IPA is back in stock. I had some delays in getting the new 6pack carriers but thats solved and now have plenty. Should get some out to stores friday late afternoon. Also will be getting some out to Marcy Beverage Saturday. Also planning on going down to Binghamton for the first time next week. Black Lager will be kegged next week. Got a nice month of cold conditioning so I'm expecting it to be really smooth and crisp.

Febuary was the normal slow month and march has also been a bit slow. Better than this time last year but still off from January and December. Kyle, our salesperson should solve some of that in the coming weeks.

Kiernan

Great News

2009-02-28T09:55:00.000-08:00

Its been an exciting 2 weeks here at the company. We just signed an agreement with Gasko Meyer to expand our distribution to include the entire hudson valley, capital district and the catskill mountain region. As of right now we technically have almost the entire state cover with distribution. Now if I can only keep beer in inventory to ship to them.

Next and even more exciting is we have finally hire a salesperson. Kyle Robertson starts next week. We think she'll do great. I expect that our on premise business in Onondaga County will start to grow very fast.

On a lighter note, Bruce Lish the brewer at Rohrbachs who we were working with was let go monday. That puts our black lager behind a week so next week we should be kegging it and getting it out to accounts. Luckily Rohrbachs wants to continue the draft project Bruce and I started so next in line is going to be a Double Wit. More on that next month.

Cheers as always
Kiernan

its been a few weeks

2009-02-13T09:05:00.003-08:00

Our new black lager is cold conditioning now and should be out in the market by the last week in Feb. I'm working on a second draft only release now. I plan on having a recipe decided on by next week and hopefully schedule a brew date for the first week in march. Still haven't hired anyone yet. I slowing getting around to interviewing them and hope to have someone in place by this time next week.

On monday I'll be doing an interview for a SU publication, not sure which one. More on that after the interview. there's been a bit of a delay with the printing of our new IPA 6pack carriers so there is very little if any out there. That will all change in a week or so.

Kiernan

busy week

2009-01-31T07:01:00.000-08:00

Well this was one busy week. Spent Thursday brewing a one off draft only batch at Rohrbachs. More on what we brewed later. Dropped or a good size order at beers of the world. unloaded a delivery of product. scrambled to figure out how to get some draft that I needed.

I've got 3 people interested in the job I posted last week. I'll get around to interviewing them next week hopefully.

Today we've got the CNY brewfest. Always a fun event. I'll have the usual crew, Jeff and John pouring for me. We decided to bring cask IPA which we will be pouring from a hand pump, vanilla bean draft and Sunrise bottles. A little of everything.

I tried my first vblog the other day. Looks like I need some practice or a lot of editing.

If anyone is going to the fest this afternoon or evening stop by and say hi.

Kiernan

goings on at the company

2009-01-19T06:29:00.001-08:00

Got a lot going on this week. Shipping out bottled Vanilla Bean to NYC, get another shipment of Paper City, brewing the first in a serious of draft only releases and hopefully buying a delivary truck (least likely to happen as there is so much going on).

To top it off I was suppose to go to Buffalo and Rochester today to pickup some beer, delivery some and drop off some malt.

I'm hoping to do my first video blog on brew day thrusday. We'll see how that goes. Greg at Stone brewing use to do one during the opening of their new brewery. I loved watching them so after too much time I decided to finally do one myself.

At the Central New York Brewfest this month we'll be pouring Vanilla Bean, IPA and maybe amber, unfortunately our new beer won't be ready.

If anyone in the Syracuse area is looking for a job selling beer 5-10 hours a week give me a all (315)720-2013

Thanks
Kiernan

my horrible spelling and grammer

2009-01-09T08:07:00.000-08:00

Last night my wife and I were going over our plans for the business for 09 and she decided to look over the website and blog. Well did I get an ear full about my poor spelling and grammer in my posts. Luckily it was late and she only went back a few months. I've been told I need to do a better job with my posts so I'll try to. If you see an error feel free to point it out in a comment I'm sure you'll be able to find some.

Kiernan

Happy New Years

2008-12-31T06:03:00.000-08:00

Well its been a long year here at Landmark Beer. We had lots of growing pains and lots of lumps but with that said it was a great year. Sales were up and would have been nearly double last years had we had more cash to brew more. Nothing like shipping less then %50 of what people order. Our wholesale business has been growing steadily for the last 6 months. While we lost one supplier (Atlantic Brewing, hoping coming back next spring) we gained 2, Rohrbach Brewing and Paper City Brewing. Should have another 2 in the next month. One really large and one smaller then us. As always we are still looking to expand our area and will be adding a sales/delivary person soon plus another truck so if you have either give us a call.

Unfortunately with the holidays falling in the middle of the weeks its screwed with trucking schedules so I ran out of Paper City last week and won't get more until next week. Thats OK I needed a break.

Hopefully next week we'll be brewing our first limited edition draft only beer. Think German and Dark. I'm really excited about this project. I can't decide whether to call it limited release beers or seasonal beers but whatever I call it its still cool to be able to do it. I figure we'll brew a new beer each time and as frequently as they sell we'll brew them so it could be once a quarter, month or week (pipe dream)

Kiernan

Check out our new winter Posters

2008-12-21T08:02:00.000-08:00

Here's our new winter poster. Love to hear what everyone thinks.

Newspaper article

2008-12-17T05:15:00.000-08:00

On tuesday an article about us was published in the Rochester newspaper. Here's a link to it online.

http://www.beercraftsite.com/

Mark did a great job capturing what our company is all about. It took us a while to finally do the interview but it was well worth the wait

Presently we don't have much of any product in the Rochester market but that will change shortly.

Kiernan

inventory

2008-12-14T13:11:00.000-08:00

We'll right now inventory is LOW on all our beers. Actually the only thing we have in stock is bottled Amber Ale. Due to a mechanically failure we actually had to dump 600+ gallons of beer down the drain. Almost made me cry. We brewed again immediately and should have beer as soon as its ready not a day later.

I'm working on a little side project that hopefully will lead to us having some draft only small batch seasonals really soon. More on that monday I hope. Still looking for an employee if anyone is interested.

Kiernan

Help Wanted

2008-12-05T17:18:00.000-08:00

Well we are at the point were we need to hire someone. Anyone interested in part time work 5-10 hours a week and is available after 4:00pm and on an occasional Saturday. The job will involve sales calls, delivaries, and promotional events. This is a chance to get your feet wet in the beer business without having to start a business like I have. I'll post a more detailed description in a day or so. Anyone interested in the job email me at sales@landmarkbrewing.com or give me a call at (315)720-2013. We've got some exciting things happening on the distribution side of the business over the next few months.

Kiernan

trip update

2008-11-29T16:40:00.000-08:00

We'll we went out of town for a day to Massachusetts for both family and business. Finally got a chance to met with the Hebert brothers of Paper City. Nice to put a face to a name. Especially since last week we had our single biggest delivary to a single store and almost all of it was Paper
City. Got a chance to stop by for a minute at Pioneer Brewing in Sturbridge and grad a bomber which I am drinking as I type. Also got to try Olde Burnside 's ten penny ale last night. Good session beer. I finished the growler before I knew it. I always enjoy trying new beers when I'm out of town.

Cheers
Kiernan

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T08:29:00.000-08:00

Well its thanksgiving morning and I just filled the car with beer for the family gathering. Our tasting last weekend went pretty good. Next time I'll plan better and not have them during SU games. Met lots of nice people and hopefully converted a few to our beers. Spent a good 1/2 hour or so talking to Todd Relyea of the long closed Relyea Brewing Company. Todd and his brother Ross have always been forth coming with advice and even tap handles once. I wish they were still in business, it would be nice to have a tasting room locally. For all those that forgot heres a link to see their labels.
http://ny-m-z.microlabelguide.com/id19.htm#relyea_brewing_co

Have a safe and happy holiday

Kiernan

2 tasting this weekend

2008-11-18T09:57:00.000-08:00

This weekend we'll be doing two tasting. Friday at Brilbecks on Tipp Hill from 5-7 and Saturday at Party Souce Beverage on Erie Blvd from 2-4. We look forward to see you there.

Kiernan

Lecture and Talk last night

2008-11-06T05:44:00.000-08:00

Last night was Don Cazentre's talk on the history of brewing at the Erie Canal Museum. Due to some confusion by all we were a last minute addition to the tasting. Lucky I was able to get some Vanilla Bean and Sunrise down there. Unfortunately I was not able to attend due to a prior engagement. I'm sure Don did a great job as always.

cheers

Kiernan

Clarks tasting report

2008-11-04T08:41:00.000-08:00

Had our tasting at Clarks Ale House last night. Went really well. busy for the first hour and slow for the second which allowed me time to talk to everyone a lot more. Really enjoyed myself and was happy to see several blog readers there. I brought with me Sunrise Amber and our IPA. I didnt' have any Vanilla Bean to bring unfortunately. I have two more tastings scheduled for this week, one at C's Farm market in Oswego for friday and one at the Party Souce in Syracuse for Saturday. I still haven't recieved my permit for them so I might have to reschedule but I find out this afternoon.

Kiernan

Flying Bison Video

2008-10-22T18:15:00.000-07:00

here a link to a news piece on Flying Bison Brewing, the brewers of our beer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygAzAo96saQ

Kiernan

Clarks Real Ale Fest

2008-10-16T06:21:00.000-07:00

This fri,sat,sunday is Clarks Ale House Real Ale Fest. We sent a cask of Vanilla Bean down for it. Its a little different format then years past. should be tons of fun. Im going to try and stop by several times this weekend for a few.

Next week we'll be making our first delivary to Phoebe's Restaurant on Genesee St in Syracuse. Look for us to be the featured beer of the week for the following week. We've tentatively scheduled tasting for C's Farm Market in Oswego for Nov 2 and Brilbecks in Tipp Hill for Nov 21. We are looking to add another tasting around those date also so keep checking for updates.

Kiernan

off to a great week

2008-10-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

This week is going great so far. Got a big order from our NYC wholesaler, two new on premise accounts in Syracuse (more on them next week), shipped out another pallet to Massachusetts, finally have found and affordable frieght company to bring product in from Paper City Brewing soon and the week is only half done. Of couse I can have a list equally as long as that of things that aren't going well but I'll try to be have the glass half full for now.

Cheers as always

Kiernan

brief mention in article

2008-09-29T07:03:00.001-07:00

Not sure when this article was written but I'm briefly mentioned in it so I figured I post it.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art54062.asp

Kiernan

Nirchi's Italian Grill

2008-09-26T09:03:00.001-07:00

Add another new account to the list. Nirchi's Italian Grill in Cazenovia. Look for the Vanilla bean brown to be on tap sometime in the next few days.

Kiernan

Hopfest report and others

2008-09-18T10:12:00.000-07:00

The hopfest was good as usual. We did the food pairing before the main event with the Copper Turret and couldn't have been happier to be paired with them.

We did manage to add 2 more account this weekend, Landmark Inn in Bouckville and Roger's Market in Hamilton. We'll be getting them thier order next week sometime so don't run down and try and buy it just yet.

Kiernan

This weekend

2008-09-10T06:54:00.000-07:00

This weekend we'll be attending the Madison County Hopfest. Its a small event compared to our last few but still lots of fun. This year we are participating in the pre fest food pairing. I'm happy to say we will be working with the Copper Turret from Morrisville. We look forward to seeing how they pair our beer with their food.

Few things I've missed before.

The accounts list should have included CLEvers, Old City Hall, Kraigs Kegs and now the Copper Turret.

Party Source Beverage in Erie Blvd has Sunrise Amber on the growler fill station.

Kiernan

Great article by Charlie Papazian

2008-09-04T06:50:00.000-07:00

Nice to see that all I've been screaming, I mean talking about for some time is validated by someone of Charlie Papazian's reputation and experience.

http://www.beertown.org/craftbrewing/pdf/Future_of_beer_distribution.pdf

Thats a link to a great piece he wrote for the new brewer magazine

Kiernan

Why we miss some events

2008-08-28T07:27:00.000-07:00

I've had a few question lately about why we don't attend certain events in our home market. The reason is very simple we weren't invited or were total our participation was not welcome. One event not too long ago had a combined wine and beer tasting to benefit a not for profit. I called over 2 months in advance to express interest in attending and was ask "what distributor carry's your brand?". My response was that we self distribute and are not affiliated with any of the large wholesalers. After about what seemed like a minute of silence I was told that they didn't have any more slots available for local brewers but if I was a winery I could attend. Lets see my company is the Landmark Beer Company, NO I DON'T HAVE WINE. Due to distributor consolidation access to certain events and frankly the market has been limited and made more difficult. That's my rant for today.

K

Great site

2008-08-28T07:26:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd plug a friends company. All you Ex-cuse guys out there will love it

http://www.syracusecrate.com/

Kiernan

Updated account list

2008-08-22T10:30:00.000-07:00

here's an updated account list. Its not totaly complete but pretty close

Syracuse Area:
Party Source Beverage
Fair Mart Deli
Terry Road Market
Stafford Convience
Empire News and Grocery
Galeville Grocery
Brilbeck's
Blarney Stone
Clarks Ale House
Ohm Lounge
Bull and Bear

Oswego Area:
Greenes Ale House
C's Farm Market
Bosco and Geers

Utica Area:
Marcy Discount Beverage

Rochester:
Tap and Mallet
Old Toad
Beers of the World

Buffalo:
Some Consumer Beverage locations
Flying Bison Brewing

There are several others that rotate our products through also and there are bunch of new locations coming on in the next few weeks.

Inaddition look for draft Vanilla Bean to start appearing in NYC next week followed later by our entire lineup.

We have sporadic availability of draft in PA and of bottles in MA.

thanks
Kiernan

Flour City Brewers Fest report

2008-08-18T10:57:00.000-07:00

What a crazy friday night. We poured more beer in the first 2 hours than we've poured at any other fest yet. Good crowd. Other then running out of CO2 and having to "source a tank" things went good. I had my now regular helper, Jeff with me and a couple of volunteers from the festival organizers. Before hand we dropped off product at Beers of the World, Old Toad and Tap and Mallet. Rochester is turning out to be a great market for our products. Sales have been pretty good lately and I'm almost completely out of everything. I've got only a handful of cases of both mine and Atlantic products in the warehouse. I'm hoping to get some Atlantic this week and will be replenishing my stock also.

K

This friday

2008-08-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

We'll be at the Flour City Brewfest this friday pouring Vanilla bean and Amber. Looking forward to it. I plan on making a few delivaries before hand. More on where this weekend. I know BOTW but not sure about others. If you read this blog and your there stop by and say Hi.

Lots of new stuff

2008-07-31T08:36:00.000-07:00

Well as usual a lot going on at the brewery. We are back ordered on both IPA and brown ale. Our Massachusetts wholesaler has been out of both for a while. Our new NYC wholersaler placed a large order for draft brown ale. August is going to be a busy brewing month for us. Added a few new accounts recently, Empire News on Westcott st in Syracuse and Terry Rd. Market in Syracuse also. Ohm Lounge should be pouring Sunrise by the end of next week along with Marcy Discount Bev.. I've decided to make Sunrise a year round beer. It rounds out our portfolio nicely. We needed a more approachable beer and that gives us one. Plus I find myself drinking it a lot lately and don't want to have to stop this winter. Several months ago I mentioned we had hired a new Salesperson, well that didn't work out so its back to just me again. Unfortunatelly I don't pay well and the job isn't that easy. I am looking to ad a delivary person next week. Doesn't pay well but its a lot easier. Sometime in the next few days I'll be doing an interview for the Rochester newspapers. More on that after it happens. Look for us to do a few tasting around Syracuse in August starting with CL Evers in Clinton Square. More on that when we set a date.

Kiernan

final report on Empire State Brewfest

2008-07-16T12:22:00.001-07:00

Well what a friday night. First time I had to worry about pouring in 2 different locations. Our main booth was off to the side of the Dinosaur BBQ stage. Some people didn't see us unfortunatelly. We also had a cask in the cask ale tent. I am happy to say it was the first cask to kick. One did stop pouring before us but thats cause the volunteers thought it was empty, in reality it had 2 more gallons which Pete, my asistant gladly went over to pour after my cask kicked. Seemed like everyone loved the new Sunrise Amber. Saw many come back for sample after sample. I'd like to thank all the people who had nice words to say about the company and our beers. I did have some problems over the course of the night, the biggest being that someone decided to help themselves to one of my keg couplers. Not only did I give away $300 dollars worth of beer but now I have to spend another $50 replace the keg coupler. Overall a great fest as always.

Kiernan

empire brew fest initial report

2008-07-12T06:13:00.000-07:00

Great fest as usual. Cask Amber was awesome. kicked really fast. I have to say the everyone love the amber. only bad note is some jerk stole one of my keg couplers at the end of the night. I'll post again with more details

Kiernan

its been a while

2008-07-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

Well its been a while since my last post. I was out of town for a better part of a week and when you are the only employee nothing gets down. I've been playing catch up all week. Some exciting things going on. First we made our second delivery run to Rochester and added a new account, Mcbanes on Gregory st. Sent a cask of IPA to them. The first keg of Vanilla Bean Brown was finished in 3 days at the Old Toad. I think thats a record for us.

This weekend marks the annual Empire State Brewing and Music Festival. I look forward to this event every year. We will be pouring all 3 of our beers throughout the night. Add to that a cask of Sunrise Amber in the cask tent too. Its going to be a busy night for me. For years now I've wanted to build a wooden box to go over our little cooler tap box well I finally did the other night. I've always felt we needed it but never set time aside to make one. It took all of 1 hour with some assistance from my 7 year old son. Speaking of Sunrise Amber we finally brewed it and will be kegging/bottling at the end of this week and the beginning of next week. Look for it to appear on draft in Syracuse starting friday/saturday. As always Clarks Ale House will be the first to have it.

Last week I made a quick run out to Marcy Discount Beverage out in Marcy of course so look for our IPA and Vanilla Bean Brown on special there.

Almost forgot Consumers Beverage took a few kegs of IPA so look for it on the growler fill stations.

I think thats all for now.

Kiernan

check out our new poster

2008-06-18T11:23:00.001-07:00

Here's our new poster. Any comments are more then welcome

Kiernan

Sunrise Amber on its way

2008-06-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

We after much delay we are scheduled to brew our new Sunrise Amber Ale the beginning of next week. Ran into a bit of a cash crunch and had to delay the brewing for several months while we paid off lots of outstanding bills. I'm excited about brewing this one. Its our first attempt at a true session ale. Most people define session ales as having less then 5% abv. While the Vanilla Brown is right at 5% its uniqueness kinda places it out of that designation. Sunrise will have a nice malty body with some earthy hop flavor. Its also my first psuedo english stlye ale. Tentatively we'll have it packaged sometime around the 8th of July.

Cheers

Kiernan

New accounts

2008-06-12T12:27:00.000-07:00

Forgot to mention that both of our beers will be pouring at Rohrbach Brewing and the Old Toad in Rochester. The other day I made a quick run out and dropped off kegs at both places. Made a few additional stops and hope to be adding to the list of accounts in Rochester in the near future. Brought a few goodies back so look for something we don't get in Syracuse to be on tap at Clarks and maybe another place or two.

Kiernan

Post Standard and Rochester.

2008-05-28T15:37:00.001-07:00

Check out today's Post Standard. Front page of the food section as a great article by Don Cazentre about Ithaca Beer's great results at Tap NY. It also happens to mention our newest beer, Sunrise Amber. It was suppose to be our Spr/Sum seasonal but now it looks like its going to be our Summer Seasonal, maybe into fall also. I just approved the artwork for the new label today. Hopefully brewing next week so we are looking at maybe 3 weeks or so. Due to financial constraints stemming from production problems last fall we've had to delay brewing it. Just like our IPA it will be package in "cooler ready" plastic 6 packs. Might look different but still hold 6 bottles just like paper ones. Even better cause they don't fall out.

Next week marks a first for us. I'm making my first delivary to an account in Rochester. In the past we did have a wholesaler who sold a little bit of our beer but this represents the first time we've made the sale directly.

Recently it seems like I've had a lot of good news about new sales and increased distribution but there is some bad news. We continue to have difficulty with sales in our home market. Being independent it is extremely tough to get people to give us a shoot. Please the next time you are out ask for us or order one of our products if they happen to be available where you are. We need all the help we can get. Thanks again

Kiernan

Consumer Questions

2008-05-16T14:32:00.000-07:00

Well I've gotten a bunch of question about a few things so I figured I'd post them along with an answer.

What kind of vanilla do you use? or some have actually asked if I use artificial Vanilla.

The answer the second question is definitely NO. Our label states "ale brewed with Vanilla Beans and natural flavor" . The Vanilla bean is well vanilla bean. The natural flavor is PURE vanilla extract that is produced using a cold extraction process taking nearly a month. Most vanilla extract is produce in a day or so using a heat extraction process that in my opinion creates a harsh after taste. When I choose the vanilla I sampled many samples from all over the world, Madagascar, Tahiti, Mexico, Uganda, United States and Tanzania. I found I liked the Madagascar the best and thats what we use today.

Why do you use the plastic 6 pack carriers?

Well I wanted something that was different, cost effective and enviromentally friendly. As a brewer from Montana told me "They are as recycleable as milk jugs". Another from California markets them as "Cooler Ready". Thats the low down. I spend all this money on labels so at least the consumer sees them now.

Kiernan

Now available in the Commonwealth

2008-05-10T05:25:00.000-07:00

Well this week we shipped 2 pallets of IPA and Vanilla Bean to our new Massachusetts wholesaler, La Resistance in Holyoke. They cover the entire state so ask for it at your local liqour store. I'm very excited about what MA can offer in terms of sales. In the next few weeks we'll be announcing some more expansion to the southern part of NY. Keep tuned for details.

I'm also starting to work with our website designer to incorporate information about our expanded distribition and the self distribution we do in our local markets.

Cheers
Kiernan

Pennslyvania Accounts

2008-05-05T05:39:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give everyone an update about PA. You can find draft at the Grey Lodge in Philly and Capone's in Norristown. More to follow.

K

Vanilla Bean Brown bottle locations

2008-04-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

Here's where you can find Vanilla Bean in bottles
Stafford Convience
Fair Deli Mart
Party Source Beverage
Galeville Grocery
Old City Hall

More to follow in the coming days.

K

New Salesperson

2008-04-23T17:12:00.000-07:00

Well I finally have some help. Pat Frary formerly of Clarks Ale House in Syracuse has come on board and is doing some sales and deliveries. Hopefully this will translated to greater exposure of all of our brands, Landmark Beer, Atlantic Brewing and Paper City Brewing. Look for a page on our website covering the distribution side of the business.

Kiernan

Expansion

2008-04-18T06:10:00.000-07:00

Well after a nearly 3 year absence we are again selling beer in PA. Earlier this week Stockertown Beverage picked up draft Vanilla Bean and IPA. I'm very excited to be sending beer to PA, the first time around our old IRA did great there. Next week I'll be looking west as our first shipment heads out to MA.

Kiernan

Post Standard Article

2008-04-14T06:46:00.000-07:00

There was a great article written in the friday Post Standard about Galeville Grocery in Liverpool. Bernie the owner gave us a great plug.

here's the link

http://www.syracuse.com/entertainment/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-1/1207904240107240.xml&coll=1

Friday night

2008-04-11T17:46:00.000-07:00

Well a busy end to the week. Had to make few deliveries late this afternoon. Nothing like lugging a keg down the stairs to Empire passing people who are heading to happy hour. Had a beer with Bill Metzger of the Brewing News. Spoke with someone about our possible first sponsorship, hired our first employee and of course had a beer or two. People always ask me what I drink when I'm not working. Well of course I drink lots of my beer. Probably half the beer I drink is my IPA, maybe a quarter it the Vanilla bean, the rest is anyones guess. Tonight I'm having a Southampton Grand Cru after having a few IPAs. I love the Southampton 750mml beers. I had a Brooklyn Brown last night. Never know what I'll grad a single bottle of at one of my accounts.

Big stuff going on next week. More on that my next post.

Kiernan

Tap into the MOST

2008-04-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

Just a wanted to let everyone know that we'll be at the Tap into the MOST this Saturday night pouring IPA, Vanilla Bean and Bar Harbor Blueberry.

Say hi if your there.

Also I uploaded some pics of our accounts and even some warehouse pics at our photo page. Go to landmarkbeer.com and click on photos.

Kiernan

Spring/Summer Seasonal

2008-03-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

Here is the tentative Spring/Summer seasonal label that we plan on launching in May.

I give more details at the launch date approachs. Feel free to leave a comment on what think.

Yes I know May is late for a spring seasonal but better late then never. This year its more like only a summer release but we intend to have it as a spring/summer release in 2009.

Cheers

Kiernan

Rohrbachs grand opening report

2008-03-28T05:34:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to the grand opening of http://www.rohrbachs.com production brewery on Railroad St in Rochester. For some reason I was expecting a quiet group of people but instead I arrived to a full fledged party. There was a HUGE crowd which was great. The Master Brewer Association also had an informal meeting in the back which I came for which was extremely well attended. Nothing better than about 15 or so brewers and brewery employees talking about beer. Also conducted some distribution business while I was there that might be a big deal for us in 6 months or so.

Spent some time talking to Mark from http://www.beercraftsite.com/. Check out his blog if you have a moment.

I meant to bring a camera but as usual was running late and forgot it. I think we've finally figured out the problem with the label approval for the Vanilla Bean so here's hoping that in a week or so I'll have bottles out there.

Next week we'll hopefully be taking delivary of a couple of pallets of Paper City Brewing Company's beer for distribution in the greater Syracuse market. More on that next week. We'll also be adding a page to the website covering the other brands with distribute. Our new salesperson we hopefully be starting next week also.

Cheers
Kiernan

Rohrbach Grand Opening

2008-03-26T07:28:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to let any Rochester area readers that I'll be at the grand opening of Rohrbach's new production brewery if you want to stop by and say Hi. We're exploring ways at increasing our exposure in that market soon. For those of you who don't know what I look like I'll be wearing a landmark jacket and probably shirt if its clean.

Just a reminder to keep asking for Landmark products at your local bar or store, just refer them to our website or email me with details about the establishment and I'll try and get them some product.

The first keg went well and Als Whiskey and Wine so keep drinking it and tell your friends. Empire Brewing tap their keg yesterday so go down and have a pint if your in the area.

Cheers

Kiernan

Good News and Expanded Distribution

2008-03-16T07:13:00.000-07:00

This week I'll be making our first delivary to Empire Brewing Company in historic Armory Square, Syracuse. Look for the Vanilla Bean Brown on tap in the next few weeks. If you haven't been to Empire in a little while get there now and try the sub-terrarian ale. Truly a unique beer. I've been lucky enough to have sampled it throughout the fermentation process and it was neat to see all the flavors develop over time.

Cheers and Happy St Patricks Day

Next post I'll describe where Landmark Beer is as a company. Most probably don't know where we are headed, sometimes I don't know even.

Almost forgot whenever we can get the Vanilla Bean label approval transferred to Flying Bison (hopefully next week) we will begin shipping to a bunch of new wholesalers. Look for us to be in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, NYC and Long Island.

Kiernan

Account update

2008-03-14T05:48:00.000-07:00

I figured I'd give everyone an update on where our products are available. On a side note sometimes I post new accounts here on the blog but I should mention that even though I've made a delivary to a bar or restaurant sometimes it takes a week or so before our beer comes on tap. Usually we replace the slowest moving product and some move VERY slow.

Here's the list
Clarks
Als Whiskey and Wine
Bull and Bear
Party Source Beverage
Brilbecks
Poolers
Lucky Sevens
Galeville Grocery
Nichols
Greeens Ale House
C's Farm market
Old City Hall
Raven
Boscos and Geers
Flying Bison Brewing
Mr Goodbar
6 Consumers Beverages locations

We have several others taking their first delivary in the next 2 weeks also.

Looks like we've hired a salesperson who should be starting in the next 2 weeks so that should help us expand our account base greatly.

Kiernan

Al's Whiskey and Wine

2008-03-01T06:36:00.000-08:00

Its been a rough week. I was laid up sick of the better part of 4 days. Unfortunately very little was accomplished this week. The one bright spot was that Als Whiskey and Wine Bar in Armory Square in Syracuse has joined the ranks of those serving our beer. The Vanilla Bean Brown should be on tap any day now.

Kiernan

Account update

2008-02-19T05:24:00.000-08:00

Well the Vanilla Bean is slowly making it way out to accounts. Greene's in Oswego, Clarks Ale House and Brilbecks in Syracuse, Mr. Goodbar in Buffalo and soon to be at 6 Consumer Beverage locations in the greater Buffalo area. Look for the Blarney Stone on Tipp Hill in syracuse to have bottles when they are ready also.

Any questions feel free to email me at sales@landmarkbrewing.com

Kiernan

The Bean has arrived and a New beer sort of

2008-02-14T05:34:00.000-08:00

Well not totally but the first new draft in a long time is in the warehouse. I'll be making several delivaries of it today, Brilbecks and Clarks at least.

Also I'll be dropping off the first ever Landmark Nut Brown Ale cask to Clarks. We pulled a cask before adding the vanilla making it a totally different beer. I haven't even had it myself but I can't wait to try it.

As always if anyone has any questions or would like to suggest a place for our products to be served please feel free to email me at sales@landmarkbrewing.com.

Cheers
Kiernan