Bards Guten Free Beer Update

[VegasCeliacBuckeye]

From Bardsbeer.com

Letter from the President

Dear Shareholders, Customers, Distributors, and all interested parties:

2005 was a wild rollercoaster ride for all of us at Bard’s Tale Beer Company. We started off the year strongly, expanding distribution to eleven states by mid-spring. We achieved what no other company in the world was able to accomplish; brewing a true beer using only whole grains that was also gluten free. We did it all naturally, without the use of grain syrups, extracts, or industrial enzymes, just whole grain sorghum, water, hops, and yeast. The goal we set was to produce a superior tasting beer everyone could drink, and based on our sales, positive press, and customer feedback we were successful. A real beer made from whole grains, not another imitation.

Sometimes a good thing is too good…

Due to the phenomenal demand, the contract brewer we utilized had to double its capacity by buying additional equipment and fermenters. By the summer, we had reached our allotted capacity at the contract brewer, and had to start rationing beer to our distributors. By the end of the summer, the contract brewer developed production problems that lead to quality problems in our beer (non gluten related).

The issues with the beer related to excessive foaming, and were directly related to sanitation at the contract brewery. We spent a great deal of time, resources, and money to correct the issue, but in the end, we determined that the contract brewery could not meet our standards of quality, and we ceased production.

Bard’s Tale will never sell an inferior beer, and never a beer with quality issues. Because the possibility existed that our beer produced at that brewery could have problems, we pulled it from the market. As celiacs we understood that pulling this beer from the market had an effect on people who could only drink our beer, but we felt there was no other choice.

Sometimes a good thing can get better…

From the first days of production we have always been planning further expansion. Finding a high quality partner to brew our beer has been a difficult quest. A potential contract brewery must first and foremost be able to handle our requirements to ensure the beer remains absolutely gluten free. Additionally they need to have quality procedures in place that meet or exceed our requirements. Lastly, they need to be able to make a lot more high quality beer so we can get the beer out to everyone, in every state.

It has taken us a long time to find a facility to meet these requirements, but we have been working several months now with a large brewery in California. This is a large, state-of-the art brewery and we are extremely excited to be working with them. On Monday March 13th we brewed our first test batch with the new equipment and we are on schedule to brew our first batch the last week in March with availability beginning the first week of May (check our website for availability).

You will also be excited to know that by moving to this new facility we have increased our production capacity by 1200% per batch. This will give us the capacity to meet our initial demand for the entire US. For us, this was a double edged sword, and the main reason it has taken so long to get back into production. The financial requirements for producing the beer at this increased capacity is far larger than we thought, and it has taken us longer than we would have liked in to raise the additional funds, but we are there. The beer will be back in May, it will be better than before, and with our increased capacity, we will be able to get it to everyone who wants it.

We really appreciate everyone’s patience and ongoing support. As a celiac myself, I am committed to providing the best products, using only natural ingredients and brewing methods. If you have any questions or would like additional information please check out our website at www.bardsbeer.com.

We look forward to a successful 2006.

Cheers,

Kevin Seplowitz

President

[IronedOut]

YEAH!!

[Nancym]

Horray! It'd be nice to have beer again! Has anyone tried this beer? How's it compare?

[francelajoie]

Can't wait to be able to compare it with Rampo Valley and La Messagere.

[tarnalberry]

I've had it while they were having fermentation issues... it exploded three bottles in my kitchen! Disaster! :-) I didn't mind the taste (though I've always hated beer, so take that as high praise from me.)

[Guest nini]

I'm not a drinker (anymore), but I may have to give them a try!

[wolfie]

I just found some of this beer today at a local store!!! I was looking for New Grist (MIL said they had it for $8.99/6 pack, and they do, but they are sold out and waiting for more) and found Bard's. I am anxiously awaiting them to chill in my fridge so I can try one tonight!

[luvs2eat]

I've heard that Bard's is way better than Ramapo Valley... I was too excited to find the website and started clicking the BUY button!! Only to find out they won't ship to PA!! AARRRGGGGHHHH!!

[mouse]

Broncobus, which beer do you lke the best? I know you have drinken New Grist and now Bard's Tale and I am sure others would like to know before we spend a fortune on some. I have not tried the Bard's Tale yet, but I really did like the New Grist that I drank in Las Vegas.

[VegasCeliacBuckeye]

The short answer is " I like them both".

New Grist is my favorite, but that is due to the hoppy flavor. Bards is a bit nuttier, but there is nothing wrong with it.

[mouse]

Thanks for your opinion Broncobux. I think I will wait for the New Grist. When I talked with one of the owners, I found out there is no corn in it and since I am so allergic to corn, it narrows my options. When I look on the Bards Tale website, it lists natural flavors and corn is a natural flavor.

[wolfie]

YUM!!!! I am having my first Bard's Tale Dragon's Gold right now!! Very good.

Hope to try the New Grist as soon as I can find it.

[kvogt]

For [former] beer aficianodos, look forward to Hambleton's GFA from the UK.

[angel-jd1]

Got a call from Melissa Belser today and I guess they are holding a tasting event at a liquor store in Missouri this Friday!!

Soooo Bards Beer Tasting Event at

Gomer's Fine Wines and Spirits

Lee's Summit

201 North Hwy 291

816-525-9137• FAX: 816-525-9144

Friday June 30th.

Complete with a live band.....Melissa says "it should be quite an event".

[kaciemarie]

Does anyone know if I can get this beer in Arizona????

[whitball]

I definitely need this beer in Michigan. Pretty Please!

[Guest BERNESES]

YAHOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE Bard's tale sooo much. I haven't been able to find/try New Grist but I really don't like the Ramapo. Way too sweet for me. Bard's tale was great. I was so bummed when it went away. You guys just made my day!!!!!!!!

[Rusty]

I've heard that Bard's is way better than Ramapo Valley... I was too excited to find the website and started clicking the BUY button!! Only to find out they won't ship to PA!! AARRRGGGGHHHH!!

I am trying to get New Grist to ship to our area. I was working with Orlando (extension 30 if you call them) from their distribution to ship to a distributor in our area. It's funny, the state will repeal the motorcylce helmet law, let you ship wine bought on the Internet, but won't let you buy a six-pack of beer off of the web. Frustrating!

I found an outlet in NJ who said they would try to special order it for me. If I can get a case or two I hold some for you!

[Vladimir Gluten]

I just bought two six-packs of Bard's Tale at Corridor Wine and Spirits in Laurel, MD. The manager told me that someone else came in this week and bought two cases.

I tried it tonight and I like it. It's a pretty good beer. Now I don't drink beer much, but it is really nice to have this option.

-Vladimir