Finding Rare Beers and general valuation

One of the hardest thing it seems when getting into trading, at least for me, is either finding that rare beer and valuing what you have or can get. It would be awesome if there was a list or database out there that had the rare beers on it, when they usually get released and to where. Half the time I don't know what to look for, I could walk by a whale sitting the on shelf and not know any better. For example I didn't really know anything about Goose Island until a few days ago. Apparently some comes here to Michigan? I've totally over looked tons of stuff from them and theoretically could have looked right at some Bourbon Country, walked past it and grabbed another sixer of shorts and be none the wiser.

Now yeah this is all hypothetical, but you get the point. Is there some easy way to find where to get these rarer beers and when their released so even if they are hard to get I have some idea of at least when to look or if I should even bother. Obviously, for example, I'm not getting anything from RR or FFF here in Michigan. Though there was a time I didn't even know that.

Does any of that make sense or is it just rambling?

 

I've though about that and its something I may try. Problem is at least the tastings Ive seen require you to bring a bomber or 2 of something rare and not locally available, so vicious circle again.

 

You do have a point there and I have to agree. Even I have had my issues with chasing rare beers. I've always been interested in rare stuff though, I just never can get it. I wouldn't mind trying a bottle here and there, but its surly not going to consume all my time. It would be nice to have some stuff I cant get here though. Maybe its best trading $4$ for off the shelf locals, which I'm sure ill do too.

 

Maybe, I just remember someone telling me that once and I though it was in the rules for the Detroit tasting at some point. Maybe not. I just got the impression that I couldn't check one out with a couple bombers or 6 packs I could get from the local beer store.

 

Yeah, like I said It may not be an availability thing but me just no knowing.

I don't know if you saw the clusterf@$# that was KBS and CBS though. Problem I find even though Im here, releases from the bigger breweries at least are just as hard if not harder for me to get then for those of you not here. Just because I'm where the breweries are doesn't make it any easier. At least not when it comes fro Founders, which is the one most people want.

I've consistently struck out on Founders Limited releases, even though I actually managed to pull off a 4 of KBS this year. CBS and Blushing Monk though nada and very frustrating. Blushing Monk and CBS were on shelves in other states weeks after the release from what I heard, here gone within hours if that.

Ill have to keep a better eye out for Bells stuff as apparently they don't announce their releases? I find that silly, but ok.

Kuhnenns however would probably be fairly easy for me, They're in warren, maybe an hour from my house even closer to work. I have no problem getting there and I really need to check them out anyway.

JP and Dark Horse are farther but I can manage them as well. Hopefully they aren't as crazy as Founders releases. Sorry I like my beer but I'm not camping out in from of the brewery for 10+ hours just to get a case of beer.

 

Yes that would be an extremely helpful start. Not to mention greatly appreciated.