Annapolis, MD to Pensacola, FL

"I'm thinking about asking him if he can bring down a few bottles from his neck of the woods that are not available in the Pensacola area."

The problem with this request (and others just like it), is that it assumes we have any idea what you have available in Pensacola. My guess is that you probably don't get Evolution stuff down where you live, so that's one possibilty (the #3 and #6 IPA's are both quite good). However, what I would recommend is that you have your friend (you said he/she is a good friend, so I'll assume they'll be cool with this idea) go to one of the better beer stores in the Annapolis and/or DC area, have him/her take a look at the IPA's and stouts available there, and have him run what's available by you on the phone (I'm assuming you both have cell phones). Once you've narrowed things down to stuff you can't get in Pensacola, perhaps either you (by phone) or your friend can talk to the staff there, and see what they think are the best of the best options on your friend's list.

Good luck!

 

Not to change the subject, but what's the availability like now for OTWOA? It seemed to be pretty much unavailable (on tap or in bottle) when I was out there in May, and while I was able to find some on draft during a previous visit in October, it wasn't easy to find as it was pretty limited and quite popular.

 

I actually see people doing this sort of thing more and more often all the time. There are several really good bottle shops in Portland, Oregon, and it's not at all unusual to see one or two people cruising down the aisles, talking to some buddy on the phone, reading off whats on the shelves. I mean, why not? :-)

Good luck!