How do you keep up with the beer scene?

My tip would be enjoy the beers you can get and don't worry about those you can't get.

 

Check out your local forum. Tons of information about shops, releases, breweries etc. I know more about beer than I should and its all because of beer advocate. Anything you need is right here.

The best way to get the scoop on the limited stuff is find a good shop and shop there and talk to the guys. Also, social media seems to be a good resource. Even if a shop you go to doesn't posts receiving a particular beer you know that it's now hitting the area. It's all about learning what shops get what and when.

 

You're in Iowa the Midwest forum has an Iowa beer distro news forum that covers all of what your looking for. Whenever anything limited is hitting shelves it's talked about over there check it out.

 

My first tip would be follow the brewery on whatever social media they're using. They're typically the first to let you know when something is rolling out. Some brewers will post here under Beer Releases. If you've got a place in mind you want to shop, follow them, too. Once place (out of several) near me posts when they're about to get limited releases. Usually if it's the really hard to get stuff, though, they won't post it because it causes headaches, so you'll have to check with them directly.

 

In order to keep up you to visit your local bottle shops as well as be informed with online information from email newsletter and forums such as Beer Advocate. It takes some work.

 

There is too much out there--way too much-- to keep up on the sampling side.

Keep up on here and find a good bottle shop. The owner can certainly help you keep up locally and with whatever bistro they get.

And don't let it get to you-- too much great stuff.

 

Most bottle releases I find out about through brewery's social media. As far as fast selling stuff, I have gotten to know the guys at my local bottle shop and after a some time they started setting aside limited stuff for me since I am a loyal customer and they know I'm cool with the prices of the beer.

 

Dude...you are Not Alone my Friend,there are tons of so called "Beer Experts" however I take most all of their opinions with a grain of salt man,Beer is such a Subjective thing,a Beer I Rave about,you may Hate-if you want to watch Honest,Non Biased Beer Reviews,check out "Ron's Louisianan Beer Reviews" on you tube,the guy is THE Yoda of all things Beer,[IMHO] Cheers my Friend!

 

Well it does help if your in distro. Myself ill never have heady or psuedo n im fine. I try to.be as local as i can and i still try the classics like anchor steam, union jack, sculpin, founders breakfast, etc.. and i find that theres always your preferences anyway. Example. I disliked grapefruit sculpin. I find 077xx my favorite dipa over dirtwolf. And lagunitas IPA over sculpin. If you want to go.out of your way to find whales or sought after brews you can try brewery newsletters or maybe just be lucky. Its worth trying high rated beers. Its just my experience that as i try these "whales" and classic rulers of the styles, i still have my own preferences. Enjoy the journey. Dont be afraid to spend if you have the means but be sure. Ive spent $25 or more in a single bomber just to try some style ive never had. At least im not. But i learned its not that worth it. But if you want things like enjoy by or geuze itll cost ya. Cheers and enjoy. Idkl how personable you are with craft this is just going on.that u said casual craft drinker. Welcome to the most favorite hobby i could imagine

 

I'm fairly lucky to work for a distributor. I talk to my stores every day about new stuff coming in. Also talk to the other reps and check here frequently as well. It's expensive to keep up with everything so I do pass on certain beers. It is nice to know what beers are at what stores in my area.

 

Check out the WBAYDN thread daily, It works like a charm. You will always know what's new on the shelves because you see people drinking it.

 

I prefer to make my own scene.

 

I have one store that is consistent and solid and they update their inventory on their website every time something comes in. Thats the main thing that I do and these forums help a little bit. I generally know which breweries are distributed here and research when and what comes out from those brewers.

Also regularly checking facebook pages of local pubs/restaurants that do guest drafts

Founders app is awesome and I check 3 Floyds every single day when I wake up because it changes constantly.

 

I don't.

 

Dude, it's just beer. Life's too short.

 

Usually easily keep up with new beers and special releases on the top threads posted on the homepage here. There is a store in GA that I frequent for rare Hauls, that posts their arrivals daily on Facebook. If I can't make it there, I'll call my local store and see if they arrived there too . (usually I communicate with him weekly anyways so I know a week or two before.. . ) already got my case of enjoy by 10/31/15 six packs set up.

 

Seeking out hard to get beer is probably not the best way to transition from casual to serious.

Widening your vision in regards to what's just sitting there on the shelf is probably a better way. Homebrewing is probably a better way. Reading good beer books is probably a better way. Trying to understand and appreciate the various beer styles (and beer cultures) is probably a better way.

Following whatever genuinely sparks your interest is certainly the best way. If that means chasing the hard to get stuff, then so be it.

 

just keep doing what you're doing..and also check FT & ISO posts to see what is trending if you care about what's hot and what other people are drinking