Good beer in unexpected places

I was in San Diego a while back with the family when I stopped to get some gas at a Shell gas station. Before filling up I decided to browse the few beer coolers in the gas station. Low and behold, Bell's Two Hearted Ale in 16 ounce can four packs, so I grabbed two packs and enjoyed a few the following day while I smoked a brisket.

 

Smokey Bone's near me had a decent tap selection when I went there a couple weeks ago.

The standouts:

Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest
Long Trail Limbo
Clown Shoes Tramp Stamp
SA Rebel Rouser
Stone IPA

Not bad for a chain.

 

Madame Janette's in (on?) Aruba.

Westvleteren XII.

$35/bottle.

And you're sitting there, playing footsies with your wife with your feet in the sand.

That's a pretty flocking great day, BA's.

 

Yes, the beer scene in general has gotten so much better in the year I've been here. The festivals still leave much to be desired though. Supposedly getting a Growler Guys here soon too.

 

At a minor league baseball game in Tampa area, on tap they had the usual BMC, but then, I noticed they had Vanilla Maduro on tap. Of all places I never expected to encounter it there.

 

Bourbon County on Tap at a mediocre hotel bar outside of Chicago.

 

Thats the spot. I drank some Logsdons at Madam Jeanette's when I was there last.

As for Aruba having good beer. Outside of MJ, absolutely not. Its shitty Balashi all day, every day.

 

Random fuel and bio-stop on Rt. 1 in Kittery, ME just before the 7-eleven that has a great selection. So walked in and what the heck let's check the beer out and found Allagash Odyssey - had been to the brewery on the trip and they basically said good luck finding any...anywhere. My wife and I love this beer after a good dinner, so a brain cramp (like duh...the 7- eleven was pretty close) led to a good score for us.

 

Love the Balashi!

 

A Circle K down the road from a friend's house has a growler bar w/ FBS on tap. FBS at a CIRCLE K. Strange things were afoot; but according to said friend, this is the norm for this particular gas station.

 

Yeah, Balashi is pretty bad. Best I found while I was there was Amstel, which wasn't the worst thing in the world while sitting on white sand beaches in 90 degree weather.

 

Gainesville, FL

 

This would qualify as "unexpected place" for me: In Michigan right now visiting family. Went into a local supermarket and they had a shelf full of the latest Big Bad Baptist release (#52) which NEVER appears in Philly (where I live). Scarfed up 3 bottles and can't wait to try it...now I have to figure out how to get these packed into my suitcase for the flight home!

 

Pint of cask London Pride in the basement bar at Harrods dept store in London.

 

In southeast-Texas there is a Shell Gas Station that has an amazing craft selection (amazing - only when comparing it to other gas stations). You'd find lots of things there you weren't expecting to find, if you've never been.

What I love about this place, is how many craft beer folks from the Houston area think its such a big secret and don't want anyone else to know where it is. In truth, if you truly appreciate craft beer and live in Houston, you've heard of this place and you've likely been to it - its no secret, and there are still better places out there. In addition, the owner buys MORE THEN ENOUGH of the good stuff. I've never felt like anything is in short supply.

BTW: it in Friendswood at the corner Blackhawk Blvd. & FM-528 next to Nobi.

 

Since all the Fresh & Easy stores have been closing in Cali, I've found Bell's Two Hearted 6-pack bottles for 10% off. Bought a few sixers.

 

DFH 90 available on the Amtrak Northeast Corridor line from Boston to Washington!!

 

I was very surprised to see 10 Barrel at a Giants game, but it was right after they got acquired by AB-InBev.

Also was walking around Mendocino on vacation and stepped into this place. http://mendocinomarket.com/ because they had a sign that said "Craft Beer" when i went in they had all the FW Reserve bottles in the box and even multiple vintages of some, as well as Mikkeller, Deschutes Reserve beers and some other cool stuff you wouldn't expect to find in a small deli.

 

Have also found 2010 bottles of Goudenband at my local liquor store for no additional cost.