Question for those in the Phoenix area

Goose Island is somewhat irregular in availability in my experience, especially the BCBS. Some years I could buy all I wanted and others I had trouble buying it. TW Desert Ridge and Shea usually have Pere Jacques and Pepe Nero regularly, in my recent visits at least.

Northwest valley bottle shops your best bets are the TW & Bevmo right there in the Arrowhead area, especially the Total Wine.

Sometimes very rare stuff can be found at places like Papago, Tops, SunDevil, etc. I'd recommend asking around for specific beers like you just did to get the best feedback.

As far as Total Wine & Bevmo, arguably those two Arrowhead locations are among the best.

 

The Mayo location doesn't get the exclusive stuff as often as some others like WF Chandler. WF Chandler is the best one. They'll get kegs of DFH 120 and Mayo never sees it, for example. Rarely do I see stuff at WF Mayo that isn't also at Total Wine Desert Ridge. If it's something rare with a 1 bottle limit or whatever I'll often just hit both spots so I can get two bottles. If it's a special/rare item the price will be less at TW of course. For stuff that might have sat on shelves for awhile WF is better freshness-wise because nearly all of their stock is refrigerated.

Doesn't hurt that WF May has 30 taps at their bar too.

 

Beer is always worth the trip. But I did just look up...that's a trip alright.

 

I think he meant the Whole Foods on Mayo, or the one in Chandler. The Mayo location is about 25 minutes from NW valley without rush hour.

 

Hah! Get your a$$ up.

 

Well i heard we were expected to see lot s of BCBS this year but i haven't heard about it at all.
Has anybody seen any in AZ?

 

I haven't seen any.

A local retail manager told me they are slated to receive Goose Island IPA among others later in February, so there's a chance it will be included. You can get GI IPA in growlers at some BevMo's and other locations now.

I lived in Chicago in 90's and was very active in the beer community there so GI will always have a spot in my heart.

 

Thanks for the info. i pretty much don't ever want to give them any money ever. I 'll drink their stuff maybe if somebody gives it to me (and i agree many of those beers are very good....) but i don't really want to pay for it. I was wondering though and i figured if anybody knew we should share it.

 

Speaking of the Chandler WF: anybody know where their tap list can be found online?

 

Started seeing GI IPA last week...

 

Hensley distributes GI in AZ but definitely limited, as far as I know I have not seen any BCBS in quite a while. As mentioned matilda, sofie, pere jacques, and pepe nero are fairly consistent in availability. The just came around pushing the IPA a few weeks back and don't quote me but thought they were getting one new beer in, maybe the 312? The point is Arizona does not top their list for distribution.

 

I spoke with a girl, who seemed very knowledgeable about their operations, in the Goose Island tent at Strong Beer Fest regarding the status of BCBS in AZ. She was the rep for our region and stated that the entire state of California only received five kegs of it.

While the distribution has been ramped up, she said the next batch to be released still has over 350 days to continue aging. She seemed to be insinuating this batch would be the one to finally make it to Arizona. Who knows, though?

If you are absolutely dying to get your hands on it (and don't want to trade for it), I noticed that Halftime Beverage has it in stock right now for mail order.

 

Yes the 312 is on shelves now. Saw it today at TW Desert Ridge, though only bought the IPA.