Crappy Bottle Shops

In Florida.... that's crazy.... I looked at your post before your avatar to what state your in.... thought you were in Montana....

 

Nearest legitimate bottle shop to me is about 40 minutes, but I almost always leave something I really wanted.

 

Nope, Half Time beer in Poughkeepsie has one of the largest selections in the world and enough rotation to keep it fresh. It's like a little piece of heaven. God bless New York for having this store. http://www.halftimebeverage.com/

 

What you lose in access to beer, by being where you are, I hope you gain in a very nice area in which to live. When I go to places that are somewhat isolated, I take beer. I usually run out, plan a lunch, and retool.

 

ND has quite a few crappy stores. Have to drive two hours to MN to go to a small bottle shop that carries Stone/Lagunitas because its not distributed in the state. Worst state I've ever lived in.

 

Your situation will improve in time because of the growth in the number of beer drinkers who are discovering craft beers. In the meantime, you can learn to homebrew.

 

I've had one or 2 trips to Joplin, MO end in disappointment, but usually just try to find something I know I can't find in Oklahoma if nothing else. Can't usually complain when you are "settling" for Founders, Stone, Bells or Deschutes...

 

Even the good shops have shelves full of dusty ass, out-of-date, overpriced bottles. Of course you know most people dont even look at the shelves and go straight to the cooler which is obviously the main problem.

 

I feel bad for those who have to go way out if their way for a decent bottle shop. Where I live I can close my eyes, spin around a few times, and throw a rock in a random direction and there is a decent chance it'll hit a decent bottle shop or store that carries craft beer. Guess I'm fortunate.

 

Easy solution. Move

 

Got my ass out of Florida, and moved to the Willamette Valley several years ago. Just an hour drive north, Belmont Station (or John's Marketplace) in Portland, and an hour south, The Bierstein in Eugene. 15 minutes to the west in Corvallis, University Market (aka, the ORANGE store) and with TONS of growler "fill stations" in between, I NEVER have to worry about "dusty" or "out of date" product. My suggestion,...... call U-Haul and get your ass out of Florida before its' TOO LATE!!

 

In Southern Ca we have many bottle shops and some are good. The ones I have a hard time with are shops which won't give any information out on when they will be receiving a limited release or even information on specific stock on hand telling your stuff like "check our ig page or Yes we carry Almanac but will not tell you which one". Service is one of the main components of a bottle shop and if they don't respect my time or desire to find certain beers they will not get my business. For this reason I will not give House of Spirits in Monrovia CA any of my business and there are others who feel the same way.

 

It truly sucks on the pocket book having to drive 50+ miles to find a decent craft selection or seasonals forget about it, almost always drop at least a Hundo before walking out plus an additional $25-30 bucks in fuel. I drive full size pick up ( yeah that's how I roll ). So I have to make the most of my trips. Id love to get into beer trading but its not like i can just drive across town to check availability or quick grab something for someone.

We have very few offerings here, Sierra Nevada is plentiful, Lagunitas, & Deschutes as well but thats about it. So when im looking for variety its time to hit the road.

Now im depressed ... I think I need a beer.

 

I lived in ND once for about 2 years....there are LOTS of other reasons why it's not a great place to live, too.

 

I'm 2 to 3 hrs away from even a good grocery store selection, if I want a bottle shop its a 5 to 6 hr trip

 

I'll bet 3 things: 1) You live in a very nice area; 2) You provision when you shop; 3) Home brew?

 

I dont care of the store is 2 minutes or 2 hours away I cannot stand it when the display is either unorganized or just covered in dust. I can remember my dad not going back to a store when the wine bottles/racks were all dusty really used to jerk his chain-I am the same way. The whole date thing blows my mind too especially when it is right there in front of either the consumer or shop owner.

 

Only 9 more years & the kids will be outta school

 

Thankfully I don't have that problem. The Raleigh and Durham area has several top shelf bottle shops and even the supermarkets have some great choices at good prices. Hell, I have two great bottle shops and a brewery/tap room within walking distance. Praise_____(fill in diety of choice).