Looks like I might be moving from Illinois to Del Rio, TX for a job. I'm looking for any insight as to what the beer scene is like in that region. Is there any types of beer I won't be able to get that I should stock up on while I'm still here? Any advice is appreciated.
Pretty much everything. This should be helpful. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ap6d1DIcENXqdHgwd3ZNeTJBellDWFpuQTRKR0FiekE#gid=0
Not going to find much in Del Rio, may have to periodically take day trips in San Antonio for beer. Its about 3 hours I think one way. Hopefully someone closer can chime in with more info.
Bring as much Goose Island, 3 Floyds, Firestone Walker, Founders, Great Lakes, Jolly Pumpkin, and sours as you can. I'm sure I left out a bunch of other breweries that don't come to Tx. As for Del Rio, I can't really comment.
Bring all the beer you can from Illinois. You're going to be about 2 1/2 hours from San Antonio, and a little farther from Austin. Austin in particular has a pretty good selection at places like Spec's and Whip In, but we get virtually nothing from your region distributed down here.
My cousin used to live in Del Rio for military reasons. I've spent a lot of time in south Texas and it's definitely a BMC type of a place. As you would expect a lot of Hispanics and if you've ever dabbled in the beers of Mexico then you have an idea of the type of "beer palate" exists down there. Like miikezombie said...bring a truckload of all that good shit we rarely get to sniff down here. I know many BA's would be willing to trade for selections from all those breweries and more...I know I would and do when I have the chance. I think it would also be wise to set something up with a buddy or family member in Illinois to ship you beer on occasion if you already haven't done this. Goose Island, Founders, Bell's, FW, FFF are all very desirable here and you would have no problem making some very good trades in TX.
San Antonio is looking like your best bet. I get some of the beers the bigger cities(Austin, SA, Houston, DFW area) get but not everything, so I feel for you.
Thanks for the insight. If the job happens, I will bring down plenty of Midwest brews and hope to share with some local BA's or those in San Antonio.
