I know this is a pretty hard to answer question, but I am heading to Brooklyn this weekend and staying near Bedford Ave and the Eastern Parkway. Are there any 'must hit' bars or bottle shops in that area?
I wouldn't necessarily call it a must hit but Covenhoven is close. It's on Classon between Park and Prospect Pl.
Hard to pick a best, but in that area: Brooklyn Beer and Soda ("whales" are behind the cash registers) Covenhoven (great selection and prices) Prospect Heights Beer Works (because it's so close to Covenhoven St Gambrinus (though a bit farther away) A ton of other shops in BK, but those are closest to where you'll be. Also, if you're a fan of sweets check out Ample Hills! Best ice cream in the world and a few flavors have beer in them.
Mekelerberg, Bed-Vyne Brew, Bed-Stuy Beer Works are a little further out, but somewhat in the area. Also Kelso Brewery is in the area. Use my beer map: NYC CRAFT BEER BARS, STORES, RESTAURANTS, AND BREWERIES
All great suggestions. Covenhoven would be your best option in my opinion... A little off topic but Prospect Beer Works seems to be slowly dying...
I call bs, there are no FW Proprietors or Anni beers on the shelves here in NYC, there weren't any when they were released! Also, I traded for an Anni 18 (part of a pretty decent trade), and the cost in return beer plus shipping to California well exceeded 28 for the bottle...
18th Anniversary definitely was available in the city. Whole Foods had it in Manhattan last December. Not sure when it was released but there were plenty in late-December.