I'll be in Chicago around December 10. Are there any "must haves" that should be readily available at that time? I understand that Bourbon County Coconut won't be available, but any chance that I might be able to find something else? FW Velvet Merkin perhaps?
When you get to the city, check Beermenus.com - a lot of Chicago liquor stores are pretty good about updating regularly. Velvet Merkin looks to still be around, but I don't know whether it'll last until December.
I'd say buy as many Pipeworks beer as you can find. I did just see multiple bottles of Velvet Merkin at The Liquor Barn in Niles, so it is still around, but again who knows in a month. I have several bottles still so if you miss out send me a message and maybe we can swing a trade.
Just stop in to one of the big Binnys like Lincoln Park, South Loop, Downers and see whats in. Planets may align that you get a special release but pretty slim chances. BC stuff will definately be around and you may be able to get some stuff on tap. Check out Chicago Craft Beer Calendar and Chicago Beer Geeks for events.
I mean there is a tiny chance Coconut will be floating around somewhere in a small liquor store who priced it really high. Backyard Rye might be a better chance but still slim. BCBS / Coffee / and BCS Barleywine should be in a few places still. Some of the 4 sisters should still be floating around. Gillian, Halia, Juliet, Lolita (Halia will likely be the most difficult to find). Pipeworks always has good stuff coming out all the time. Velvet Merkin is still sitting on a few shelves, beermenus.com might help but some places have it that aren't listed on there. Abyss might have hit by then, and Firestone 17. Surly cans should be around as well. I heard some Darkness might even see distribution here. Revolution Deth's Tar is also still around.
