How would a plebeian consumer such as myself find and buy some of the more obscure beers in keg form? I've put in a request to my local keg dealer/liquor seller but have some doubts as to whether they even care to look and find the beers I'm interested in. I was trying to get two kegs: Firestone Walker Double DBA Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Tripel I believe #1 is a summer seasonal and brewed in CA so I didn't think that would be an issue but #2 is brewed in Europe so I'm not even sure they distribute kegs to the US. I contacted the brewery of #2 directly and they basically said that their beer is not currently distributed in kegs in my area. I have yet to check with brewery #1 but am going to do that tomorrow. Anyone else have issues getting kegs of craft beer? Anyone have any suggestions on what avenues to pursue in acquiring hard to find beers in kegs?
Well since you are from Houston, I have to say if you ever fine 2. please give me a call and I will come help you drink it. I have found that the total wine in my area has it for $10.99 a four pack. I actually have never seen the Double DBA in houston. If it can be had, you might check with Whole Foods and see if they can order it for you. The one by me orders kegs for individuals
The reason you can find Double DBA is the fact that it hasn't been brewed since 2014. Also being that it is in the realm as Parabola and Scuba I kind of doubt places would be selling whatever kegs they have because it would probably be faster and easier just to sell growlers.
If the retailer couldn't give you the answers above, then find a new retailer. What you want is a large liquor store with a decent craft section, so you know they know craft. They are more likely to know offhand or with a quick call if/when they can get something.
Maybe contact the brewers and ask them if they know where some of their kegs go? A real shot in the dark.
Lots of places do craft kegs around Texas. All the major cities have places that sell kegs...though the available of Double DBA and the Chouffe are particularly scarce. Maybe more specifics of your location or more reasonable keg requests will help more?
Will do. I'm going to double check with Specs but so far they have not called me back. Got it. Specs is who I'm dealing with now. Last keg I got from them was La Fin Du Monde and they didn't have it as 'in stock' in their distributor system but after some searching they were able to get it for me. I'll try Total Wine next. Didn't even know I had one nearby. Yes, maybe my wants are a bit unreasonable.
If you're really serious, make sure you're in touch with the Specs downtown. If they can't get it, I don't know who can
