Is Fraoch distributed in the United States? I had some last month and it was delicious, but we don't get it down here in Houston. I've actually taken an interest in older styles recently. Even if they were Sam Adams Gose and Sahti. I can't wait for Jester King Gotslandricka. Thought/Recommendations?
I see Fraoch all over the place here in Cincinnati...not sure who takes care of distribution, but I'd imagine it's relatively national (whatever that means). There are a number of Sahtis out there though, so you ought to be able to find some relatively easily in TX. A more local person could be more helpful, I assume
Fraoch is available at some of the bigger stores in Chicagoland. Didn't realize they had a best by date until I was halfway through my first one and it tasted kind of off---saw that it was best by 6 months ago. The barrel aged anniversary one I've only seen one place and it's worth trying once for the sweeter, woody characteristics.
It's imported by St. Killian Importing, and it looks like they're distributed by Ben E. Keith in Texas.
I thought Ben E. Keith (one of the largest beer distributors in the country) covered all of Texas. They have a Houston division and still list other St. Killian beers on their Import page.
FWIF, the other ancient ales by that same brewery are really pretty tasty too; their Scots Pine Ale is awesome, as is their Kelpie Seaweed Ale (perhaps my favorite of the bunch) and the Ebulum (sp?) Black Ale (with elderberries) is pretty nice too. Definitely worth seeking 'em out at least once if you can find someone near you that distributes them. Oh, and they're widely distributed throughout the better/bigger beer stores and supermarkets in both central IL and central MO, so I assume they've got a decent amount coming to the States
They do cover all of TX, but not all of the brands that they carry are sold in all cities. For example, most of the craft brands (Sierra Nevada, Magic Hat, St Arnold, etc) that Silver Eagle carries in Houston and SA are carried by BEK elsewhere. I think there's some overlap with BEK and Duff as well. I know BEK carries AB-Inbev products in N Texas/DFW, but nowhere else in TX. To the best of my knowledge, Fraoch isn't distributed to TX. I don't see a label approval on the TABC website, nor did I see it on the BEK website when I clicked on your link. I've bought it in MD before, and it's pretty good.
