Going to be in the St. Louis area second week in February. I'm mostly looking for bottle shops and beer recommendations. I'll be in St. Charles, but I will have a car. What should I bring back to Mpls?
Yeah, tried that and was surprised how unhelpful it was. I found a little bit, but given the seasonal nature of craft beer a lot of it wasn't relevant. Question stands.
If you are super wealthy go to Side Project Cellar and stock up on bottles. Otherwise, hit up Craft Beer Cellar and the Wine and Cheese Place in Clayton. Get some Mother's Milf, 4 Hands Bona Fide, if they are there. If not, stock up on 4 Hands brews plus some Perrennial and Urban Chestnut.
You will have to head to Jefferson County for MILF. Closest place is probably Schnucks/Dierbergs in Arnold (south 55).
2nd Shift bottles would be good, too. Schlalfly Bourbon Barrel Imperial Stout is pretty easy to find and pretty fantastic.
Craft beer cellar is clayton is the best. The folks who work there will point you to any events going on that week aswell.
I just made a trip down there. I highly recommend checking out their local beer trading site. It is weirdly active. I set up 2 very solid trades for BA Darkness. http://stlhops.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=3 Go to Side Project and buy whatever you can. Besides that, I had a lot of success with The Wine & Cheese Place in Clayton. Go for Firestone Walker, Prairie (Bomb is easy to get and cheap), and 2nd Shift.
Heads up, Firestone Walker distribution is going through a few hiccups right now in StL - haven't seen fresh IPAs or pale 31. Distributor is trying to push old product, so make sure to check dates. I have see fresh-ish Pivo and Wookey Jack around though.
I haven't seen fresh FW hoppy beers in StL since they first came to market. Sent FW a couple emails but never heard a word back. Sad as I really like their IPAs
Mother's is actually not available in most of St. Louis county, but if you're driving you may be passing through area that it is available in. I would check here: http://mothersbrewing.com/craft-beers/beer-finder/ but some other locals may have more specific tips.
I think it depends on where you are. Apparently it sells out quick in Springfield, Missouri. I found a 4 pack last year in my small college town a month or so after it was released. EDIT: That said, is there a new batch out this year? I really didn't like it the first time I had it, but I'd like to give it a second try and maybe cellar some of it.
Bombay wine and spirits off of First Capital is great bottle shop in St. Charles. I'm not 100% positive, but I think Al's PX off of Mexico Road in St. Peters allows you to break up 4 and 6 packs to buy as a single bottle/can. Visit stccrafttap.com to view more bottle shop locations. 2nd Shift- Katy is an excellent shelf sour. Liquid Spiritual Delight (LSD) is a solid RIS if it's still available.
