How often do you buy obscure imports?

never....unless out of state counts

 

less than never

 

I have to laugh because I've been burnt myself, especially when you're forced to buy a whole 6-pack, but that's half the fun right? In fact, I've gotten to the point that it''s almost a game to find the worst beers!

I think anyone who's into beer should try to sample as many beers as they can, just like an artist should look at work by other artists, or writers should read as much as they can. A greater breadth of experience enhances the experience of the beer in front of you because you can make a comparison.

 

6 - 10 times a year, I suppose, although about half of those times it's more like "I've been meaning to try this one for a while."

 

The only time would be after checking the ratings here.

 

Never, odds they've been on the shelf forever. If a stout or porter perhaps, but ah... never.

 

Not enough as I should. I think a lot of great imports get neglected here as we scramble to get the next hot thing in American craft. Every now and then it's important to visit the classics and/or beers that got us to where we are now.

 

This, and if it's a beer that ages gracefully or, if it's not, if I know for a fact that it's fresh. Been burned too many times

 

I buy European beer more than I buy North American beer. I find even if its expired Im rarely let down.

 

Once in a while not counting Belgian ales, which I buy often. Normally, imports are overpriced and/or expired. I've never been a big fan of German lagers, and I've got disappointed in English beers lately.

 

every time I see one that I haven't tried

 

^this.

 

I'll buy the odd Polish or German weirdo, or even stuff from Lithuania or the Baltic states in general. You never know, sometimes you're pleasantly surprised you risked a few bucks on something you've never seen before. I'll grab a Belgian I don't recognize, provided it's not more than 12-15 for a bomber.

 

Those Eastern European beers are worth the few bucks, too, and they are usually a very good value when they're good. When they're bad, however...

 

So what was your latest success story- one that you will be getting again for sure? Mine was Furst Wallerstein Zwickel, a pretty top notch example of the style.

 

Never, only imports I buy are Samuel Smith's and Pinkus on a regular basis.