Here's something I've always wondered, domestic craft beer distributions are pretty well marked thanks to sites like www.seekabrew.com. However, imported distribution footprints (such as Shelton Bros.) seem to be really vague. I'm sure that not every place gets everything from them, and I always want to extra some great European beers, but is there any way to find out what states are getting what from overseas?
You could Google the local liquor distributors for your area and some of them will list their portfolio of brands and products on-line. Then once you find a beer you are interested in you could contact the distributor to find out where it is retailed. I've done this before with both beer and wine. You can also go the the brewery's web-site and follow the trail from importer to distributor or e-mail them. Tell them you are opening a bar and wanted to carry their beer because you love it so much, who distributes it in your area, this assures a quicker response. I e-mail companies crazy shit all the time, the worst that will happen is that they won't respond.
