Hi folks, I'll be in San Diego within a week from Seattle and I was hoping to get some recommendations on beers to buy there, that probably aren't available up in Seattle. Are there any from The Bruery, Lagunitas, or any other brands you would seek out if you were in my position? I will probably only be able to get to a Total Wine or something of that sort, and I would like to pick up a few that are more limited/don't often get out of California. Thanks for your knowledge! - Matt
Awesome, thanks Original, would it be customary to delete this thread since it is repetitive? This seems to be describing breweries to visit, I was hoping for specific bottles to pick up at a retail store that I can only find in California.
This is actually pretty specific, so I think I'd just change the title to something with a bit more information instead of deleting it. Are those breweries distributed up there and you're just looking for special releases, or are those just a couple breweries that you thought of? Also, what kind of beers do you like?
They are distributed, for The Bruery I only get Jardiner and Rueze. I remember reading elsewhere that some of these places don't get their limited releases shipped outside of Cali very often, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to lay my hands on some special releases. Ya those are just a couple that I thought of, I'm open to suggestions for other brands. I like IPA's, Ales, and Barrel Aged for the cellar!
The link also has a couple bottle shops listed in it and a small description. Really depends on where you are staying so that you can be pointed in the right direction. Also San Diego does not have any Total Wines.
Don't go to BevMo, there are actually some locations with decent selections and good beer buyers, but buying anything hoppy at BevMo is a crapshoot on freshness. Go to Bine & Vine and ask Geoi to give you some recommendations on styles you like, specifically ones that are local and can't be purchased in Washington. If he doesn't fill up your luggage, go over to Bottlecraft North Park and repeat the process. If your luggage isn't full at that point, you're just not trying.
In terms of large stores with beer yes. In terms of a place you would want to walk in and get a good selection, I would say no (others may disagree). From the links I would recommend hitting up Bine and Vine and/or Best Damn Beer Shop. There would be plenty of local beers that don't really see outside CA distro and even some that barely make it up to LA (Modern Times as an example, although they finally just started distro in SF). Edit: Ninja posted by Xul...again =P
