Part of the problem is not the retailers’ fault. Between the 6% cap and the monopoly distributor system, the stores are simply unable to obtain many beers at all, and the monopoly system also causes stores problems because distributors evidently often refuse to provide certain beers unless stores will commit to quantities the stores know they cannot move. Progress on those fronts will require legislative and administrative action.

Plenty can be done by the retailers to improve matters though. Bottled beer should not be exposed to sunlight or fluorescent light. Old beer should be removed from stock. For example, I still see low ABV “summer” beers, which were probably made in the Spring and are well past their prime now, still on the shelves. Worse, when September rolls around you have to be very careful that the Oktoberfests some stores display are not actually the remnants of the previous year’s batch.

I won’t name the stores with dubious practices but I will say that the Wine Shop at Capitol Market is the best locally despite its very limited shelf space devoted to beer. I particularly like that it allows you to six packs of singles with a 10% discount.

Oh, about the black & tan do a little research,it’s officially Harps & Guinness In Ireland. (Harp’s is brewed by Guinness at Dundalk)
You bloody Yankee! http://www.ivo.se/guinness/bnt.html

As for Sierra Nevada porter, It’s just OK… I have a lot of respect for what they have done to project craft beer onto the scene, but I think the SN porter does not live up to American “robust” and is too hoppy to be an English style (I realize it’s not suppossed to be English).

I have had St. Peter’s beers before. I cannot say I have ever had a fresh one. If I recall correctly, the last one I had was infected (Band-Aid phenolics). If you know of a good place that sells their beers and rotates the inventory, I am sure I would find a tasty English Ale.

Again, the problem is finding one that’s fresh. I think I bought my last one at Leo’s in South Point Ohio.

Thanks for the Feedback!

a lot of the local community typically dismiss sierra nevada porter, it is short sited to do so, some of the best porter made domestically.

if you should have the opportunity to experience St. Peters beers, do not under any circumstances, miss out on the porter or the cream stout (prolly the finset stout around…will not be found in this state.)

I will try to vist the boys in Thomas on my next visit to the area.