Your Comments, Criticisms and Contributions - September 2007
I AM LOOKING FOR NATURAL BEER. I SAW A SMALL SEGMENT ON THE TODAY SHOW. I CANNOT FIND (THAT BEER). I WOULD APPRECIATE IF YOU KNOW WHERE I CAN FIND A DECENT BEER. THANKS.
- Donna Sibley, Florida
While the state of Florida is still far from a craft brew Mecca, it's much better than it once was. For a listing of the best in Florida's breweries, brewpubs, beer bars and beer stores, check out the "Beerfly" directory at beeradvocate.com.
I am from Greenbrier, Arkansas, and it is almost impossible to find decent beer. While I live in a dry county and the sale of liquor is banned, it is only a thirty minute drive to a neighboring and thankfully wet county. Unfortunately there is still not much in the way of imports and even fewer descent micro brews. The only lambic I can find is Lindemans and only one type of mead.
I am wondering if that is just a symptom of Arkansas or if all of the south is sadly lacking in flavorful beers. As a well traveled beer writer, can you tell me if there are any descent festivals or breweries you are familiar with.
Am I not looking hard enough or is it the fact that the "deep south" has some of the poorest states in the union? One thing I can say is that despite the fact that the light pilsners brewed by the big breweries all taste the same, many people develop a pretty intense loyalty.
I get over this lack of beer options by brewing my own. I am 20 and already have a deep appreciation of beer. Another number to my name and I'll be a legal beer snob.
- Benjamin
While I don't know precisely where Greenbrier lies, I do know that there is some good beer available in Arkansas, primarily from my past work with the Flying Saucer in Little Rock. To cite but one example, Avery is available in the following stores:
Crossover Liquor of Fayetteville, Inc.
1890 N. Crossover Rd Fayetteville,
Fayetteville, Ar 72701
Phone: 479-443-9233
Premium Brands of NW Arkansas
S. Razorback Road
Fayetteville, Ar 72701
Phone: 479-442-9971
Yancey's Wine & Spirits
5208 Kavanaugh
Little Rock, AR 72207
Phone: 501-907-9463
For more beers, I suggest going to the Flying Saucer's website (www.beerknurd.com), picking a brewery that's available and then visiting said brewery's website for retail or distribution info.
And keep up the homebrewing!
Dear Stephen;
Read your article dated Jan. 2002 on the above named Rye Whiskey (Old Bridgeport Rye Whiskey, from the subject line of the email). I have a one pint bottle, sealed and full of whiskey. I have had it since 1970. Don't really want to drink it, but was wondering what it's value is today.
Regards, Charlie Brown
I really have no idea of its worth, Charlie. Even though it's a rye and not a bourbon, you might have better luck trying the forums of straightbourbon.com, where American whiskey fans gather.
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