Shiner Bock, yes; that's just about nationally distributed. But New Belgium's beers are only available in a few states.

New Belgium did just complete a major brewery expansion and there's been some talk (from sources I think reliable) on the street about the company having plans to expand their distribution area in 2008 and 2009 to include the NYC to DC corridor as well, but the folks at NBB are very coy and noncommittal when you ask them directly.

I know a guy who's an avid homebrewer, respected judge for beer events such as the Great American Beer Festival, and occasional writer about beer for a Virginia newspaper; he's also a Captain in the USNR, and because of that he recently spent several months in the very dry environment of Kuwait.

According to him, while it wasn't great the Bitburger N/A was what kept him sane. That, and hitching rides on military flights going to Germany when he could manage a few days off.

NEXT October?
 

Did I mention that the New Belgium brewery tour includes FREE BEER?

And you're still going to wait more than a year?

I drank NA beer in solidarity with my wife when she was pregnant and I thought they all tasted like hay.

LOL. Yes, Spiff and I are going to meet up for the CU vs. Texas game next October...provided I have any money left over from my impending trip to the UK earlier in the year. ;)

But, I anticipate that this will have to be a side trip on the day before the game. :) On second thought, the way Texas is playing lately, maybe we should make it the day after the game. :(

Just to keep the thread on topic, I bought a six-pack of O'Douls' Amber this weekend. Haven't gotten into it just yet because I still had a couple of Fat Tires in the fridge. ;) <ducking>

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

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As in, "hay, let's go get a sixpack of real beer."?

As in: I am not a horse. I am a human being. I'll have an IPA. :) She couldn't have that baby soon enough.