The last week or so in beer hunting...

When I thought about my beer budget for the month of February, I factored in the release of Founders Curmudgeon's Better Half, Founders All Day IPA, 3 Floyds Zombie Dust, and maybe a few other things. So far, that's pretty much gone out the window...

The first surprise was from Bell's. They quietly released their much anticipated Black Note Stout (Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels), of which they hand bottled less than 1,100. No announcements on facebook, twitter or their website, they stealthily filled their beer cooler in the general store, then leaked the word. Much to everyone's surprise, this went about 24 hours with just word of mouth without being outed on BeerAdvocate.com. Had this been announced prior to release day, it would have likely sold out in a few hours, with extremely terrible lines. When I bought my bottles (2 bottle limit, $23/ea for 750ml), I was the only person in the store, and one of my bottles was hand-numbered just shy of 200. It will be really great to try this acclaimed beer for the first time, and store the second for a special occasion.

Next up was a beer I have been anticipating for a while, but gave up on hunting since it had been released in Chicago quite a while ago... that was until last week when a facebook update from City-wide Liquors saying it had arrived - Goose Island Bourbon County Coffee Stout (Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels with Intelligentsia Coffee). From what I understand, the South Bend area only received 2 cases (24 bottles), all of which was either pre-sold, or sold out within a couple of hours.

Last big surprise was something I knew was coming, but I was lucky enough to get an early call saying it was ready for me to pick up. Founders Curmudgeon's Better Half (Old Ale aged in Maple Bourbon Barrels) is the 3rd in the Backstage Series (After Blushing Monk and CBS) from one of my favorite breweries. The official release date is tomorrow, which I believe is the earliest date stores are permitted to sell this beer, but fortunately for me, this particular store wasn't in the mood to follow the rules. CBH will be another very difficult to find beer, with most places either not getting it, or pre-sold out. Your best bet, if you aren't on a list somewhere, is to make the trek up to Grand Rapids tomorrow morning and wait in line to purchase a max of two bottles. 

So like that, my February budget is blown, less than halfway in, but I was fortunate enough to score some really great and rare beer. Looking forward to fighting the urge to hoard these, and instead cracking them open with friends. Can't wait to blow my March budget on Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout!

I'm starting to think that these extra special releases are becoming a vicious cycle...