Where Are All The Good Beers?

One of the facts of life we have to live with is that only a small fraction of strong ales is imported into the U.S. and even less in Texas due to restrictive alcohol laws and regulations. As an amateur of strong specialty beers I’m always looking for some new brews to try.

World-renowned titles such as Maredsous, Delirium, Kwak, Affligem and most of the Unibroue line-up are well represented. The same goes with Trappist beers, as products from five out of the seven Trappist breweries (Achel, Chimay, Koningshoeven, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle & Westvleteren) are available in the Metroplex. You can find most of these beers in pubs like The Idle Rich Pub, The Ginger Man, The Amsterdam Bar, Trinity Hall, The Old Monk, The Libertine Bar or The Flying Saucer.
But if you want to break away from these classics and try to find a new gem your best bet is a gourmet grocery store such as Whole Foods Market or Central Market. They usually carry a wider selection and from time to time they get a few new beers so keep your eyes peeled.

Ultimately you might want to check out Hall's Grocery in Colleyville and Mr. G’s Beverage Center in Plano. There you will find rare beers like the McChouffe, Lucifer, Malheur-10, Scaldis, Abbaye des Rocs, Floreffe…

Also in the last few years, several American brewing companies (Avery, Left Hand, Dogfish Head, Great Divide, Lagunitas…) have pushed the envelope and released bolder, stronger beers ranging from IPA & Belgian-style ales to Stouts & Barley Wines. This movement known as extreme brewing proves that you don’t have to import to get some good strong beers on U.S. ground but to get most of them in Texas, well...that’s another story.
You can find some of these breweries’ offerings in the aforementioned places.

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Mr G's Beverage & Deli Center
1453 Coit Rd Plano, TX 75075
Phone: (972) 867-2821
Just be aware that the Belgian beers at Mr. G’s are not refrigerated.

Kegs & Barrels
601 W. Parker Road Plano, TX 75023
Phone: (469) 467-2468

1905 W. 15th Street Plano, TX 75075
Phone: (972) 578-3132

Hall's Grocery & Farmers Otlt
4200 Glade Rd Colleyville, TX 76034
Phone: (817) 267-6803

The Meddlesome Moth
The Libertine Bar
Black Friar Pub
The Amsterdam Bar
The Old Monk
The Idle Rich Pub
Trinity Hall
The Ginger Man
The Flying Saucer

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