San Antonio

[PEIBeerGuy]

As long as one technicality gets sorted, I have managed to score a trip to the ISTE conference in San Antonio near the end of June. I checked the beer map chalmers posted (brilliant thing that is!), but am wondering if anyone has any first-hand experience with San Antonio or its beer. Also, what are the regulations these days on flying beer back to Canada?

[chalmers]

Can't comment on SA itself, but there are plenty of good Texas micros. If you see Jester King or Freetail, get on them.

Re: flying (which is the same as by car, or boat) with beer: if you've been away for longer than 48 hours, you can bring back 24x355mL (or 12x700mL, etc). You'll most likely max out your suitcase weight limit with your airline before you max out your beer allowance (unless you pay through the nose, or pack light in preparation for this). Anything less than 48hr, or over that allowance, you are allowed to bring in, but expect to pay duty on it. And take it from me, declare everything. If you're a bit over, they probably won't charge you, but best to be up front about it.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyag ... ng.html#a5" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[PEIBeerGuy]

I'll be gone for four days, so... hmm... how can I safely cram up to 12 bombers in my suitcase... not sure about any more than a couple in a carry-on... can they even be in the carry-on?

I was looking up nearby bars / breweries. Blue Star seems pretty close and looks not bad, Alamo only makes one, so I may skip them... one or two good bars near our conference center, too... hopefully I can find/get to a good bar / store / brewery or two while I'm there.

[ajcarp]

Anita & I spent spring break in SA a few years ago. The Blue Sky is definitely worth the short trip. It is about 10 blocks south of the river walk downtown. It has good food and it had about 6-8 different styles on tap when we were there. All were well made and very tasty. If you can get there on a nice afternoon, they have a nice deck overlooking a bike green way that is a great place to waste away, I mean spend, an evening.

As Chalmers mentioned, if you can get out to the suburbs, Freetail in a first class brewpub. It is in a light industrial/shopping area right off one of the loop freeways on the north side of town. It would take about 20-30 minutes to get there from downtown. Their Belgium Strong Ale was the beer highlight of the trip and they had many other good selections. While their food is also good and they have a nice deck, it overlooks the suburbs and is just a ok place to hang.

Out favorite place to shop for beer was a Whole Foods Market, 255 E Basse Rd. It is in a cooler at the back and while not highly managed, and you will find no real assistance, they have a reasonable section and good pricing. You can easily find 12 bottles to bring back there.

Happy Trails.

[LeafMan66_67]

I'll be gone for four days, so... hmm... how can I safely cram up to 12 bombers in my suitcase... not sure about any more than a couple in a carry-on... can they even be in the carry-on?

I was looking up nearby bars / breweries. Blue Star seems pretty close and looks not bad, Alamo only makes one, so I may skip them... one or two good bars near our conference center, too... hopefully I can find/get to a good bar / store / brewery or two while I'm there.

Carry on would be an issue - that whole 100ml thing.

[Tony L]

Yeah, I wouldn't chance a beer in a carry on.

I brought back 14 beer in a checked suitcase and was still under the weight limit. I had 35 pounds and the limit was 50. If only I had access
to a decent set of scales

[chalmers]

I'm usually the other way, Tony, but I've fixed that problem.
(One of) My best investments ever, I never fly without it anymore:
http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Travel-Lu ... B004A6HVB6" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Tony L]

I'm usually the other way, Tony, but I've fixed that problem.
(One of) My best investments ever, I never fly without it anymore:
http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Travel-Lu ... B004A6HVB6" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

And I can see why.

I could have packed a few more into my case I think, although the case was pretty full by then.
I wonder how much my father brought back... he's in Truro right now on route for here.

[PEIBeerGuy]

Departure time looms! Must be 13 years since I was in the US, too - they have Monopoly money now! (and they dared to make fun of our coloured bills)
I'll be sure to report back.

[hogie]

Looking forward to hearing about your beerventures! Even the 7/11 Sam Adams will be exotic!

[PEIBeerGuy]

Well, I'm sitting at the airport, ready to come home, hopeful that the beer I packed travels safely. The conference was awesome, so was the city, and I managed to squeeze about 20 different beers in while I was there, at some cool places. I'll post some pics and blurbs either after I land, or maybe when I'm waiting in Toronto for a few hours tonight.