Post #396842 by Chip and Andy on Sun, Jul 27, 2008 8:51 AM

Your regional observation is correct, sir.

But it is more than just geography that dictates who has what and where....

Here in Florida, we are a 'distributor' state meaning that you (the liquor store) can only buy your liquor and beer through a state-regulated distributor. If the distributor doesn't carry it, you don't have it on your shelves.

And many of the southern states, well actually many of the States, have systems that are equally odd when you actually try and figure them out.

How do you get around this, or is there a way to get what I am looking for at home?

Well, home-brew is your best bet for all of your modifiers.

"Adopting' your local outlet is another option. Talk to the manager, or at least the person in charge of inventory, and see if they can order you something. Or can they make a list of things you want and when enough people ask for an item they will make a special order.

And, to your specific request about ingredients when traveling..... send up smoke signals and let the locals know you are headed into town. They will know who has what and where at your destination.