I am jackson_d's raging jealousy....
those of us in illinois who care to look know that for some reason Stone Brewery and the politically influenced state of IL liquor distribution engine do not get along. we in IL are not privy to this amazing breweries treasures. we have to travel north to Kenosh, WI, just over the border, to even get a taste of these fantastic treats from a large supermarket called Woodman's...
i have only heard bits and pieces but from what i thought i understood (or possibly made up all by myself while i was drunk and pouty one night) is that Stone refuses to deal with the ridiculous red tape and hoops to be jumped through to sell to IL. remember when Larry Bell got made at the IL distribution system and stopped selling Bell's to IL for two whole years! are you serious!? no Hopslam, Two Hearted, or Oberon for two freakin years!? i think i cried alone in the dark a few times... thank god its back now..
i wish i knew why, but I cant get Stone in Chicago, or anywhere in IL for that matter. and these brewery tour pics had me looking at air fare to san diego this afternoon, i was about 5 seconds away from clicking 'purchase tickets'