Top 5 Northwest Indiana Beer Stores

1. Liquor Stop in Highland, IN. This store is located just north of Dunkin' Donuts and south of Texas Corral on Indianapolis Boulevard. "Harry" has a great selection of beer, including some very hard to find favorites. Liquor Stop has the largest selection of micro and craft beer in the area and stock is rotated on a regular basis, meaning that each time you go, you're likely to find something new. This fall, I was able to find 15-20 examples of Oktoberfest style and Marzen beer from all over the world. The liquor and wine selection is pretty good too. You can also find glassware for enjoying your favorite styles, as well as the latest edition of The Great Lakes Brewing News. As if this wasn't enough, the staff is very friendly and knowledgable.

2. Pete's Liquor Bucket in Merrillville, IN. Pete's can be found on 80th Place and Merrillville Road, next to the Merrillville BMV and Ted's Imported Foods. Pete's also has a great selection, but CHECK THE DATES! I've seen some beer that should not be on the shelves because it is past it's prime. The prices seem pretty good too, considering the hop shortage and inflation. Pete's seems to lack some to the domestic craft beer that can be found at The Liquor Stop (Stone, Rogue, Breckenridge etc..). All in all, Pete's is a pretty good place for craft beer, and has earned the number 2 spot on the list.

3. Wise Guys Crown Point, IN. This store is located in the WiseWay strip mall at 93rd and Main Street. What we have here is a liquor store owned by the guy that handles the alcohol purchasing for the WiseWay stores. Their micro/craft selection is minimal at best, but you will still find some. The other "good beer" (Sam Adams, Leinie's, Amstel, etc...) is available at a great price. Recently, I paid just over $10.00 for a 12 pack of Boston Lager. This was a pretty good deal, and worked out good for me, because I always keep Sam Adams, Goose Island etc.. in the fridge. More craft and micro availability would definately help this stote thrive.

4. Delock's Dyer, IN. Delock's is a familiar name to fellow Regionites, and I'm sure most are familiar with their selection. They have a decent craft/micro selection and their beer in general is plentiful. They have all the local favorites, but again, check the dates. Not all beer ages well, and before you drop $10.00 on a six-pack, make sure it's fresh. Also, if they don't carry a particular beer, ask, and they will try to order it.

5. Strack and Van Til in Schererville, IN. Yes, I know this is a grocery store, but due to the lack of quality beer stores, and the halfway decent beer selection at Stracks, they round out the top five. Sam Adams, Guinness, Pilsner Urquell, Three Floyds, Amstel Light, and others are available in the beer aisle. Several others as well as mass produced American Lagers can all be found here. I usually volunteer to to the grocery shopping just so I can grab a sixer of some decent beer to go with dinner. Next time you need some groceries, stop by the beer aisle too!

*****NEXT TIME I'LL REVIEW THE ENTIRE BIG SKY BREWING (Missoula Montana) LINEUP*****