Panicked rushed beer shopping can be such a rush.

I couldn't have been in Finger Lake Beverage for more than 20 minutes and the New York State treasury is $26.89 richer on its 8% sales tax because of it. It was like beer was going out of style... or maybe it was like available credit was going out of style. Or maybe it was madness. Geuze madness. I have no idea how much saison and geuze and lambic I bought but as those are styles practically verbotten to Canadians I was not going to pass up on on any that I could see.

Prices remain very reasonable at Finger Lake Beverages, five year after I have started going there. Average price was 10 bucks for pretty fine and/or rare stuff in good condition. Most expensive bottle was a big 3 Fonteinen Oude Gueze for $18.99. I passed on the 750 ml of Schaarbeekse Kriek by them for $39.99 but only because for that price you can pick up a good selection of five half bottles of various Belgian sours. First beers by The Bruery I have seen this far east for an affordable $8.99 or so at 750 ml.

Now I just gotta get it home. We've been on the road long enough that 48 single beer's worth is tax free but it's making sure that it stays reasonably cool on the way home. I wrap the boxes in blankets, keep the AC on high in the van and move them into the hotels. It's like having cats - except with good beer you really have a fondness for the objects of your care and attention.