Searching for Augustinerbrau, Lagerbier Hell

[Lkng4ACertnBeer]

Hello there,

I was hoping that someone might be able to help me. I am searching for a certain beer to get as a holiday gift for my husband. He traveled to Germany long ago as an exchange student and has been looking for this beer in the States ever since.

It is the Lagerbier Hell from Augustinerbrau (I think I have that right). If you have any information or any suggestions for me I would be so appreciative!

Thank you so much.
Kristin in Seattle, WA

[steveh]

Kristin - first of all, welcome to Real Beer, second - no need to multi-post around here, you're sure to get an answer or redirect in your first forum choice - most importantly: Augustiner Bräu is available in the U.S., at least it's pretty common in bigger metropolitan areas. It's been available in the Chicago area for some time. Unfortunately, it's pretty expensive compared with most other imports available from Munich; Spaten, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, Löwenbräu to name the other big four from Munich.

Hell, or Helles is the German term for light - in color - lager as compared to Dunkel, or Dark. Helles is probably the most popular style of beer consumed in Munich, and Augustiner is probably the favorite brewery of the locals - to the point that it's very small and thus charges premium prices for its exported beer.

I might suggest checking some of the bigger liquor stores in Seattle for availability, then I'd point toward some of the local micros for freshly brewed examples of the same style. Gordon Biersch, from San Fransisco and beyond, makes an outstanding Golden Export that is very similar to a Munich Helles in style.

S.

[BrewDog]

Welcome-

Your best bet is to give the guys at BottleWorks (http://www.bottleworks.com/) a call.

It's right here in Seattle.

I didn't see Augustinerbrau on thier web site, but I know that these guys have a huge selection.

[Lkng4ACertnBeer]

Thank you for the suggestions (and for the guide on posting)!

I will call Bottleworks tomorrow to see if they have any thoughts.

If you know of a specific carrier in Chicago, would you mind sending me their name? I am definitely willing to pay shipping costs; I just need to know all my options!

Thank you again!

[Steggl]

I'm sorry for reviving this thread but I'm a Munich born german who's craving for a Augustinerbräu Lagerbier Hell. I moved to California a few months ago and I can't seem to find a single (!) liquor store in whole California that sells the "Helles". I'd rather drink "Edelstoff" than nothing but I do love my Helles :D

I live in Ventura County about an hour north of LA and I wouldn't mind taking a 4 hour drive if I can get a crate of Helles or two - seriously!

If anyone can help me out, please don't hesitate to answer...I tried almost everything. I contacted "Augustiner Bräu" in München, "Global Village Imports" (http://www.gviimports.com/distributors.html) and even "Western Food & Beverage" in Huntington Beach, CA (714-965-6938). No one could name me a retail store or a liquor store that would deliver or mail it to me.

[steveh]

Steggl, we feel your pain - and Augustiner is readily available throughout many parts of the U.S. (at very premium prices), but please refrain from redundant posts. Every member pays attention to just about all the forums, so your question won't go ignored. If it seems it does, it probably just means we don't have an answer.

S.

[Steggl]

Okay :-(
http://www.realbeer.com/discussions/showthread.php?s=&postid=132384#post132384