As long as the Sammy's is fresh, it's a good Oatmeal. In the market I'm in, it is usually fresh (they just passed legislation to allow higher percentages, so we get to have some good beer now and many are grateful), but if it is old, it isn't so good. Same with Guinness. Probably 5 years into drinking it, I finally had a good bottle of draught. Then I knew how it was supposed to taste and never looked back (still hit bad ones from time to time).
Since Alabama uses a third party state run system to sell beer to businesses in the State, it is unlikely that we'll be able to get the Rogue Hazel Nut Brown Nectar locally any time soon. I have no issue with driving an hour to Georgia to pick some up, though.
Had several good beers at a McMinnimins (I think that was the name or something along those lines) in Portland (Or). A brewery restaurant with a cinema and courtyard eating built into an old school. Really cool place and good beer.
Yes you are correct! Mcmeniman's is the place and I have been to that one before also. They have 6-8 around the state and all are old schools or some weird building that they turn into a hotel or restaraunt or whatever. Their Ruby is a good summer beer, but I like the Hammerhead.