Southern Star is just meh and Shiner is just a step above Bud. If I had to rank the Houston area breweries, at least the widely available ones, I would go 1) 8th Wonder 2/3) Karbach and St. Arnold (St. Arnold has a better regular rotation, but Karbach has better small batch stuff) 4) Buffalo Bayou 5) No Label
The Kroger on Studemont will let you buy a whole case. They still had a few cases this morning but you have to go customer service.
I'd rather drink Karbach because I enjoy cans. St. Arnold's doesn't have anything in regular rotation I care too much for. Southern Star Blonde Bombshell pairs exceptionally with crawfish.
You will all be sad to learn that Buffalo Bayou 1836 has replaced Saint Arnold's Christmas Ale as tops on my list. Don't get me wrong...Christmas Ale is still heavenly, and you'll be judged with fire and brimstone if you argue against it.
Karbach Hopadilla is always stocked in my fridge along with All Day IPA. Need me some session IPA's and those two are my fav's.
I had it at the brewery 2 weeks ago and I liked it. Where Pumpkinator tastes more like spices, I felt like Nightmare of 1st Street had more of a pumpkin taste.
I like the Sailing Santa more than the Christmas Ale which is pretty damn solid. I recall liking both of those more than the 1836. Now that we're talking about it maybe I should look into brewing a Christmas Ale or 1836 clone for Thanksgiving.
Austinites: I got two bottles at South Lamar Wine and Spirits, but they were running low. I'd call before heading there. Both Spec's on 290W and Central Market on Brodie are supposed to be getting it on Thursday.