Thanks for all the recomendations, Austin and SXSW kicked ass as usual although I'm far to old to spend 5 days acting like I am back in college (albeit drinking better beer).
I spent 2 good afternoons at the gingerman and ws able to try:
Dogfishhead 90 min. IPA- I'd had it before but it has been a while FG as usual.
St. Arnold's spring Bock- FG as well much better than Shiner Bock (although I don't mind Shiner Bock and I drank more than my fair share of it while out at shows each night)
Live Oak Winter IPA- Very good as well.
Great Divide Barley Wine- God Damn good, definately one of the better barley wines I've had (and I've had quite a few) very balanced and drinkable.
Liberation Ale which I think was brewed by Live Oak- Good but after the Great Divide it didn't stand out too much.
Also had a chance to hit the Bitter End once for drinks and once for dinner had a very good Wee Heavy, An excellent dark and fruity Rye,a Good ESB and the very herbal Equinox which I enjoyed but doubt I coud drink very often. Unfortunately they were out of their Barley Wine.
Finally I swung by Lovejoy's for an hour or so of bad glam metal bands a good but not great barley wine and an IPA that was very average and had the same strange off flavor that plauged many of my attempts at homebrewing.
I was also able to find the Trader Joe's and pick up some St. Arnold's Elissa IPA (very good)and some dogfish head 90 min. (can't find it in my neck of the woods and unfortunately I'm down to my final bottle)
Other than that I spent a lot of time at shows and parties and drank a lot of Shiner,some Real Ale Brewing pale ale and a little Lone Star.
Mike