DR growlers grow in Brooklyn

NEW YORK — The inhabitants of Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood tend to like their independent, mom-and-pop stores. So it's no surprise that the recent opening of a Duane Reade store on Bedford Avenue caused some controversy among residents. But then again, Duane Reade is no ordinary drug store chain, and it showed its independent spirit with something far from controversial: beer.

The new store includes a huge walk-in beer closet with a selection of beers ranging from locally brewed Brooklyn Brewery lagers to pricey Chimay Trappist ale imported from Belgium. It also includes a beer tap where patrons can buy growlers full of specialty microbrews for $7.99.