Remember when a $15 for a bottle of beer gave you pause?

Anything over $11.99 for a 6 pack still gives me pause. I have to already know it's good before I drop that kind of money.

 

There are a lot of beers that are worth the 15+... But there are a lot of bombers in the 5-8$ range that are more than half as good. I try to mix it up. I'll buy that 20$ BORIS, but I'm also getting a 6 of Steelhead DIPA for 10$ and 6 Oarsmen for 8$ and so on. The best bomber $ per quality is Stone hands down. 6.99 period. Sure Lagunitas is 4.99, but I can't think of a style matchup between the 2 where I would not pick the Stone.

 

And yes, Ruination over Sucks all day every day.

 

To each their own, I would probably pick the Lagunita's more often...without even considering the price.

 

Sometimes it is a little hard to cough up that much. But I like that most bombers are under $8. I feel like I would pay as much to sit at the bar and drink it, so why not? A few bombers will break up my six and four packs and I like having a bigger 750ml bottle now and then.

 

That also still gives me pause. Doesn't mean I won't buy it, but it becomes about a 50% chance at that point.

 

In still trying to find out why Eclipse is over $30 a bottle.

 

I remember when $10/bottle gave me a pause. Now every damn IPA/DIPA bomber is that damn much!

 

If Boston sucks, NYC sucks more. If I could get out of a decent beer bar paying $15 - $20 for 3 beers and a tip, I would be ecstatic. It's more like $25 minimum.

 

I rarely buy anything that costs more than $10. It almost never seems worth it.

 

If I could only taste a sip prior to deciding to buy or not would solve the whole problem

 

I remember when Anchor Steam was $7.99 a sixpack here in the NYC suburbs. When it went to $8.99 I hesitated but still bought it. When it went to $9.99 I freaked. I don't know what it is now, but I too have become more price conscious with my everyday purchases although I still splurge on something special or something that's not available in my area.

 

I like Lagunitas, don't get me wrong, but give me insight on which ones you mean. I was thinking ruination over sucks, IPA over hop stoopid, RIS over the Imperial Stout, Espresso RIS over cappuccino stout, the bastards over wtf.. But the WTF is my favorite Lagunitas so far. Something I'm missing?

 

I think Stone definitely puts out a higher end product overall, but I can't get behind Ruination over Sucks. Ruination's a bold in-your-face hop bomb while Sucks - still crazy hoppy - is juicier and more balanced. I guess it's what you look for in the style as I prefer juiciness and balance. Now, Enjoy By against Sucks...there's an interesting match-up!

 

For me, it does now more than ever. I've already gone through my phase of buying overpriced beer, and come to find that there are many great beers for far less money.

 

Nope, your not missing anything, just personal preference. Here is what I can think of.

I prefer Lagunita's IPA over Stone
Sucks is better than Ruination which is better than Hop Stoopid (A Stone sandwich )
Daytime over Levitation
Arrogant Bastard over WTF
I have not had the Espresso IRS, but probably prefer the regular IRS over Cappuccino.
Little 'Sumpin Wild over Cali-Belgique

Other notes:
A Little 'Sumpin 'Sumpin doesn't have much to compare, but is a favorite of mine.
Sublimely Self Righteous doesn't have a comparison, and I didn't enjoy that beer much

 

I blame the 2012 Westy release...

There have been a significant rise in price for 375s since mid December

 

I remember when I though $17.50 for a GA ticket to see the Rolling Stones was too expensive.

 

Well put, and I find this to be true a lot where people enjoy the more balanced IPAs more than the brutally bitter ones I prefer. Other than that sounds like we are on the same page! I forgot about Daytime/Levitation, that is def a point for Lagunitas. Cheers!

 

Yes, I know I'm in the vast minority on my Sucks opinion, but I like the brutal punishment of Ruination, Palate Wrecker, Devil Dancer, etc. Enjoy By actually falls short of Sucks for me, Sucks is juicier and sweeter while I get a ricey type taste from Enjoy By. Not saying the aren't both 90+ rating beers.