What's your beer buying strategy?

I started this way as well, based my purchases on bottle/cap art and style. However over the past 4 years, my tastes have expanded so much. I hated stouts and only liked a couple of IPAs but now can't get enough of them. Beers that I hated when I started I love now. Its definitely an acquired taste for certain beers and looking back I see that now, it's just so much fun expanding your beerizons.

 

I never go in with a plan in mind. The few times that I do, I end up finding said beer and then going "Oh look, Shiny new beer over there." And its all history after that.

 

That's along the lines of what I was thinking...

 

HAH! Store price, of course...I'm pretty new to my job, I haven't gone entirely power-mad yet

 

I have a thirst, then I remember that Pennsylvania's archaic alcohol laws make me want to die. I remedy that with a varied selection of delicious brew. Usually I have a style in mind pre-shopping, usually end up with a bunch of brew and empty pockets.

 

We eagerly await your list of approved questions. For the beer discussion board.

 

Freakin LOL! I wish I had known that one before I went through 2 divorces. Damn! LMAO.

 

Chimay is what converted me from BMC consumption so initially I went straight to the Belgian section. I loaded up on Rochefort 10, Chimay, St Bernardus, etc. That didn't last long once I started to doing the numbers ($$$). Now I save those for special occasions. Recently I just look for a higher ranked BA IPA/IIPA or friend recommendations. If short on time grab a 6 pack of Sierra Nevada Torpedo. I'm also a fan of the pick-any-6.

 

Before I even leave my apartment, more often that not I have an idea of what style I happen to fancy (malty beer, hoppy beer, wheat, sour, German lager, English ale, Two Hearted Ale...), and I always peruse the whole store to see if there's anything new that I MUST try today.

 

1. Go in with a few new/seasonal releases, some old-standbys I haven't had in a while, and a spending limit in mind.
2. Browse the entire store/selection.
3. Blow through my self-imposed monetary constraints and then some.

 

pretty much this in the same order.

 

Living in CA we have a decent selction of IPA's, I'm a big barrel aged fan....stouts and bareleywines.. high ABV please!

 

Im from Oklahoma, Its a 3.2> state. I started out with the Macros... Strohs was my brew for quite some time.
Then I realized i could drink Strohs til the cows came home... Still the best cheap beer IMO. By far.
But never could get Big Brand Beers to choose from...Bud, Coors, etc. Have to go to Texas for my good Ol Bud Light.
I have to buy hot beer from the liquor store and throw it in the freezer for an hour +, to even give it a real taste..
After listening to a handful of BEER SNOBS, I dont know a good beer to save my life!
So here is my very short list of 2014, since i started drinking only from the liquor store.. What we call "6-point" beer.
im too smashed to keep typing, so ill finish tomorrow...zzzzzzz

 

Buy em' all, let god sort them out.

 

Singles of beers I have never tried.

 

I don't have a strategy, that's the issue at hand here.

 

A lot of stores in my area keep the high demand stuff behind a counter with a per person limit, thats generally where I start.

 

Thats what my girlfriend keeps telling me.

 

3-point strategy:
1. Always get something(s) new/different each week to give it a try.
2. If available, also get the seasonal or latest release of my favorite(s).
3. Always get DFH 90 min. and/or Oskar Blues Deviant Dales Pale Ale to have for regular enjoyment thru the week.

 

I usually go in with a list of first choices and alternatives, choices mainly based on styles that fit the season. I try to get at least two of each particular style to compare. I mostly shop for stuff I've never had before plus a favorite or two. If I have to hit 3-4 stores to get what's on the list I will. If I still can't find something, I'll grab another beer that's at least been on my radar for a while. Some browsing is unavoidable in that case. So many beers, so little money.