Variety packs - any value in them?

I see some value in them, but I rarely purchase them, which is how I voted. My two most recent variety packs were from Sierra Nevada. That being said, my main motivation was that both the fall and summer packs had new beers in them. If these were sold separately I would not have purchased the variety packs. Prime example, I found singles of their Porter this winter, so I never puchased the winter pack (it was also my least favorite of these three variety packs overall).

However, I also have the ability to make my own mix-a-six (which I do almost every week) out of any six pack in the store. I like variety, in that I'm looking for sessionable beers, one or two of a higher abv perhaps, and maybe try a new one I've never seen before. Craft is so hit or miss these days with so many new breweries, it's tough to commit to a full six pack of something completely random.

If I couldn't make a mix-a-six would I be more inclined to purchase variety packs? Probably not. I only purchase beer for myself, so I rarely buy a 12 pack at once. Too many seasonals from too many breweries to buy that much at once (plus I go to bars). And the final reason.....freshness. The different beers often have different packaging dates, and I can't see them until I purchase the 12 pack and open it. Now, if it's a seasonal variety pack, it's probably not too old. But still, if I can't see the date on the bottle, I'm not buying it.

 

If it's a hop-heavy variety pack then I usually stay away. If it's got some variety like the Southern Tier one that had an IPA, pale and porter (though I wasn't fond of any of them) or even better, Sierra Nevada's current summer mixed pack (Kellerweis, nooner, pale ale and a Kolsch if I remember correctly), then I'll go for it. I enjoy the one from Victory for parties. Prima Pils, Headwaters, Hop Devil and Golden Monkey (which I'm not a fan of, but folks at gatherings always like).

If sixpoint had one with the Crisp, Sweet Action and Resin I'd be all over it (even better if you got Apollo in there!)

 

I used to buy variety packs, but stopped when I had tried most of the beers in them. I think they have the best value to entry-level drinkers. I'd imagine most experienced BAs don't buy them often unless they're something new or special. I mostly stick to a system of buying singles of new beers and then 4/6 packs of the exceptional stuff.

With that said however, I would buy a @Sixpoint variety pack if one was available. A summer pack with Resin, Jammer, Crisp and Sweet Action would be awesome.

 

Variety packs make up the majority of my beer purchases, generally. A great way to try new beers, especially ones that aren't as easy to get in six-packs (I don't think I've ever seen New Belgium's Abbey in six-packs around here, so if not for the variety pack I would've never tried it.) And if I don't like one of the beers, I'm only stuck with another two or three of them at most rather than five (or worse, more than five if you bought a full twelve-pack of something that turned out to be gross...)

Plus, they generally cost about the same as a regular twelve-pack (which is generally less than buying two six-packs would be, sometimes a lot less... like, some breweries' beer comes in $8.99 six-packs and $14 twelve-packs), vs. a mixed six-pack which is $9.99 at Krogers that offer that as an option (...which is more than what most of the beers you can put in there would cost for a six-pack.) That's kind of the definition of a good value -- three, four, five, six, etc. different beers for the same amount you'd normally pay for 12 of the same one, and on top of that you usually get at least one or two that are harder to find in six-packs (or even some that are only available in the variety pack.)

 

Ergo, you wisely brew your own beers!

Cheers to you!!

 

My first batch of homebrew is fermenting as we speak!

Cheers!

 

I usually just look for mixed 12 packs in the spring and fall, but I rarely buy them. Seems like breweries keep 3 of the 4 beers consistent each year and change the 4th one up. The 12 pack from Victory this year is Prima Pils, Whirlwind Wit, Summer Love and Kuhl Kolsch. Pretty solid IMO and the Kuhl Kolsch is awesome.

 

MMMMMMM...Indian Brown

 

When it comes to breweries that make great beer, i jump at the opportunity to buy variety packs. I purchased the @sierranevadabill summer variety pack four times already this season. i wish more quality brewers offered these. please make one!

 

I like variety. I really like to get them when people are coming over, that way there are choices for people, and I don't really have to work that hard.

I also like buying singles.

 

I would love any brewery in the world to do a mixed six pack and charge a dollar or two more than the normal six packs. I never buy variety packs because I want beer to sit in my fridge that I absolutely WANT to drink. If it's just one in a 6 pack, it's done, then I can go buy a 6 pack of what I liked.
Foot in the door phenomenon with said brewery. Even if it's only one beer they liked in the 6 pack, theyll most likely buy that one beer they liked again, perhaps in a 6 pack.

 

Since Sixpoint comes out with a new seasonal or one off every few months, I like to grab one at my local bottleshop (Hunger n Thirst) to see if it's caseworthy. So far they all have (Global Warmer, Rad, Beast Mode, Abigail, Jammer, Hi-Res). I would love to see a Sixpoint Variety (Crisp, Bengali, Sweet, Resin)!

 

OP, send me a paycheck, and I'll answer your question.

 

I'd love a Single Hop IPA Variety Pack. That's one where I wouldn't mind the 3 bottles of 4 different beers, but the 6 and 2 is always preferable.

This is brilliant. I hate having to search out fresh singles to try out a new brewery, which is why I've had so few core beers from so many breweries. I know that people have mentioned exclusives being the attractant, which is true, but I kind of hate it and hope to find a store that breaks up variety packs (some do, but it is rare). Like I'd love to try Boulevard's Tasting Room Red IPA, but I'm not buying that variety pack. I rarely buy six-packs, because I don't need those extra calories.

 

I like the mix 12's when I have people coming over that are varied type of beer drinkers. A little cheaper and there is always someone who really likes each of the selections.

 

They are great for parties, which is how I used my latest one (Oskar Blues Canundrum, this past Sunday actually)- with enough variety to please most guests. Plus, if there are leftovers, I make sure to buy a pack where I will enjoy those as well.

There are also some packs here and there that I will usually buy for my own pleasure, and those tend to be seasonals with a few unique and/or new beers in them. Straub and Sierra Nevada are ones that I really look forward to, and they don't last too long around my place when I get one.

In the end, though, I don't buy a whole lot of them, so I went with the last option. The ones I do enjoy I am really thankful for, however. I guess it all depends on what's inside .

On the issue of singles, that's not really my thing. I'd rather have a few extra beers I'm not so crazy about, than to want more of a beer in a sitting but not have it handy. My main mix-a-six is usually 2 each of three beers, but those are an even rarer purchase for me than a variety pack. Oh, and since I prefer to drink beer in 'twos', my preference for variety 12-packs would be 4 each of three different beers (but I am probably an outlier in that respect).

 

I buy variety packs in those "I don't know what I'm in the mood for" moments. I'm usually not dissapointed. There are usually one or two beers in there that aren't my favorite though. Oh well.

 

When I purchase a variety pack, its almost always one where I've had everything except for one or two before. They work when you know what your getting, Sierra Nevada, Boulevard and even Sam Adams are always reliable, anymore I refuse to buy a variety pack from a brewery I've never had, been burned too many times with half of it a waste.

 

The only variety pack I can remember caring about was the SN Beer Camp Across America case. That was interesting/fun, even though distribution was slow and half the beers were already past their prime. I wouldnt buy a Sixpoint variety pack unless it was all new beers.

 

Living in NJ places that sell singles is rare so its nice tohave the ability to buy a few beers with out having to commit to buying six packs. Variety packs are great for parties to so you have variety. Some breweries too will sneak something random in once in a while, i think oskar blues did it with ten fidy. its always fun to see if you find that one that doesnt belong.
a six point variety with bengali, resin, sweet action, and the crisp would be perfect. It'd simplify my shopping quite a bit