Cheapest way to try the most beer

go to breweries and get flights of small pours, try cheap/entry level versions of styles (i.e. Hennepin, Boon, etc.)

Alternatively you can just get your parasite on and hit up beer tastings where you know some massive ticks are going down and set a bottle of Ovila down and scamper into the fold.

Nosignsofpain is a student and she balls harder than Tony Parker, get that Chris Paul mindset tickers never outta bounds.

 

Lots of stores will break up 6-packs. i.e. you get to mix and match your own 6-pack with 6 different beers in it. That's usually the easiest way.

 

Some grocery stores, and almost all beer distributors near me have a single bottle section. Prices and selection vary per bottle and per store. If all else fails... trade!!!

 

Hit up bottle shares/tastings. You'll try beers you've never thought you'd try. That or trade.

 

flights as mentioned above or ask for Tasters if at the brewpub before diving into a Pint.. samplers of all they tap might be a good idea as well

 

Trading is the most expensive though.

Just go to a reasonably priced bottle shop and get a lot of singles. Try to stick to the more inexpensive beers.

 

Do a year abroad anywhere in Europe. When I was a college student I spent a year in Bamberg, Germany. I had a modest assistantship; but on that minimal pay I explored around 150 breweries in Franconia, Bavaria, Koeln, Duesseldorf, etc.; traveled regularly to Prague and the Czech Republic; wandered throughout Belgium (more expensive, but nowhere near the prices you pay here); and then capped my year off with a trip to the UK for the Great British Beer Festival (uncharted territory for the large majority of BAs). You'll spend far, far more in one year here chasing the stuff BAs prize (or even the more common stuff, for that matter) than you ever would traveling and drinking the world's great beers in their original settings.

 

Also try going to beer festivals in your area. You get to try a bunch or small samples in one shot.

 

That's why I said... if all else fails...

 

Start or find a tasting group in your area that meets fairly frequently, not only will you be able to try and share a ton of beers, but you can meet some great people.

 

1. locate a good store that offers mix-a-six
2. pick your six beers and pay up
3. enjoy
4. repeat

 

Im in the same boat. Go make 2-3 more friends who like craft split mix and sixes 4 ways and try 3 oz of everything.

In my unscientific research I've found singles < growlers < bombers < bar as far as price goes. But their are exceptions to the bomber-growler- bar relationship. Try to find a craft bar that does half pours or try to convince your local one to do them. That's how I've been able to afford a lot of my "ticks".

Tl;dr make or convert craft friends.

 

Free tastings by local stores is your best chance, buying flights at bars, visiting a brewery during free tasting times, or buying a ticket to a beer fest that has a good mixture of and selection of beer.

 

Mixed sixes only go so far.You can probly get 3 or 4 good ones, but at least at my stores, the variety doesn't go that far.

Some bombers are cheaper than others, especially local ones. Drink local! And try the styles they have available. I'm lucky to be in CO where so many styles are represented. Not sure how your area is, but that's my advice.

 

The answer is very simple

 

Why? I understand wanting to try different beers but plowing through as many different beers as you can isn't always the best route.

 

I hear Powerball is getting up there.

 

Break into a veteran BA's cellar?

 

I had a beer club that bought 12 6 packs at a time and split them up 6 ways. You get to try many beers at about $1 - $2 per beer. Did it about ten times or so focusing on the top two or three beers in every style. This was hugely significant in mastering styles and brands for my Cicerone Certification. I highly recommend it. Very efficient and gives you the opportunity to discuss your experience with all the beers.