Drink more (BMC=cheaper) or drink less (craft=$$$)?

Add the habit of

beers a week plus liquor and you have the contradiction you speak of. Everyone likes to go on the defense when the subject of drinking problems arise, but let's not pretend like it's not very common....even here.

 

I have found that if you aren't too picky and are willing to try new things buying by the case off the discount rack is a good way to stay stocked up on the cheap. For example I just picked up a case of Big Eddy Baltic Porter for 25 bucks, A case of Lancaster Kolsh for 20 and a case of Saranac wild hop pils for 20. That is easily 120 dollars worth of beer for 65 bucks. Look for option 4- Bargain hunt

 

Also, if bang for your buck is the plan but you still want a craft beer, why not just drinking Golden Monkey? I'm not a fan of it but it's 9.5% and costs between $10 and $12 for a 6er. That will help if getting drunk is the ultimate goal.

 

If this is the case, then there are 2 points to be made.

1) If you'd rather have 6 mediocre beers than 3 good ones, then I stand by my assessment that your priorities are all wrong.
2) If you drink 6 mediocre beers instead of 3 good ones, not only are you making up for the cost difference, you're probably spending more. While craft beer is more expensive than macro, most of it's not twice as expensive.

 

This is exactly it for me. I could care less about the alcohol, and wish many of the beers I like had less of it. If I found a no alcohol beer that exactly mirrored Lagunitas Sucks, I doubt I'd drink anything else regularly. I also can't imagine a six pack a day, every day. That's a lot. I think there need to be a few beer/alcohol free days every week, and six beers in one day for me is very rare...it would have to be a party that went for about six hours or more.

I'm not sure what kind of craft beer the OP actually likes, but would suggest that they be consumed more slowly. Drink stouts that are ok as they warm. Drink a bottle/glass of water in between every beer. Craft beers often have higher abv, so I think many of us are in the habit of savoring them.

 

I would agree that the buzz plays a part for most BAs, but to varying degrees. I would guess that for most BAs, it's probably several levels down in terms of importance, than where you're personally placing it.

Personally if I was in your situation I would drink less to allow me to continue to drink high quality. But for you, it sounds like that's not an option. Sorry to hear about the Parkinsons, but if you can't homebrew and don't want to drink less, then yes it sounds like BMC / cheap beer is the way to go. But your post wasn't really posed as a question, so I guess my response is "ok cool".

 

Add a liking for hard liquor and there's still no contradiction, just a broader palate. I was commenting on taste (and enjoyment of the buzz), without reference to health.

 

But it disproves your point that all BAs drink for the buzz. Sorry, but that's just not true.

I'm not saying I DON'T get drunk at a beer festival or great bottle share, but on an average weekend, I'm much happier trying 12 beers, with 3oz pours of each, then drinking 6 beers. I just did this with the Beer Camp Variety Pack

Gotta agree with @Hop-Droppen-Roll

 

well good taste is why I drink, and if I want a buzz that day, I do not want it from cheap bud? do you? I brew a dark mild near 10.5 % abv that will do the trick for both. lol

 

A 30-pack of Genesee Cream Ale costs the same as a 6-pack of "craft" cream ale in Western North Carolina.

 

So ignore total number of drinks and focus on a diverse palate and all is well... Got it.

 

To each their own but for me, quality is more important that quantity. I don't drink just to drink alcohol, I drink to enjoy the beers. My sole purpose isn't to get drunk or buzzed, but sometimes it's a byproduct and I don't complain after a rough day as it inhibits relaxation, but again, I'm not going to go buy a case of whatever I can afford just to get a buzz or drunk every day as that's not what I drink for.

 

You should cut back on your drinking.

 

Next time I promise to comment on the thing you're thinking about rather than the thing I'm commenting upon.

 

If you can't homebrew, I'd suggest finding a friend who can/does and putting together some good mild or bitter recipes that come in in the low 3% ABV range. Keg in some 5-l party kegs and split one of those over the course of a day. Closest thing to real session ale as you're likely to get around here, and the amount of alcohol you consume will be fairly low -- while providing a steady slight buzz.

 

I drink craft beer just on the weekends. I like to work hard all week and reward myself with a relaxing weekend. Maybe on occasion during the weekday. I enjoy the hobby, the variety and the flavors etc even the community before the buzz. Which i wont lie, it is nice but its what I seek last. I may be bashed for saying this, but I feel drinking multiple beers everyday is a problem. Anything done daily in excess leads to addiction, at least mentally. Moderation yo!

 

I always really look forward to Genny Bock season, tasty and cheap stuff.

 

Who are you trying to convince? It sounds like it might be yourself. You a well thought-out and reasonable argument for occasionally drinking macros. So go for it.