Euro Lagers? Price point and value

These were the classic "import alternative" in the 80s and 90s along with likes of Heineken etc. I think you are right on that craft has really replaced this as the alternative to the standard fare from BMC. The dip in price must reflect competition. Notice how small that section is now in the grocery store?

Craft: "Imported from America"

Anyway, I have found myself exploring the lighter lagers/pilsners from American crafters which have gotten better as opposed to buying imports. In addition, most of these imports are owned by the big conglomerates--topic for another thread.

 

Have you tried Peroni Nastron Azzuro by any chance? I have been contemplating buying a 6-pack of the beer but the fact it is in green bottles scares me some (worried about skunking).

Cheers!

“Peroni Nastro Azzurro is a golden lager with a crisp, sparkling body, a hint of bitterness and an exceptionally clean finish. Founded in 1846 in Vigevano, Italy, Peroni became synonymous with its best-selling and aptly named premium lager, Peroni Nastro Azzurro – meaning “blue ribbon” in Italian. Peroni Brewery is Italy’s top-selling brewery.

For an authentic Italian experience, pair Peroni Nastro Azzurro with Italian entrees and cheeses, such as aged mozzarella, Reggiano parmesan and pasta with cream-based sauces.

Brewed by: SABMiller

Availability: Year-round

Style: Pale lager

Flavor: Crisp, mild bitterness

ABV: 5.1%

- See more at: http://www.cherokeedistributing.com...c/peroni-nastro-azzurro/#sthash.mAiLhcd2.dpuf

 

Where I live, these lagers/pilseners are generally a little cheaper than most craft options, with a few exceptions e.g. the real big names like Stella, Beck's and Heineken are still overpriced for what they offer. On the other hand, decent beers like Bitburger, Jever, Spaten, Radeberger, Budvar, PU, etc. which are vastly superior to the aforementioned Euro lagers (IMO) anyway, generally sell for slightly less. I regularly grab a few tallboys of these brands when I am beer shopping - if you're a pale lager fan, it's pretty hard to beat the price:value ratio of these beers.

My favourites in this category are probably Bitburger, Spaten and PU, but any of the ones I mentioned in that list will do in a pinch. I like Golden Pheasant as well, but it tends to be pricier than the rest, and the fact that I can only find goofy green bottles doesn't do it any favours.

 

The value of European import beers are great right now, and IMO alot of the ones that get beat up on here, I find very tasty. I thought St. Pauli Girl the last time I tried it about a year ago, tasted like a really solid pilsner on par with most pilsners being made by American craft brewers but at a cheaper price point. Of course Weistephaner "anything" is amazing value.

 

That isn't too bad, especially if a person were to drink 2 cases of beer a week.

 

Bitburger, Grolsch, and Kronenbourg 1664 are all excellent beers. Bitburger takes the cake price-wise, though.

 

Peroni Blue Ribbon...Pabst Blue Ribbon... It's the Italian version of our beloved PBR! I wouldn't be too excited about acquiring some Italian PBR.

 

Apparently you aren't an Italian hipster!?!

Cheers!

 

+1 to both St. Pauli Girl and Bitburger- they both definitely stand out amongst the rest.

 

Spaten's products across the board (Helles, Maibock, Oktoberfest, and -- though not a lager -- Franziskaner Hefeweizen) are IMO not only a better value, but qualitatively on a higher level than 99% of U.S. "craft" brewed lagers/Hefeweizens. Pretty much all I buy anymore (except for the 1% "craft" lagers/lagered ales brewed by @OldeMeckbrew).

 

That's true, too- and they're probably worth the extra few bucks it would cost.

Last year, though, I was on a pretty tight budget for the family picnic so I got the St. Pauli Girl, and it definitely made for a very nice afternoon of drinking.

 

Love St Pauli Girl - always pick some up when I see it on sale ($9.99 per 12 on special).

2nd the Spaten recs too. Occasionally can get cheap cases at Costco too.