Local beer at the grocery store

Interesting. My local Hannaford underwent a major remodeling, and greatly expanded their beer selection. Lots of Maine/New England beers, plus Stone, Lagunitas, and Founders, to name a few.

 

HEB and Kroger here in Houston have several stores that have extended craft selections. Usually where there is a more affluent neighborhood close by. Since I live outside of Houston there is no such thing as a smaller craft only retailer, so it is nice that they do that.

 

I think supermarkets realized a number of years ago that craft beer was going to boom, so beer departments have expanded, although employee knowledge has not (if you can even find the 'resident' beer guy/gal). If your local store is just now expanding I'd say they are behind the times.

 

I’ve been quite impressed by my local Hannafords. I’ve even been able to find Weihenstephaner Weißbier in the cooler section. Although I suspect NH is rather behind Maine and Vermont. I imagine AB has a strong grip on distribution in my state, considering their Merrimack facility.

 

Our local AZ stores are the same way, you have 1/2 isle with the big guys and the other 1/2 is now craft. Also we have a massive craft boom at gas stations. I can hit any gas station by my house and they literally have 1/3 of the store dedicated to craft beer. It is crazy to see, you almost have more choice at gas station that at some liquor stores, and it is fresh and from all the main players, not just the larger craft guys, they actually have hard to find releases etc.
Cheers

 

Does the store also have a sign by those beers saying "local" or "Maine?"

 

Craft is big business now. Lot's of grocery chains in Michigan carry local. Short's brewery even makes a special 12 pack for retail say at big grocers only/

 

I would say all of the grocery stores out here have a "local/craft" section. Many are now carrying a large selection of bombers as well.

I'm also starting to see separate, refrigerated end caps with local beer too.

 

Welcome to the early 2000s. Around here it's not just the big stores, even the smallest kwikeemart carries small, local fresh beer.

 

I've never been to an Aldi but someone on Reddit told me Weihenstephaner goes for 5.99 a six pack at their Aldi. Hoping that's not just a regional thing..

 

I am not sure if you are upset or happy with this change. I for one, am happy to have an amazing selection of local and national craft, AAL's, and imports at my chain supermarket. I do think it will affect smaller craft only retailers too, as they may have to compete. Are you supporting your local independent grocer?

 

The grocery store in New Glarus expanded their craft selection about a year or so back, and was surprised to see Psuedo Sue and 51K, among others available. They still have the 3 huge New Glarus Brewing displays, but it's nice to see other options.

 

Gotcha. I have noticed the local breweries being carried more and more lately around here too. We have a local craft only store too, it's much closer than your's is, but I frequent them for the hard to get offerings.
The "buy local" movement really seems to be gaining traction into many avenues. It's a good time for craft beer lovers.

 

The cheese department runs the beverage department at a store where I shop. I imagine they know as much about beer as they do about cheese, which is very little. We have a good selection of local beers and they are all old.