Are Beer Prices Going Up?

It starts with macro. Around here October is the month for beer price increases. Summer promos end and front line price increases. Not everything goes up each year but one year it's 18pks and 6 pks. The next 12 and 30 pks.

Craft isn't as predictable. More higher priced offerings enter the market each day. Artisan one offs at $12 per 11.2 ounce bottle were almost non existent 3 years ago.

Brewery only/limited edition pricing have jumped drastically. As long as idiots stand in line for hours for a bottle of anything barrel aged, the breweries will continue to push the market.

 

Supply and demand. Craft beer is growing in popularity, therefore the mark-up is growing as well. I think the retailer level is where the most significant increase is, as seasonals and limited offerings are going to sell no matter what. "If there's a hype, they'll buy it" is surely a retailer's decree in the current market... Not painting retailers in a bad light, rather that if the opportunity is there, make a few bucks on the stuff people really want. I haven't noticed much mark-up on year-rounds as opposed to limited stock. As I survey 4-5 stores I shop at, it's not uncommon to see a few dollar fluctuation on the same product from store to store.

 

I've noticed a general, across the board increase in seasonals and special releases. What can be shocking is the differential in price between stores for the same beer. For example, I saw Backwoods Bastard for $13.99 and $18.99 on the same day in stores only a couple miles apart.

 

I happened across a can of PBR lying on the gravel road at the Peach Music Festival in August, and found it to be better than I expected. Truth be told, back in the mid-70's it was the first beer I ever tasted as my Dad kept a steady supply in the beer/soda fridge in the garage (in returnable bottles), and I enjoyed the fizzy metallic quality of it back then. The one I had in August didn't taste exactly as I'd remembered it, but I was drinking other beverages before and after and wasn't judging it in a controlled way.

Which is to say, I think I might have to pick up a 12/24/30 pack and try it again...which might alleviate some of the financial impact of the craft/Guinness/Murphy's on my wallet. Much as I'd like to try all of Founder's and Dogfish Head's offerings, I can't pony up that much on a regular basis.

 

Yes prices are going up in general. Anyone that says differently is being an idiot or has some agenda.

 

[QUOTE="Brewventurer, post: 4205922, member: 771709"even more outrageous was Harvest Ale at $24+tax for a 4pk! Saw them both in other states for about half that price. .[/QUOTE]

That's crazy. You should move to AZ. We have affordable regional beers! Always helps to cut coupons too.

Fresh Founders Harvest Ale for the win.

 

Dude, you drank off the floor...

 

That's crazy. You should move to AZ. We have affordable regional beers! Always helps to cut coupons too.

Fresh Founders Harvest Ale for the win.

[/QUOTE]
Coupons! I Like it.

 

More likely profit margins / markups have gone up. Where I work we have a standard 30% margin on 6 packs and singles, regardless of whether it is a limited release or not. We round up to either the .49 or .99 mark. FBS came out to 12.49, 30th to 18.49, and backwoods was 15.99. However our bud and miller distributors did raise prices on some macros recently.

 

Sierra Nevada. Now more than ever.

 

I was considering starting a thread on this actually. SN has truly positioned themselves in a sweet spot for the consumer who places a premium on both value and quality. As prices rise, I can see them thriving in that praiseworthy status even further.

 

That's why I love Sierra Nevada, quality beer at a great price.

 

Let me throw a log on the fire, and tell you how I used to buy a good craft six pack for $5.99-6.99 back in the late 90s. there is going to come a point for me where i'm going to start backing off the craft wagon..not sure exactly at what price point but maybe when sixers are $12-13 each regularly.

 

I've been in those shoes too. Don't get me started.

 

not that I have noticed. actually, it seems the macros prices are going down trying to compete with all the great craft beer we have available now

 

Yea, I like SN so I can live with $10 a six pack. Interesting thing for me is that now it's priced the same as Bell's and Founders. I love all three of these breweries, so it just depends on my mood. Also, Sierra Nevada 12 packs are on sale here every few weeks for $12.97.

 

Around here not really, no.

 

No doubt. Other breweries have stiff competition when it comes to getting my dollar away from Sierra Nevada. As someone that isn't that interested in trying every beer under the sun, nor spending extra to get the super highly rated stuff, Sierra Nevada is my main squeeze. They are where most of money goes to at this point. Between their seasonals (especially that kick ass Oktoberfest) and Torpedo, they scratch many of my itches.

 

12pk wicked weeds special releases is around 240.00 for 12 500ml bottles...and sell out in minutes.. part of the reason they have three brewing facilities now.. expanded twice in around a year.. i am pretty sure their profit margin is through the roof... asheville and surrounding areas have aleast 40 or more breweries and multiple more opening in the near future.. won't be long before beer hits the ceiling and some breweries either can't make it or we see a drop in price for beer since the amount of competition will be so high..i feel we are close to max capacity..

 

I need to start homebrewing asap