Beer for the budget friendly beer advocate

I always find mix packs to be good budget packs. They're usually a couple dollars cheaper than if you were to buy a couple 6 packs and you get to try 3,4, or 6 different styles. Some of the mix packs I usually see are Saranac, Sam Adams, Flying Dog, Breckenridge, Victory, Troegs, Moerlein, Great Lakes and several others I can't think of so you'll have plenty of options.

Another way you may be able to budget a bit is to buy a beer by the case. It's usually less per 6 pack if bought in a case and some stores will allow you to mix and match 4 or 6 packs to make a case if the beers are from the same brewery.

Things not to do: buy bombers, (unless they're Trader Joe's) make 6-packs, go the store without an idea of what you want. I ALWAYS spend more if I'm in a buying mood but just looking without looking for a few specific things.

 

sam adams, sierra nevada seem to be reasonably priced in most areas, also sometimes you can find regional or locals that are good priced depending on where you live.

 

These are good suggestions. Some other considerations:
Sales - check the sell by date. Often things go on sale as they are about to pass that date (often but not always).
Mix packs - While a great way to try multiple offerings they may contain a style that you don't like. Buying something you don't want, even at a reduced price, isn't a bargain.
Costco or other discount store - If you already belong, they have great prices (when they are selling something you want to buy - see previous note).
Beer Advocate reviews - Taste is subjective. Just because someone else doesn't like a beer doesn't mean that you won't like it. While I'm not familiar with all the breweries mentioned by Mohican88, Saranac, SA, GL, Victory, as well as New Belgium and Sierra Nevada produce quality beer at affordable prices.

 

I almost exclusively buy beer in four and six packs because they almost always offer better value that the big bottles. True, you won’t be able to drink some beers that come only in the bomber format, but I tend to see this personal policy as a way to reward breweries that sell beer in a consumer-friendly format.

I still end up spending $13+ plus for some six packs, but I try to bring down my cost per bottle by buying 12 packs from Samuel Adams. True witbier lovers and BMC haters might scoff at this, but I also have no issue buying 12 packs of Blue Moon. I may end up buying some Schlitz Gusto sometime soon as well.

And as much as I want to support local bars, I have a difficult time justifying the cost of going out when I can stay at home where the beer is cheaper, I choose selection, and I control what’s on television or the music that’s playing. If that makes me a hermit, so be it!

 

An addition: If you are new to beer, don’t feel compelled to chase rare or big beers. Those beers get a lot of attention on this site, but there are a lot of solid to great beers that are readily available and affordable. The great thing about craft beer is that it’s a luxury good that common person can afford, but you do have to be somewhat selective at times if you want to stay within a budget.

 

Lagunitas and Smuttynose always seem to be on the cheaper side for me.

 

Mission St. line from Trader Joe's
$5.99 a 6 pack and they're brewed by Firestone Walker.

 

if there is a beer you really like think of buying a case if it'll offer you a few dollar savings.. sometimes you can get a case of something for like $39.99 when a single six pack would run you $11-12.. be careful doing this for IPA's unless you plan to drink through the case quickly. Also not all stores will offer you any discount on a case price.

Look for coupons/specials. Lots of stores here in South Jersey offer club savings.. like 5% off if you are a member or other stores will do print coupons that they'll have on their website, a fav shop of mine will do 15% off any single bomber.. and they do mean any.. special releases included so that'll knock anywhere from $0.50 - $2+ off depending on the price point. Any little bit helps right?

have a fall back cheap beer.. i'll still sometimes buy some yungling or high life etc if funds are a bit low or if my stock pile of craft is running low and i want to stretch it out. This doens't happen to often anymore b/c when i hit a shop i'll buy a few 4 packs or six packs, and doing so each week or every other week always has me replenishing more than i'm drinking... just not with IPA's as that would be silly, if i buy ipa's i'm sure to drink them as soon as possible