Freshness vs. Price

Fresh beer is easy, drink local. Good price, subject to discussion. Supply and demand can be very fickle in a retail environment. I would think that in many areas of the US, there are small to mid sized breweries cranking out out good stuff. Seek them out. My Jacks' Abby is less than 35 miles away. World class, consistently. My local beer stores have good relationships with the brewers and distributors. I think some are over thinking this freshness stuff, not that hard.

 

Somewhat related, this price vs freshness consideration is part of the reason I don't mind paying for growler fills at a brewery for the freshest beer possible. I see many people complain about growler fill prices, because they think the brewer should cut them a break for the lower distribution cost, but they aren't factoring in a value for freshness.

 

Super freshness is only my main concern when a beer's best quality is its dry-hopping. Otherwise I've got time.