There’s something satisfying about cracking open a frosty beer. And somehow it tastes even better when you know you scored a great price, right?
Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or stocking up for a get-together, this guide will help you stretch your beer budget. Keep in mind that some tips only apply in states that permit grocery-store alcohol sales; if you plan to buy beer at Walmart, you won’t be able to do so in Delaware or Wyoming.
Here’s our rundown of affordable beers: the good, the questionable and the ones you may want to skip.
Trader Joe’s Beer
If you haven’t stopped by a Trader Joe’s yet, don’t delay because you think it’s just another Whole Foods clone. Yes, they stock organic and fair-trade items, but you won’t find $35 artisanal loaves here. Instead you’ll discover affordable wholesome groceries and — surprise — beer!
That’s right: Trader Joe’s carries a lineup of decent beers at reasonable prices. If you’re after the absolute cheapest, try their Simpler Times Lager. At 5.5% ABV, it’s not a light brew, and at my local store it goes for about 67 cents a can!
Higher-end options cost more, naturally, but they’re typically less expensive than you’ll find elsewhere.
Walmart Beer
When it comes to budget beer, Walmart usually comes out on top. Whether you prefer Amstel, Budweiser or Corona (the ABCs of lager?), it’s tough to beat Walmart’s regular pricing unless you catch an exceptional sale. They also stock the ultra-cheap labels.
For instance, Natural Ice, which clocks in at 5.9% alcohol, sells at our area Walmart for $2.97 for a four-pack of 16-ounce cans. If you haven’t sampled it, beer critic Will Gordon describes it as: “The soggy cardboard sensation fades after the first several cans, turning Natty Ice into a serviceable alternative to sobriety.”
Not exactly lavish praise, but it’s drinkable and very affordable.
Another low-cost option commonly found at Walmart is Milwaukee’s Best. It ranked third in a ten-beer taste comparison in a taste test.
Total Wine (and Beer)
The store chain goes by Total Wine and More, and the “more” certainly includes beer — lots of it. Some shops stock over 2,000 beer varieties. Total Wine isnotthe cheapest place for the mainstream, everyday beers. If you need a case of Coors or Busch, head to Walmart and you’ll save a dollar or two.
However, if you enjoy sampling imports and craft brews without spending a fortune — or want to wow your guests — Total Wine is a great option.
Why? They offer hundreds of beers sold by the single can or bottle. You don’t have to commit to a case or even a six-pack to find out whether a Vietnamese lager, a German Hefeweizen or a seasonal pumpkin ale suits your tastes. For $10 to $20 you can assemble a mixed six-pack and host your own tasting.
Beer Math
Which beer is truly the “cheapest” depends on what you care about. If you simply want an affordable beer in hand after work, watch for discounts on standard-sized cans. Our local pharmacy sometimes marks six-packs down to $2.97, making them under 50 cents per can — beating even Walmart on occasion.
But if you’re the analytically inclined frugal drinker, you might prefer to know which beer gives you the most alcohol per dollar — the lowest cost per buzz. And the winner in this writer’s area is…
Steel Reserve! It advertises 8.1% ABV, and it isn’t terrible. Add a lime wedge or two and you can almost pretend it’s a Corona. Walmart sells a four-pack of 16-ounce cans for $2.97. Here’s the calculation:
Sixty-four ounces total times 8.1% equals 5.184 ounces of pure alcohol. Divide the $2.97 price by 5.184 and you get a cost of about 57 cents per ounce of alcohol.
For contrast, check the alcohol percentage of Milwaukee’s Best, often viewed as a bargain label. It’s 4.5% ABV, and the cheapest purchase at Walmart is an 18-pack of 12-ounce cans for $10.47.
That comes out to roughly $1.07 per ounce of alcohol — nearly double Steel Reserve’s cost. Now you know.
Another way to drink for less? Volunteer at a craft beer festival. It’s hard to beat free pours.
Your Turn: What’s the cheapest beer you’ve bought, and did it taste any good?
