“Best beer bargains” is such a subjective phrase, since both value and taste are relative. For one drinker, a $5.99 six-pack is a bargain, while another might be happy to pay the same price for a 22 oz. bomber of good beer. A balance has to be struck between the price of a beer and the enjoyment it brings the drinker — in short, we’re talking about a beer’s value or worth.
Of course, when we talk about bargain beers we naturally think of cheaper beers — or at least I do. Don’t get me wrong — I’m not talking about the cheapest of the cheap, but usually a cheaper beer that rivals much more expensive beers in taste. A beer of value.
So, without further delay, here are my best beer bargains. Drop me a comment and let me know what yours are — I’m curious how “valued” these beers are by readers in different parts of the country, especially since prices will vary geographically.
Trader Joe’s Stockyard Oatmeal Stout – I would gladly pay $7.99 for a six-pack of Goose Island Oatmeal Stout, so I’m even more happy to pay $5.99 for it under the name of the Trader Joe’s Stockyard Oatmeal Stout. A dollar a beer for a beer with all of the rich, roasted characteristics of a much more expensive stout.
Trader Joe’s Vintage Ale – Like the oatmeal stout, this one is not brewed by Trader Joe’s. Instead, it is a private-labeled offering from Unibroue, which is apparent to anyone who has tasted the Belgian-style ales that the Canadian brewery puts out. This one is right up there with their other offerings. At $4.99 a 750 ml bottle, it’s worth buying a few to enjoy now, and a few to enjoy later.
Josephs Brau Dunkelweizen (Trader Joe’s) – This isn’t the most complex beer out there, but it’s a good, solid example of a style that often gets overlooked. A bottle of this yeasty deliciousness costs just four quarters, and it’s actually brewed by Gordon Biersch.
North Coast Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout– Old Rasputin is well known in the craft beer world as one of the best Russian imperial stouts out there, and rightly so. This is one of my favorite beers, regardless of its price. I do, however, think we take the price for granted sometimes. Few are the imperial stouts that can be had for $8.00 a four-pack (by comparison, I paid almost twice that much for Oskar Blues Ten FIDY a few weeks ago).
Sierra Nevada Torpedo and Celebration – Sierra Nevada Celebration is a seasonal beer, but when it’s in stock Harris Teeter will often sell 12-packs for $13.99. $1.16 a bottle for one of the more eagerly-anticipated IPA releases year in and out. Sierra Nevada Torpedo was also a seasonal beer at one point, but can now be had year-round and at the same price. They are both well-crafted IPAs that are cheap enough to be a “house beer.”
Heavy Seas Peg Leg and Loose Cannon– So I said few Russian imperial stouts can compete with Old Rasputin in regards to price, and that’s true. The Heavy Seas Peg Leg by Clipper City Brewery doesn’t have the boldness or complexity I love in Rasputin, but I feel its price reflects that. The Lowes Foods I shop at sells this for $10.99 a sixer, which isn’t a bad price. It’s also available in the $8.99 mix-sixer section though, which makes it a much better bargain (yes, there’s a label for it and everything). Right at $1.50 for an imperial stout that tastes great and improves with age? Yes please, matey. The Heavy Seas Loose Cannon, an IPA also known as HOP3 Ale, is an even better example of its style — it’s a very drinkable IPA that finishes clean.
I think you have gathered a pretty good list. I can’t agree more on SN Torpedo. I also consider most Lagunitas beers as bargains.
It’s hard for me to speak on bargains since I can only buy cases here in PA. One surprising ‘deal’ I found was a newly released seasonal from Sam Adams called Noble Pils. Same price as normal Sam Adams but a great rounded hoppy beer. A step above their normal beers for the same price is good.
Hey Tim, I’ll definitely keep an eye out for Lagunitas. They are one of those brands I hear so much about, but it seems that I invariably opt for something different when I’m out looking for beer. Any of their beers you particularly like?
Gaddy, I had heard you had to (for the most part) buy by the case there in PA. That’s really unfortunate. I remember you also telling me that Trader Joe’s couldn’t sell beer there. Again, unfortunate.
I think you’re right about Noble Pils, though. I’ve seen quite a bit of buzz about it online. I tried it recently at a beer festival and enjoyed it, but I think I need more than a 2 oz. sample to really form my opinion on it. I’ll definitely pick it up soon, especially with warmer weather on its way.
Thank you both for stopping by.
Just curious where you can find the Old Rasputin RIS in Charlotte? I’ve never seen it (or maybe just overlooked it.) but am always on the look out for new brews to try.
Hey Sam, thanks for reading!
I’ve only purchased the Old Rasputin at one place, and it’s the place I first saw it — Trader Joe’s (on Rea Rd., in my case). I was somewhat new to craft beer and didn’t realize when I bought it that it is one of the best examples of the Russian imperial stout style. I would also think most specialty beer stores in the area would have it (Vintner Wine Market, Brawley’s Beverage, etc.), and I know for a fact that the Total Wine and More on Independence Boulevard has it (and probably the other Total Wine locations as well).
If you find it, please drop back by and let me know what you think. I’ve tried many imperial stouts since I first discovered Old Rasputin, but the Old Rasputin is still my favorite.
Daniel
In my part of the northeast (Northern New Jersey) Smuttynose six packs are always under ten bucks, and usually under eight bucks, and the beer is almost always damned good
Hey Sean,
I’ve got to try some Smuttynose beers — I’m embarassed to say I don’t think I’ve ever tried any of them. Recently, a few people have told me to check out their Old Brown Dog Ale and their saison.
I know my favorite local bar has their barleywine on tap. Maybe I need to pay them a visit.
Thanks for stopping by!
Daniel
Thanks for pointing out the Trader Joe’s beers! I never knew! Unibroue and Goose Island always do well I think.
Thanks for dropping by, Scott!
My favorite of that list — the Stockyard Oatmeal Stout — is not going to be brewed in the future. I think Goose Island said there was just not enough demand in the market for it, as more and more people go to hoppy and sour beers.
It’s a shame, really. It’s such a solid beer, and cheap, too. I’d definitely recommend heading to Trader Joe’s to see if they’ve still got it before it’s too late!
Might just do that! I love oatmeal stouts and $5.99 is a great price for something from Goose Island. Interesting that here in NJ we can’t get Goose Island products, but Trader Joes has something with their label slapped on it! Just my luck that they’re going to discontinue it – maybe someone else will fill that slot?