Pick a Six
When you buy beer, do you always buy in multipacks like a six pack or case to save money?
There was a time I did that. Back before my tastes became more refined and the craft beer universe exploded like a Big Bang.
These days, I tend to buy individual bottles even if it is usually more expensive. Better than individual bottles, though, is when liquor and grocery stores allow you to build a custom six pack from a variety of bottles on the shelves.
I. Love. This. Being able to try a bunch of new bottles of beer either at a fixed price (usually around US$10) or at a per-bottle price based on the cost of the six pack is really the best way to go. If it’s great, you’re likely to go buy a larger pack. But if you don’t like it, you’re not stuck with a bunch of bottles you’ll never drink.
So, yes, I actively seek stores that give beer connoisseurs like me the chance to build a six. In the western Chicago suburbs, that list includes Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Fresh Market, and Binny’s (best variety so far).
Do you ever build a six?
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We have a local grocery store here called Harmon’s where you can build your own 6 pack. I’ve done that multiple times with several IPAs, Belgian wheats and a few Shandys. It’s a nice way to get a variety. Granted, these are all 3.2% ABV.
For the higher ABV, we head to the state run liquor store where you can purchase by the bottle for around $2 each.
That’s how Trader Joes does it. Pay per bottle. Little more expensive, usually, than a pick a six.