Single Beer Cans: Can You Buy Them Individually?

Whether or not you can buy a single can of beer depends on where you live and the retailer. Some states, like New York, allow the individual sale of beer cans and bottles, but that does not mean the retailer has to let you. Many retailers are hesitant to allow customers to break up a pack because it can be difficult to sell the remaining beers in the pack to another customer. However, some retailers do advertise that they support the practice of selling single cans of beer, and they may even have a cooler of single beers available for purchase.

Beer retailers that sell single cans

Beer enthusiasts are in luck, as there are several beer retailers that sell single cans of beer.

In Denver, Wallaby's Liquor Warehouse has been praised for its selection of single craft beers, with multiple full refrigerated sections of individual craft beers. Another Denver store, Joy Wine and Spirits, features a "make your own six-pack" option, allowing customers to purchase individual beers.

In Central New Jersey, Wegmans allows customers to create their own six-packs, and stores such as Joe Canals and Spirits offer a selection of single bottles.

For those in Boston, the craft beer store Craft Beer Cellar has been mentioned as a place where any beer in the store can be bought individually.

In addition to these specific retailers, some large grocery stores, such as Central Market and Albertson's, have been known to offer "make your own six-pack" sections.

Beer retailers that allow customers to break up a 6-pack

Whether or not you can break up a 6-pack and buy a beer or two instead of the entire pack depends on both the state you're in and the retailer. Some states, like New York, allow the individual sale of beer cans and bottles, but that doesn't mean the retailer has to let you. For many retailers, the breaking of packs is a huge pain, because it means they're forced to have to figure out how to sell a broken pack to another patron.

Wegmans

Wegmans allows customers to make their own 6-pack, so you can buy two or three beers of your choice. However, one customer notes that their selection is not very good.

Joe Canals

Joe Canals is a chain of liquor stores in New Jersey that has an extensive selection of single bottles. No need to build your own 6-pack here—you can just buy what you want.

Spirits

Spirits is another option in New Jersey. These stores are independently owned, so not all of them will break up 6-packs for you, but some will. Some locations also have good selections of single-bottle beers and even growler stations.

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's allows customers to buy single beers.

Craft Beer Cellar

Craft Beer Cellar stores allow you to buy any beer in any number unless specifically marked otherwise.

Beer retailers that offer a make your own 6-pack option

Several beer retailers offer a "make your own six-pack" option, allowing customers to create a six-pack by choosing individual bottles or cans of beer. This option is becoming increasingly popular and can be found at various grocery stores, bottle shops, and craft beer retailers.

One example is Wegmans, a grocery store chain that offers customers the ability to create their own six-packs. Similarly, Kroger, a popular supermarket chain, has a "Mix a Six Pack" station, offering over 80 different beers at a flat rate of $9.99. This option provides customers with the opportunity to try new beers without committing to a full six-pack, making it a cost-effective way to explore different options.

Another retailer that offers this option is Instacart, an online grocery delivery and pickup service. Instacart allows customers to create their own six-packs with 16 fl oz beers, providing convenience and flexibility for those who want to try different beers.

Some local liquor stores and craft beer places also offer the option to buy single beers or create your own six-pack. For example, in Central New Jersey, stores like Joe Canals and White Oak Liquors in South Plainfield have been known to offer this option. Additionally, certain Total Wine locations and Trader Joe's stores have been reported to provide this service as well.

It is worth noting that the availability of "make your own six-pack" options may vary by location, and not all retailers offer this service. However, with the growing popularity of craft beer and consumer interest in trying new varieties, more retailers are likely to adopt this option in the future.

Beer retailers that sell single cans for cooking purposes

If you're looking to buy single cans of beer for cooking purposes, there are a few retailers that may be able to help. The availability of single cans can vary by location and retailer, but here are some options to try:

• Local liquor stores: Some local liquor stores may offer single cans or bottles of beer, especially if they have a "make your own six-pack" option. Examples include Highlands Wine and Liquor and Wallaby's Liquor Warehouse in Denver, and Joe Canals in Central New Jersey.
• Grocery stores: Certain grocery stores might have dedicated sections for single bottles or "make your own six-pack" options. For instance, Wegmans in New Jersey and Total Wine in Florida.
• Specialty beer stores: Stores that specialize in craft beer may be more likely to offer single bottles or cans, or allow you to create your own mix-and-match six-packs. Examples include Craft Beer Cellar in Boston and various locations in Chicago and Seattle.
• Trader Joe's: Multiple sources have mentioned that Trader Joe's is accommodating when it comes to selling single cans or bottles. They will often divide the cost of a six-pack by six and sell you a single can or bottle.

When visiting these stores, it's worth asking staff members about their policies on selling single cans or bottles. In some cases, they may be willing to sell you a single beer even if it's not explicitly advertised. It's also important to be considerate and not break up packs in a way that leaves the store with an odd number of remaining bottles that may be hard to sell.

Beer retailers that sell single cans online

Beer enthusiasts have been discussing the possibility of buying single cans of beer online. While some retailers allow customers to buy single cans of beer, others have expressed concerns about the potential for theft and the challenge of managing inventory.

Some stores, like Trader Joe's, are known for their flexibility in selling single bottles or cans of beer. They offer customers the option to purchase a single beer by dividing the cost of a six-pack by the number of beers. This approach is convenient for those who want to try new beers without committing to a full pack.

In Denver, stores like Keg Liquors and Joy Wine and Spirits offer similar options for buying single cans or creating your own six-pack. Wallaby's Liquor Warehouse in east Denver is also known for its extensive selection of single craft beers.

However, some liquor store employees have expressed their dislike for selling single beers from multi-packs due to the hassle of managing inventory and ensuring that multi-packs remain intact. They suggest that customers either purchase from the single bottle area or ask staff for assistance in getting a single beer, which they can provide by breaking a multi-pack.

Overall, the availability of single cans of beer varies depending on the retailer and their policies. While some stores accommodate single-can purchases, others prefer customers to buy in packs to avoid inventory challenges and ensure the integrity of their multi-pack offerings.

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