Bulk Beer Buying: How Much Does It Cost?

Buying beer in bulk can be a convenient and cost-effective option, whether you're stocking up for a party or just looking to save money on your favourite brews. The cost of buying beer in bulk can vary depending on several factors, including the type of beer, the quantity purchased, and the location. Generally, buying in bulk can result in significant discounts compared to purchasing individual bottles or cans. Online retailers, warehouse clubs, and breweries are popular options for bulk beer purchases, each with their advantages and disadvantages. It's important to consider factors such as available storage space, expiration dates, and planning to ensure you get the best deal and avoid waste.

Buying beer in bulk for a wedding

When it comes to buying beer in bulk for a wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to assess your guest list and consider how many attendees are over the legal drinking age. This will give you an idea of how much beer you'll need. As a general rule, only about a third of wedding guests will opt for beer, with the rest preferring wine or soft drinks.

There are online calculators available, such as the one offered by Beavertown Brewery, which can help you determine how much beer to buy. These calculators take into account factors such as the number of guests and the duration of the event. For example, according to Total Wine & More's digital wedding alcohol calculator, for a 100-person wedding reception lasting three to four hours, they suggest 150 bottles of beer. This increases to 180 bottles of beer if the event lasts more than four hours.

When buying beer in bulk, it's advisable to purchase from retailers or club stores like BJs, Costco, or Sam's Club, which often offer discounts for large orders. Beavertown Brewery, for instance, offers savings of up to 20% when you buy 20 or more cases. Similarly, Sam's Club is known for having great beer prices, and they offer a wide variety of domestic, imported, and craft beers.

It's also worth noting that some venues might provide a shopping list as a starting point, but ultimately, it's up to the couple to decide what beer to serve and how much to buy. It's recommended to have a few different types of beer available to cater to different tastes, and to consider the season—lighter beers are often preferred during the summer, while darker beers are more popular in cooler months.

Finally, don't forget to plan for storage and refrigeration. Portable fridges or ice boxes can be useful if your venue doesn't have a suitable fridge available.

Online retailers for bulk beer

Online retailers have become an increasingly popular way to purchase beer in bulk. They offer a wide selection of beer brands and types, often at competitive prices. Online retailers also provide the convenience of delivery directly to your doorstep. Some popular online retailers for bulk beer purchases include:

• Costco: Costco offers a good selection of beer, wine, and liquor, with quality comparable to that of other weddings. They have a website where you can order in bulk and get it delivered to your doorstep.
• Sam's Club: Sam's Club is a great place to buy beer in bulk, with a wide selection of domestic, imported, and craft beers. They offer competitive prices and the convenience of ordering everything you need for your party online, with the option to pick it up from your nearest club location. They stock Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors, Miller Genuine Draft, Amsel Light, Newcastle Brown Ale, and Pilsner Urquell, among others.
• Total Wine: Total Wine offers a wide range of American beers, including IPAs, American Amber/Red Lager, and specialty styles. You can buy in bulk online and pick up your order in-store.
• BJ's: BJ's is a membership-based retailer that offers wine cases, which can be a good option for bulk purchases for weddings or other events.

When buying beer online, it is important to consider shipping costs and delivery times, as these can impact the overall cost and convenience of your purchase.

Warehouse clubs for bulk beer

Warehouse clubs are a great option for those looking to buy beer in bulk. These stores, such as Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's Wholesale Club, offer a wide range of products, including beer, at discounted prices for their members.

Sam's Club, for example, offers a large selection of beers, including domestic, imported, and craft options. They carry popular brands such as Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors, and Miller Genuine Draft, as well as imported beers like Amsel Light from Amsterdam and Pilsner Urquell from the Czech Republic. Sam's Club also offers seasonal beers, ciders, and beer variety packs, making it a great choice for those who want to try new beers or stock up on their favourites.

Similarly, Costco, the largest club store in the US in terms of sales, offers good deals on beer and alcohol. One customer mentions buying all the alcohol for a wedding at Costco, praising the selection and quality.

BJ's Wholesale Club is another option, particularly if you are based on the East Coast of the US. They offer a good selection of beer, wine, and liquor, and you can buy wine cases that come with 12 bottles, which is ideal for weddings or other events.

These warehouse clubs offer convenience and savings, allowing you to stock up on beer and other beverages without breaking the bank. With their large selection, you can find a variety of beers to suit different tastes and preferences, making them a go-to option for bulk beer purchases.

Buying direct from a brewery

Many breweries offer the option to purchase beer in bulk directly from them. This can be a great way to get a specific type of beer and support a local brewery. Plus, buying directly from the brewery can often result in a discount compared to purchasing through a retailer.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when buying beer in bulk from a brewery. Firstly, not all breweries offer bulk-purchasing options, and the selection may be limited. It's a good idea to research which breweries in your area offer bulk purchasing and what their selection is like. Secondly, you may need to factor in the time and transportation costs required to pick up the beer from the brewery, as they may not offer delivery services.

The cost of beer from a brewery will depend on various factors, including the ingredients used, labour costs, equipment, and overhead expenses. Generally, the cost of producing one barrel of beer can range from $100 to $300 or more, but this can vary widely depending on the specific brewery. For example, a brewery that uses high-quality ingredients and operates in an expensive location will likely have higher prices than a larger brewery that sources ingredients in bulk and has lower overhead costs.

When buying beer in bulk from a brewery, it's important to consider the type of beer you're purchasing and how quickly you can consume it. Different types of beer will have different prices, and you want to make sure you have the proper storage space to keep the beer fresh. Additionally, check for any discounts or promotions that the brewery may be offering for bulk purchases.

Another benefit of buying beer in bulk from a brewery is the convenience of having a large supply of beer on hand, which is perfect for hosting events or parties. You can often find a wide selection of beer brands and types at competitive prices, and some breweries may even offer special deals or discounts for bulk purchases.

Overall, buying beer in bulk directly from a brewery can be a great option for those looking for specific types of beer, wanting to support local businesses, or seeking cost savings and convenience. However, it's important to consider factors such as selection, transportation, storage, and consumption to ensure you get the best deal and enjoy your favourite brews.

Returning unopened beer

When planning events like weddings, it is advisable to call around and find retailers or liquor stores that permit the return of unopened beer. This flexibility can help manage costs effectively and avoid wastage. Some retailers or liquor stores in New England, for instance, have been known to offer this option to customers.

Additionally, it may be worth considering working with a caterer who can facilitate the wholesale purchase of beer and allow for the return of any unopened bottles. This approach could provide more convenience and flexibility for your event.

Lastly, while returning unopened beer might be a viable option in some cases, it is always a good idea to check with local laws and regulations, as well as the specific policies of the retailer or liquor store you intend to purchase from.

Frequently asked questions