Local Store Beer: A Must-Buy Experience

Buying beer from your local store is a great way to support local businesses and discover new brews. While it's convenient to order craft beer online, visiting your local store allows you to connect with the community of beer enthusiasts and explore a curated selection of local and craft beers. You can chat with knowledgeable staff, learn about new releases, and support local breweries by purchasing their products. Additionally, local stores often stock a diverse range of beers, from well-known brands to unique offerings from small breweries, ensuring that you can find something to suit your taste and try something new.

Support local businesses

Supporting local businesses is a great way to boost your local economy and discover unique products. Here are some reasons why you should consider supporting local businesses, especially when it comes to buying beer from your local store:

• Freshness and Quality: Local stores often stock products from local breweries and distributors, ensuring that you get fresh and high-quality beer. Unlike larger retailers, local stores may have a higher turnover rate, resulting in newer and fresher beer on their shelves.
• Supporting Local Economy: When you buy beer from a local store, your money stays within the community. This supports local businesses and boosts the local economy. It also helps create and sustain jobs for people who live in your area.
• Personalised Experience: Local stores often provide a more personalised shopping experience. You can talk to knowledgeable staff members who can offer recommendations, answer questions, and even suggest new releases or local favourites.
• Unique and Varied Selection: Local stores often carry a diverse range of beers, including local craft beers and brews from smaller breweries. This gives you the opportunity to discover new and unique beers that you may not find at larger retailers.
• Convenience: Popping into your local store for a quick beer run can be more convenient than driving long distances or waiting for online deliveries. Local stores are easily accessible and can save you time and effort.
• Community Building: Local businesses are often deeply rooted in the community. By supporting them, you contribute to community development and foster a sense of connection and belonging. Many local businesses also give back to the community through sponsorships, donations, and local events.

So, the next time you're considering where to buy your beer, remember the benefits of supporting local businesses. Not only will you be getting a fresh and varied selection, but you'll also be contributing to the growth and well-being of your local community.

Fresher, better-quality ingredients

When it comes to buying beer, freshness is key. And what better way to ensure freshness than by buying from your local store? Here are a few reasons why buying beer from your local store means you're getting fresher, better-quality ingredients.

Firstly, local stores often source their beers from nearby breweries, which means shorter transportation times. This reduces the risk of the beer being exposed to extreme temperatures or improper storage conditions during transit, both of which can affect the quality of the ingredients. Shorter travel times also mean that the beer spends less time in transit, reducing the chance of it becoming stale or losing its flavour.

Secondly, local stores tend to have a quicker turnover of stock. This is especially true for larger stores or those in densely populated areas. Higher sales mean that the beer you buy is more likely to be recently brewed, ensuring that the ingredients are at their freshest and the beer is at its best. In contrast, beer that has been sitting on a shelf for months may have lost some of its flavour and carbonation.

Additionally, local stores often stock products from local breweries, and these craft beers tend to have a shorter shelf life than mass-produced beers. Craft brewers focus on creating unique, flavourful beers using high-quality ingredients, and these beers are best enjoyed as fresh as possible. By buying these beers from your local store, you're more likely to get a product that hasn't been sitting on a shelf for months, ensuring you can savour the beer as the brewer intended.

Another advantage of buying beer from your local store is the opportunity to speak to knowledgeable staff. Many stores have staff who are passionate about beer and can provide guidance on the freshest options available. They can also advise on the best-before dates and optimal storage conditions to ensure you get the most out of your purchase.

Finally, buying beer from your local store supports local businesses and the local economy. By choosing to shop locally, you're helping to sustain the businesses in your community and fostering a sense of community. This, in turn, can lead to better relationships between the store and its customers, as well as between the store and local breweries, ultimately benefiting you as a customer.

Broader selection of styles and flavours

When you buy beer from a local store, you get access to a broader selection of styles and flavours. Local stores often carry a wide range of beer options, from domestic brews to international choices, craft beers to well-known brands, and everything in between. This variety allows you to explore different tastes and find the perfect beer for your palate.

Domestic and International Choices

Local stores offer a diverse range of domestic and international beers. Domestic beers, such as Budweiser, are easily accessible and widely available. On the other hand, international beers provide an opportunity to explore flavours from different parts of the world. Whether you're looking for a familiar taste or an exotic adventure, local stores have you covered.

Craft Beers and Well-Known Brands

Local stores also cater to craft beer enthusiasts and those who prefer well-known brands. Craft beers, often produced by small, independent breweries, offer unique and innovative flavours. These beers are usually more specialised and may cater to specific tastes. In contrast, well-known brands like Bell's Two Hearted Ale provide a sense of familiarity and consistency. The broad selection at local stores ensures that you can find both craft beers and popular brands to suit your preferences.

Variety of Flavours and Styles

The beer aisle at local stores presents a spectrum of flavours and styles. From crisp lagers to robust stouts, fruity IPAs to smooth pale ales, the options are endless. You can find beers with distinct hoppy notes, such as the Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, or explore the world of sour beers, like those offered by Russian River. Local stores also carry seasonal and limited-edition beers, allowing you to discover new flavours throughout the year.

Expert Advice and Recommendations

In addition to the vast selection, local stores often employ knowledgeable staff who can guide your choices. Beer specialists, Certified Beer Servers, and Cicerones are passionate about their products and can offer expert advice. They can direct you towards new releases, local favourites, or beers that align with your taste preferences. Their expertise adds a personalised touch to your beer-buying experience.

By shopping at local stores, you unlock a world of beer styles and flavours. The variety on offer ensures that you can find the perfect beer for any occasion, whether it's a casual get-together with friends or a special celebration. So, the next time you're in the market for a six-pack, explore the diverse options available at your local store and embark on a flavourful journey.

Meet the makers

Founders Brewing Co.

Founders Brewing Co. is a popular brewery based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The company was founded in 1997 by two craft beer enthusiasts, Dave Engbers and Mike Stevens, and has since grown to become one of the largest craft breweries in the United States. Founders is known for its diverse range of beers, including the popular All Day IPA, KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout), and the Green Zebra variety pack. The company also has a strong commitment to sustainability and community involvement, with various initiatives to reduce their environmental impact and support local charities.

Lagunitas Brewing Company

Based in Petaluma, California, Lagunitas Brewing Company is known for its innovative and experimental approach to brewing. The brewery was founded in 1993 by Tony Magee, who started out homebrewing in his kitchen. Lagunitas quickly gained a cult following for its bold and flavourful beers, such as the iconic Lagunitas IPA and the unique Brown Shugga' ale. In recent years, the brewery has expanded its distribution worldwide and collaborated with other renowned breweries.

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

Dogfish Head is a craft brewery with a focus on innovation and unique ingredients. It was founded in 1995 by Sam Calagione in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and has since become a well-known name in the craft beer world. Dogfish Head offers a wide range of beers, including the popular 60 Minute IPA and the more adventurous Utopias Barrel-Aged World Wide Stout. The brewery also has a strong commitment to sustainability, with a focus on reducing waste and utilising alternative energy sources.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Sierra Nevada is one of the oldest and most respected craft breweries in the United States. It was founded in 1980 by Ken Grossman, who started brewing in a small brewery in Chico, California. Sierra Nevada is known for its classic pale ale, which has become a staple in the craft beer world. The brewery also has a strong focus on sustainability and community involvement, with various initiatives such as their "Beer Camp" program, which supports emerging craft brewers, and their long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility.

New Holland Brewing

New Holland Brewing is a craft brewery and distillery based in Holland, Michigan. It was founded in 1996 by Brett VanderKamp, who wanted to bring unique and creative beers to the market. New Holland offers a range of beers, including the popular Dragon's Milk stout, which is aged in bourbon barrels. The brewery also has a line of spirits, including artisan rum and whiskey, showcasing their expertise in both brewing and distilling.

Fun and unique atmospheres

When it comes to buying beer, there's nothing like a fun and unique atmosphere to enhance the experience. Here are some ways that shopping for beer at a local store can offer just that:

• The Local Hangout: Your neighbourhood beer store can be a great place to hang out and socialise with fellow beer enthusiasts. Whether it's a small, independent shop or a larger liquor store in a densely-populated area, these spaces often become community hubs where people gather to chat about their favourite brews and discover new ones. The staff at these stores are usually passionate about beer and create a welcoming environment for customers.
• Sampling Events and Tastings: Many local beer retailers host sampling events and tastings, providing a fun and interactive way to shop for beer. These events allow you to try before you buy, explore new flavours, and learn about different types of beer. It's a social experience that adds a layer of enjoyment to your beer purchase.
• Live Music and Entertainment: Some beer stores take it up a notch by organising live music events, trivia nights, or comedy shows. These events create a festive atmosphere, attracting customers who are looking for more than just a quick beer run. Imagine walking into your local store and being surprised by a local band performing or a trivia night in full swing!
• Themed Decor and Creative Displays: Beer stores often showcase their creativity through unique decor and product displays. From vintage beer signs and memorabilia to creative tap handles and bottle cap art, the visual appeal of these stores can make shopping for beer an enjoyable adventure. Some stores even have themed sections, like a "beer cave" or a "hoppy haven," making the experience playful and memorable.
• Specialty Beer Clubs and Communities: Many local beer retailers foster a sense of community among their customers by organising beer clubs, loyalty programs, or subscription services. These initiatives create a fun and engaging atmosphere, encouraging customers to explore new beers and connect with like-minded people. It adds a sense of exclusivity and camaraderie to the beer-buying experience.
• Local Store Collaborations: Local beer stores often collaborate with nearby businesses, including restaurants, food trucks, or snack companies, to offer unique pairings and promotions. For example, a store might partner with a local pizzeria to offer discounts on beer and pizza combos, creating a fun and convenient experience for customers.

Shopping for beer at a local store offers more than just convenience – it provides a fun and immersive experience that fosters community and enhances your overall enjoyment of the beverage. So, the next time you're in need of a cold one, remember that your local beer retailer might just be the place to find your new favourite brew and have a great time while you're at it!

Frequently asked questions