Beer Buying: When And How Much To Stock Up

should i buy more beer

Planning a party and wondering how much beer to buy? The general rule is to have one beer available per guest per hour of the party. This means that for a 4-hour party with 10 guests, you would need 40 beers. If you're serving other drinks as well, 40% of all party drinks are typically beer. So, if you're also offering wine and liquor, you can plan for fewer beers and more of the other drinks. It's also a good idea to have some non-alcoholic options available, and don't forget to stock up on ice to keep everything chilled!

Characteristics Values
Reason for buying more beer People are stressed and anxious due to the pandemic
People are drinking more during the pandemic
People are stocking up on beer
People are drinking more beer at home
People are drinking more beer in the summer
People are drinking beer at picnics, BBQs, pools, lakes, and beaches
People prefer beer in bottles over cans
People are buying beer online and from supermarkets
People prefer beer from small independent breweries
People are buying beer in six-packs or larger quantities

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Beer consumption during the pandemic

Initially, there was a shift towards buying alcohol from retailers, with a 20% increase in off-premises sales between March and September 2020. This was likely due to people drinking more at home. However, overall alcohol sales increased, with a 34% rise in retail alcohol sales across most US geographic and demographic categories early in the pandemic. This increase in sales didn't translate to an increase in binge drinking, with no significant change in the number of days per month of binge drinking or the maximum number of drinks consumed per day.

Beer sales specifically saw a decrease. The onset of the pandemic was associated with a drop in monthly per capita beer sales, driven by lower sales of spirits and beer. This was likely due to the demographics of wine consumers, who tend to be older and have higher incomes, and were therefore less affected by job losses during the pandemic. Beer drinking, on the other hand, is more common among younger people and those with lower incomes, who were more likely to have lost their jobs or had their employment disrupted by the pandemic.

The increase in alcohol consumption during the pandemic has had serious health consequences, with a surge in liver failure and alcohol-related deaths. According to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol-related deaths in the US spiked during the pandemic, with over 49,000 in 2020 and a 29% increase in average daily deaths from 2016-2017 to 2020-2021.

To mitigate the harmful effects of increased alcohol consumption during the pandemic, experts recommend interventions such as heavier taxation, limiting sale hours, and better messaging on the risks of overconsumption.

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Taste preferences

Do you prefer a crisp and refreshing lager, or a rich and complex stout? Are you a fan of hoppy IPAs, or do you lean more towards the malt-forward flavours of a pale ale? Perhaps you enjoy the fruity notes of a Belgian ale, or the tart, sour flavours of a Berliner Weisse. Each style of beer has its unique characteristics, and finding those that align with your taste preferences is key for a satisfying drinking experience.

Exploring different beer styles and flavours can be an enjoyable journey of discovery. Consider attending beer tastings, sampling craft beers, or even brewing your own beer at home, to discover new tastes and preferences. By broadening your horizons, you can develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diverse world of beer. It can be fun to experiment with different styles, whether you're a novice or a seasoned beer enthusiast.

When deciding to buy more beer, consider the food pairings you plan to enjoy it with. Different styles of beer can complement and enhance your dining experience. For instance, a crisp pilsner can refresh the palate between bites of a spicy dish, while a robust porter complements the rich flavours of a steak dinner. Thinking about these flavour combinations can help guide your beer choices and ensure a more enjoyable meal. Personal preference is paramount, and understanding your taste preferences will inform your decisions when purchasing beer.

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Buying beer in-store vs. online

There are several factors to consider when deciding between buying beer in-store or online. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of each option:

In-Store

Buying beer from a physical store has been the traditional method for many years. One of the main benefits of this approach is convenience. Beer is readily available at most grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores, making it easy to grab a few on your way home or when you're already out running errands. This option is ideal if you need beer quickly and don't want to wait for delivery. In-store shopping also allows you to see the product before you buy it, ensuring that you get exactly what you want. You can check the expiration date, inspect the packaging for any damage, and even ask for recommendations from knowledgeable staff members.

However, one of the limitations of in-store beer shopping is the selection available. Your local store's selection may be limited by factors such as space constraints, the preferences of their regular customers, and the knowledge of the store owner or manager. If you're looking for a specific craft beer or a less common brand, you may have trouble finding it at your local store.

Online

In recent years, buying beer online has become an increasingly popular option. One of the biggest advantages of online beer shopping is the vast selection available. Online retailers often offer a wider variety of beers than your local store, including craft beers, limited releases, and beers from small independent breweries. If you're a beer enthusiast looking for something unique or hard-to-find, online shopping can be a great way to discover new brews.

Another benefit of online beer buying is convenience. You can find what you're looking for within minutes from the comfort of your home. Many online retailers offer expert recommendations, subscription services, and user reviews to help you make informed choices. Additionally, online shopping allows you to compare prices easily and take advantage of competitive shipping rates.

However, one disadvantage of online beer buying is the legal restrictions surrounding alcohol delivery. In the United States, for example, there are varying laws and regulations regarding the shipment of alcohol from state to state. Some states, such as Alabama, Oklahoma, and Utah, prohibit the delivery of alcohol to private residences altogether. Therefore, it's essential to check the laws in your area before placing an order. Additionally, someone of legal drinking age may need to be present to sign for the delivery and show valid ID.

Both in-store and online options have their advantages and disadvantages. If you need beer immediately or want to see the product before you buy it, in-store shopping is the way to go. On the other hand, if you're looking for a wide variety of beers, convenient shopping, and expert recommendations, online beer buying may be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences, the availability of beer options in your area, and any legal considerations.

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Beer packaging

Packaging is an important aspect of the beer-buying experience. With over 3,000 breweries producing about 30,000 unique beer styles, the beer market is crowded. This means that beer packaging needs to be eye-catching and memorable to stand out among the competition.

Design is a crucial element of beer packaging. It should reflect the style of beer, the target customer, and the brewery's story. 75% of consumers are influenced by the design of the packaging, so it is important to make a good impression. The graphics should be memorable, distinct, easily recognisable, and have easily identifiable shapes. The colour palette should fit the label and brand, and the packaging should include information about the brewery, the beer's name, flavour, and ABV.

In addition to design, there are several other factors to consider when creating beer packaging. Firstly, it is important to determine your packaging needs and budget. This includes considering the type of packaging, any new innovations that can be implemented, the number of units required, and how the packaging can extend your brand. Secondly, it is crucial to assess the competition and ensure that your packaging stands out. Thirdly, functionality is key. Beer packaging should protect the product during shipping and include important information such as expiration dates. Finally, it is important to choose the right printing style that balances cost and quality. Lithography printing, high-speed digital printing, and flexography printing are all options with different advantages and disadvantages.

Overall, beer packaging plays a significant role in the consumer's decision-making process and can make or break a sale. By investing in well-designed and functional packaging, breweries can effectively promote their brand and product.

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Beer and socialising

For many, drinking is a social activity, and the pandemic did not change that. People found ways to socialise virtually, incorporating happy hours and drinks over video chats with friends into their routines. Beer was a popular choice for these virtual social gatherings, with some opting for craft beers and others sticking to well-known brands.

Even before the pandemic, beer was a preferred alcoholic beverage for many social occasions. It is commonly enjoyed at picnics, BBQs, and by the pool or ocean, often in cans for convenience. Beer is also a popular summertime beverage, with many people enjoying a cold beer outdoors.

The social aspect of beer consumption is also evident in the settings where it is consumed, such as pubs, bars, and breweries. These establishments often provide a sense of community and a place for people to gather and connect. Some breweries, like Big Grove, focus on offering a unique experience by sharing the backstory of their beers and providing a variety of brews to cater to different tastes and age groups.

Overall, beer and socialising are closely intertwined. Whether it's enjoying a beer with friends, trying new craft beers, or supporting a local brewery, beer often serves as a catalyst for social connection and shared experiences.

Frequently asked questions

It depends on your personal preference. Beer is the most preferred alcoholic beverage among Americans, with 42% of drinkers choosing it over wine and spirits.

Taste is the most important factor when choosing a beer, with 57% of people prioritizing it. Other considerations include the brewery that produces the beer, with 63% favouring small independent breweries, and the format, with 55% opting for six-packs and 34% buying larger quantities.

Yes, during the COVID-19 lockdown, alcohol sales, including beer, increased significantly. People tend to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism during stressful times, as it provides a sense of reward and releases dopamine, the body's feel-good chemical.

Buying more beer can be advantageous for those who frequently consume it, as it ensures you don't run out and may provide cost savings in the long run. Additionally, buying in bulk can be convenient if you plan to host gatherings or parties.

Buying more beer than you can reasonably consume before it goes bad could lead to waste. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact your health, compromise your immune system, and potentially lead to drinking patterns that are difficult to stop.

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