Best Beer Buying Options For You

Whether you're stocking up for a party or trying a new beer, there are a variety of options for purchasing beer cans. Many retailers, including Sam's Club, Kroger, and Trader Joe's, offer single cans of beer, as well as multi-packs and cases. Some retailers, like Wegmans, even allow you to create your own six-pack, so you can try different beers without committing to a full pack. If you're looking for vintage beer cans, CanSmart and Art's Beer Cans are great options, offering a wide range of antique beer cans and collectibles.

Online or in-store at a supermarket

Buying beer from a supermarket, whether in-store or online, is a great way to stock up on your favourite beverage. Here are some tips to help you navigate the beer-buying process at your local supermarket or on their website.

Firstly, it is important to consider the freshness of the beer. Look for the "bottled-on" or "best-before" date, usually found on the bottom or side of the can or bottle. As a general rule, avoid IPAs or pale ales that were bottled more than a month ago, and try not to buy beer that is within two months of its "best-before" date. This ensures you get the freshest-tasting beer possible.

When it comes to hoppy beers like IPAs, it is crucial to buy them chilled. Hop oils, which give beers their fruity and piney flavours, lose their potency when stored at room temperature. So, always head to the refrigerated beer section for these styles.

While mix-your-own six-packs may seem appealing, it's best to avoid them at supermarkets. These single bottles often have a varied shelf life and may not be stored in the fridge, leading to inconsistent flavours. Instead, opt for pre-packaged multi-packs to ensure all your beers are in optimal condition.

When shopping at a supermarket, consider supporting well-known national brands and large craft breweries. These beers tend to have higher turnover, meaning the store has to restock more frequently, increasing the likelihood of you getting a fresh batch.

Lastly, don't be afraid to ask the supermarket staff about their beer selection. They can provide insights into when shipments arrive, recommend new or exciting beers, and even suggest beers to avoid.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a delicious, crisp beer from the comfort of your home, purchased either in-store or through the convenience of online shopping.

From a specialist beer can collector

As a specialist beer can collector, there are a few places I'd recommend to find rare and vintage beer cans. Firstly, Arts Beer Cans in Auburn, Indiana, and San Diego, California, is a great option. They have over 40 years of experience in the beer can collecting hobby and offer a wide range of vintage cans, with new inventory added weekly. You can also sell your cans to them for a competitive price, and they provide repair services as well.

Another top dealer, buyer, seller, and collector of vintage beer cans is CanSmart Beer Cans & Breweriana. They have the world's largest collection of vintage beer cans at their location, Brewhouse Mountain, in York Haven, Pennsylvania. CanSmart is known for its stellar reputation and extensive knowledge of antique beer can history, values, rarity, and collecting. They also offer auctions and consignment services, connecting buyers and sellers to help them meet their goals.

Beercansplus.com is another excellent resource for collectors. They have a team of specialists with extensive experience in the hobby, some of whom have been collecting since the 1970s. They are known for their ability to find rare and undocumented cans, and they have a large following of satisfied customers. Beercansplus also provides repair services and is knowledgeable about pricing and the broader collector community.

When looking to buy vintage beer cans, it's essential to do your research and verify the authenticity and condition of the cans. Additionally, building relationships with other collectors and specialists can be beneficial in expanding your collection and gaining access to exclusive finds.

From a vintage beer can dealer

As a vintage beer can dealer, I can tell you that there are a few ways to get your hands on some old beer cans. Firstly, it's important to know what kind of beer can collector you are. Do you want to collect cans from a specific era, region, or brewery? Or are you interested in a wider range of vintage beer cans? This will help you determine the best sources for your collection.

One way to find vintage beer cans is to search for specialist dealers online. Websites such as Steel Canvas, Art's Beer Cans, and Beer Cans Plus cater specifically to collectors, offering a range of rare and vintage beer cans for sale. These sites also provide valuable information on the hobby, such as how to identify valuable cans, the importance of can condition, and how to repair and restore old cans. They also offer competitive prices and can provide guidance on pricing for those looking to sell their collections.

Another way to source vintage beer cans is to attend shows and events. Many vintage beer can dealers, such as Art's Beer Cans, list the shows they will be attending on their websites. These shows provide an opportunity to meet other collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts, and to browse and purchase cans from a variety of sources.

You can also find vintage beer cans through more informal means, such as by networking within the community. Many collectors, like those at Beer Cans Plus, are willing to share their knowledge and may be able to point you in the direction of a rare find. Demolition companies, carpenters, and roofers, for example, may come across old beer cans during their work and could be a great contact to have.

Lastly, don't forget to check your local area for vintage beer cans. Remodeling projects, in particular, can be a great source of old beer cans that may have been hidden away in attics or closets for years.

In bulk from a wholesaler

If you're looking to buy beer in bulk from a wholesaler, there are several options available to you. Firstly, you can search online for beer distributors or wholesalers who offer a wide range of beer brands and styles, including craft beers from local and national breweries. Distributors act as middlemen between breweries and businesses, so they can provide you with a diverse selection. Alternatively, you can contact breweries directly and inquire about wholesale options. This approach may require more legwork, as you'll need to contact multiple companies to source different types of beer, but it can be a way to skip intermediaries.

Another option is to utilise online wholesale marketplaces, such as BlueCart, which can connect you with various distributors and suppliers. These platforms allow you to compare prices, check products, and find everything you need in one place. Additionally, attending food and beverage industry expos or trade shows can be a great way to find wholesale beer suppliers and stay updated with the latest industry trends.

Local craft beer guilds are another valuable resource. They can provide you with reliable contacts for breweries, wholesalers, and other businesses within the beer industry. When buying in bulk, it's important to consider factors like minimum order requirements, storage space, and the shelf life of the beer. Wholesale suppliers often have large minimum order quantities, so it's crucial to plan accordingly to avoid waste.

Lastly, wholesale beer distributors often offer additional products beyond just beer. These can include malternatives (malt-based drinks like kvass or Smirnoff Ice), other beverages like spirits or soda, beer accessories such as glassware, and even homebrew supplies for those who want to make their own beer.

From a convenience store

If you're looking for a single can of beer, your best bet is to head to your nearest convenience store. These stores are usually located in urban areas, within walking distance, and are designed to cater to those looking for a quick, convenient purchase.

You'll find a wide range of beer options at a convenience store, from domestic to imported and craft beers. The selection may vary depending on your location and the size of the store, but you're likely to find popular brands such as Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors, and Miller. Some stores may also offer a small selection of local or regional beers, giving you a chance to explore new flavours.

When you enter the store, make your way to the beverage aisle or the refrigerated section, where the beer is typically located. You'll find the beer organised by type, brand, or sometimes even by country of origin. If you're looking for a specific brand, keep an eye out for the familiar logo or ask a staff member for assistance.

Convenience stores usually sell beer in single cans or small packs, making it easy to grab what you need without having to purchase a large quantity. Simply pick up a can or a six-pack, depending on your preference, and head to the checkout counter. Keep in mind that you may need to present a valid ID to confirm your age, as most convenience stores have strict policies to ensure they are not selling alcohol to minors.

With their accessibility and wide range of options, convenience stores are a great choice for a quick beer run.

Frequently asked questions