Best Beer Stores For Individual Bottles

Buying individual bottles of beer is a great way to try new beers without committing to a full pack. While some liquor stores may frown upon breaking up a six-pack, there are plenty of places where you can buy individual bottles or cans of beer. These include craft beer places that advertise mix-sixes, stores where you pay through bulletproof glass, and certain grocery stores. Some stores even have a make your own six-pack option, where you can choose a variety of individual beers to create your own custom pack. Online retailers like Total Wine & More also offer a wide selection of individual beers for purchase. Ultimately, the availability of single bottles or cans may vary by location, so it's worth checking with your local stores to see what options are available in your area.

Liquor stores

If you're looking to buy individual bottles of beer from liquor stores, your experience may vary depending on the store and location. Some liquor stores may frown upon customers buying single bottles from a 4-pack or 6-pack, as it can be a hassle to sell the remaining bottles. However, there are stores that cater to this preference. Here are some tips and insights to guide you:

• Ask the staff: If you're unsure about the store's policy, simply ask the staff. They can guide you on whether it's possible to purchase single bottles and, if not, they may be able to offer alternatives or direct you to another store that does.
• Look for dedicated single bottle sections: Some liquor stores have dedicated sections for single bottles or "mix-a-six" options, where you can create your own 6-pack by choosing different individual bottles. These stores encourage customers to mix and match their beers.
• Check craft beer places and grocery stores: Craft beer places that advertise mix-six options are more likely to allow customers to buy individual bottles. Additionally, some grocery stores may have sections where they sell single bottles or offer the option to create your own 6-pack.
• Inquire about breaking packs: If you're interested in a specific beer that isn't available as a single bottle, consider asking the store if they can break a 4-pack or 6-pack for you. They may be willing to accommodate your request, especially if it's a newly released beer that many customers want to try before committing to a full pack.
• Be mindful of pricing: When buying individual bottles, the pricing may vary. Some stores charge a flat rate per bottle, while others may divide the cost of the pack by the number of bottles, resulting in a lower price per bottle.
• Location matters: The availability of single bottles can vary by location. For example, one person from Central New Jersey reported having multiple shops nearby that sell by the bottle, while another person in the same area had trouble finding such stores.
• Check out specific recommendations: If you're in the Denver area, stores like Joy Wine and Spirits, Keg Liquors, Wallaby's Liquor Warehouse, and Tipsy's Liquor World have been recommended for buying individual bottles or having a good selection of craft beers.

Craft beer places

If you're looking to buy individual bottles of craft beer, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you can try fancy craft beer places that advertise "mix-sixes", where you can create your own six-pack by choosing different individual bottles. These types of stores are usually more flexible and encourage customers to mix and match their selections.

Additionally, some liquor stores and grocery stores have sections dedicated to single bottles or "mix-a-six" options. These stores may allow you to grab a single beer from a six-pack or purchase individual bottles from a specific selection. It's always a good idea to ask the store staff about their policies regarding single bottle purchases.

Online retailers, such as Craftshack and Total Wine & More, also offer a wide variety of craft beers available for individual purchase. These websites provide detailed descriptions of each beer, making it easier to find the perfect brew.

Lastly, for those interested in trying new beers without committing to a full pack, some stores offer make your own six-pack options, where you can choose different beers to create a customised six-pack. This is a great way to explore different craft beers without being stuck with beers you may not enjoy.

Grocery stores

Some grocery stores have dedicated sections for individual bottles, including singles or mix-a-six options. These sections offer a range of beers, allowing customers to choose from different brands and types of beer to create their own customised six-packs. This service is ideal for those who want to experiment with different beers or are looking for a specific beer to use in cooking, as mentioned by a user in Denver, Colorado.

However, it is worth noting that the availability of individual bottles may vary by location and store. While some stores are happy to break up six-packs and sell individual bottles, others may find it a hassle to deal with the remaining bottles. In some cases, it may be necessary to ask a staff member to assist with obtaining a single bottle, especially if the store does not have a dedicated singles section.

Additionally, some grocery stores have unique policies regarding the sale of individual bottles. For example, one user mentions that a grocery store in their area prices beers by the single bottle, even within six-packs, making it easier for customers to purchase individual beers without inconveniencing the store.

Overall, grocery stores can be a convenient option for purchasing individual bottles of beer, offering flexibility and the opportunity to explore different beer options.

Make-your-own six-pack

If you're looking to buy individual bottles of beer to make your own six-pack, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, some liquor stores and craft beer places allow customers to create their own six-packs by choosing individual bottles from a selection. This option gives you the freedom to mix and match different beers to create your customised six-pack. It's a great way to explore new beers without committing to a full pack.

Additionally, certain grocery and liquor stores sell single bottles or cans of beer, which can be a convenient way to purchase individual beers. However, the selection may be limited, and it's always a good idea to ask the store staff if you're unsure. In some cases, stores may have a dedicated section for single bottles, or they may allow you to take one or two bottles from a six-pack, especially if it's a new product that customers might want to try before buying in bulk.

Online retailers and delivery services can also be a good option for purchasing individual bottles of beer. Similar to physical stores, some online platforms offer a "build-your-own-six-pack" feature, allowing you to select individual bottles from a range of options. This can be a convenient way to shop from the comfort of your home and have your customised six-pack delivered directly to your doorstep.

Lastly, it's worth noting that the availability of single bottles or create-your-own-six-pack options may vary depending on your location and the specific stores in your area. It's always a good idea to explore different stores and ask staff about their policies regarding single-bottle purchases or mix-and-match options. By doing so, you can discover the best places to curate your own six-pack and enjoy a variety of beers tailored to your tastes.

Online

There are many online options for purchasing individual bottles of beer.

CraftShack

CraftShack is an online marketplace that connects beer buyers with smaller, craft-centric bottle shops. It offers a simple way to get your craft beer fix, with a small team of beer nerds who work directly with small bottle shops to fulfil orders. Customers can save on shipping by ordering larger quantities. CraftShack offers flat-rate shipping to all lower 48 states but is unable to offer shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, or military addresses.

Untappd Shop

The world's largest social media craft beer networking app, with over 11 million fans worldwide, Untappd has launched its own e-commerce platform: the Untappd Shop. With over 250 beers, the Untappd Shop collaborates with some of the best breweries in the country, often putting together exclusive bundles in small quantities. The ever-changing lineup of individual beers, bundles, and beer boxes makes this online beer shop one of the coolest new kids on the block. The Untappd Shop currently ships to 15 states and Washington, D.C.

Oznr

Oznr is a beer-ordering app that allows breweries to release new offerings digitally and build excitement through pre-sales, waitlists, and raffles. Breweries can also use the app to manage bottle societies and membership clubs, and users can stay updated on discounts, deals, and news from their favourite breweries. Select breweries are now shipping beer directly through the Oznr app, where legal. Oznr is available in select cities and is growing, adding top-tier breweries to the app.

Half Time

Half Time is the ultimate virtual bottle shop, offering one of the largest selections of beer and cider around. The New York-based e-commerce site stocks some of the country's best cider, mead, and craft beer. After browsing through their options, you can order as little as a single can of beer or as much as a case right at your door. Half Time offers Beer & Cider of the Month Clubs for those looking to expand their horizons and try a curated selection. Half Time only offers shipping to 31 states and Washington, D.C.

Tavour

Tavour is a beer-ordering app with a subscription format, letting customers fill up their box over time before shipping out the full package. Tavour is great for experimentation without leaving the house, but you'll need to order beer by the box, not individually. The offerings rotate constantly, so you'll need to stay on top of what's fresh. Tavour always updates where it can ship, so be sure to check if your state is within their shipping range.

Craft Beer Kings

Craft Beer Kings is another beer-ordering site that offers a wide selection of hype beers from breweries across the country. You can craft your own monthly subscription boxes across a variety of styles, from hazy IPAs to sours to California beer to dark beer. Craft Beer Kings even has a tab for exclusive collaborations. Build your own box or sign up for a subscription and get ready to have the red carpet rolled out to your front doorstep. Craft Beer Kings ships to most of the contiguous U.S. (lower 48 states) but does not ship to PO boxes, APO/FPO addresses, or international addresses, Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico.

Frequently asked questions