Best Beer-Buying Spots In The Us

There are many places to buy beer in the US, both online and in-store. Online retailers such as Craftshack, Beer Republic, Best Damn Beer Shop, and GotoLiquorStore offer a wide range of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, and ales. Beer Republic, for example, offers the largest selection of hop-forward craft beers, while GotoLiquorStore provides delivery services for beer, wine, and liquor from local stores. For those looking to buy beer in-store, Real American Beer offers a beer finder to help customers discover where to buy their light beer.

Online beer delivery services

Craft Shack

Craft Shack is an online craft beer delivery service that offers a wide variety of craft beers, including IPAs, double IPAs, wild ales, and milkshake IPAs. They also offer other alcoholic beverages such as whiskey, gin, vodka, and cocktail kits. Craft Shack provides detailed descriptions of their products, making it easy for customers to find beers that suit their tastes.

Beer Republic

Beer Republic is a premier online store for American craft beer, offering a wide selection of craft beers from various breweries across the USA. They provide great deals, discounts, and the opportunity to join a club to stay up-to-date with upcoming releases. Beer Republic also offers quick delivery services, ensuring that your craft beer is delivered cold and refrigerated.

Best Damn Beer Shop

Best Damn Beer Shop is an online retailer that offers a range of craft beers, including barrel-aged stouts, barleywines, and strong ales. They have a minimum order requirement of six items, and customers can mix and match different beers to qualify for shipping or in-store pickup. Best Damn Beer Shop also has a newsletter that subscribers can stay up-to-date with the latest brews and craft styles.

BeerAdvocate

BeerAdvocate is a website that provides reviews and recommendations for buying beer online. They offer tips and suggestions for finding reputable online beer stores and avoiding common pitfalls. BeerAdvocate also has a community aspect, where users can discuss their favourite beers and provide recommendations to others.

Craft City

Craft City is an online store that offers a range of craft beers, wines, and spirits. They have a rewards program that allows customers to earn points and receive discounts on future purchases. Craft City also has a mailing list that provides subscribers with exclusive discounts and updates on new products.

Local liquor stores

As of 2023, there were 45,740 beer, wine, and liquor stores in the US, with the largest business being Total Wine and More. This number is expected to increase to 46,633 in 2024.

One example of a local liquor store in the US is Del Mesa Liquor, a family-owned company in San Diego that has been in operation since 1974. Del Mesa Liquor offers a wide selection of craft beers, spirits, and wines, with dedicated customer service and fast shipping.

When choosing a local liquor store, it is important to consider factors such as selection, price, and convenience. Many local liquor stores offer a variety of craft beers, domestic and imported wines, and spirits to suit different tastes and budgets. Some stores may also offer rewards programs or discounts for loyal customers. It is also worth considering the location and operating hours of the store to ensure easy access and timely purchases.

In addition to physical stores, some local liquor stores may offer online shopping and delivery services, providing added convenience for customers who prefer to shop from the comfort of their homes. These online stores typically feature detailed descriptions of their products, customer reviews, and secure payment options. By offering delivery straight to your door, they enhance your shopping experience and save you time.

Beer subscription services

There are a variety of beer subscription services available in the US, each offering its own unique selection of beers. Some popular options include The Craft Beer Club, Beer Drop, and Urban Tastebud.

The Craft Beer Club is one of the most popular beer subscription boxes, offering a monthly shipment of 12 new and interesting craft beers from small-batch breweries around the country. Many of the beers featured have limited distribution, so a subscription to this club might be your only chance to taste these specialty brews. The club also puts a premium on fresh beer, with breweries making a fresh batch just before the boxes go out. This subscription is also relatively affordable, with prices starting at $37.95 per month plus shipping.

Beer Drop is another popular option that allows you to personalize your craft beer subscription. When you sign up, you choose the styles of beer you want to receive, whether it's only hoppy beers, sours, or a mix. You can also add beers to your next drop anytime and make last-minute changes before your box ships. Beer Drop gives you access to highly-rated craft beers from across the country that you may not be able to find in your local liquor store.

Urban Tastebud offers a similar service, with subscriptions starting at $32.95 per month plus shipping and handling. With this subscription, you'll receive 12 craft beers featuring four different beer styles from two different U.S. craft breweries. Each shipment also includes brewery profiles, tasting notes, and coupon codes for future purchases.

In addition to these options, there are several other beer clubs and subscription boxes to choose from, each with its own unique offerings and price points. Many clubs curate a monthly selection of interesting or seasonal beers, while others allow you to choose the number of beers you receive each month. Some clubs also provide additional information about the beer and brewery, as well as free swag with each shipment.

American craft beer

Craft beers are often ales, as they ferment and age more quickly than lagers, and they usually have non-traditional ingredients that create unexpected flavours. IPAs (India Pale Ales) tend to emphasise hoppy flavours and are characterised by a bitter taste with fruity notes. The modern American IPA evolved on the West Coast, where the vast majority of hops were grown, and East Coast IPAs rarely have the same impact on taste buds. However, in 2004, Ithaca Beer Co.'s Jeff O'Neil changed that with Flower Power, the first West Coast-style IPA brewed in the Northeast.

Another important aspect of modern craft beer is the resurgence of historical styles. For example, the now-closed Philadelphia brewery Nodding Head first crafted the German-style Ich Bin Ein Berliner Weisse in 2000, ahead of its time. California brewery The Bruery's own Hottenroth Berliner Weisse has since become one of the best-known American takes on the style.

In the 1990s, the trend was for hefeweizen, a German-style beer that served as a good gateway in a market dominated by macro-brewed lagers. In 1986, Oregon's Widmer Brothers Brewing served their weizenbier unfiltered, creating the "first American-style hefeweizen".

Some of the strongest craft beers include barley wine, a strong ale with a rich, malty flavour and a high alcohol content (ranging from 8-12% ABV); Imperial Stout, a dark, full-bodied beer (8-12% ABV); and Belgian Quadrupel, a strong, dark beer with a complex flavour (9-13% ABV).

If you're looking to buy American craft beer, you can try online stores like Beer Republic and American Craft Beer, or in-store at Walmart and Costco.

Beer glasses and accessories

When it comes to beer glasses and accessories, there are a few options to consider in the US. Many people prefer to have a well-stocked bar at home, and this includes having the right glasses for their favourite drinks. For those who want to buy beer glasses and accessories, there are online stores such as Barshopen.eu, which offers a wide range of beer glassware, including original brands from breweries worldwide. The price range starts at €0 and goes up to over €80, so there is something for every budget. In addition, the website provides secure payment options and fast shipping for its customers.

Another option for beer enthusiasts is to purchase glasses and accessories directly from their favourite beer brands. Many beer companies sell merchandise and gear, including branded glasses and other bar accessories. This can be a great way to show support for your preferred brewery while also enjoying your beer in style.

For those who enjoy shopping in physical stores, there are also homeware and kitchenware retailers across the US that offer a variety of beer glasses and accessories. These stores often carry different brands and styles, allowing customers to browse and select their preferred options in person. It is always a good idea to check out a few different stores to compare prices and selection before making a purchase.

Finally, for those who are looking for a more unique or vintage drinking experience, there are speciality shops and online marketplaces that offer one-of-a-kind beer glasses and accessories. These could include antique stores, thrift shops, or even online auction sites. By exploring these options, beer enthusiasts can discover rare or collectible items to enhance their drinking experience.

Frequently asked questions