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Buying beer isn't just about picking a can off the shelf anymore — it's about value, variety, and knowing where to score the best deals. Whether you're stocking up for a backyard barbecue, curating a tasting flight, or trying the newest non-alcoholic lagers, the right store can make a big difference. Think of beer shopping like treasure hunting: the map is knowing which retailers carry which brands, the compass is price-per-ounce, and the reward is a cooler full of brews that make your next gathering sing.
Walmart remains one of the easiest places to find large-format beer packs at everyday prices. The selection often spans domestic staples, international brands, and an expanding range of non-alcoholic options. If convenience and value drive your shopping, Walmart is a reliable first stop: you can grab a 24-pack, a mixed variety, or single specialty bottles without breaking the bank.
Recent trends show Walmart carrying notable non-alcoholic offerings that used to be limited to specialty shops. Expect to find options like Weihenstephaner non-alcoholic bottles in 11.2 fl oz sizes, Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0 in 11 fl oz cans or bottles, Clausthaler dry-hopped IPA in 12 fl oz bottles, Old Milwaukee non-alcoholic 12 fl oz cans in 12-packs, and Guinness 0 in larger 14.9 fl oz cans. These packs, commonly sold in cases of 24 or 12 depending on the brand, let you try modern NA beers without hunting across multiple stores.
If you're chasing variety, Total Wine & More is a national destination where craft, import, and rare releases co-exist. The aisles read like a beer festival: IPAs, saisons, stouts, and experimentals from both established brewers and microbreweries. Staffers often know pairings and limited runs, and you can find single bottles and multi-packs geared for collectors and casual drinkers alike.
Choose Total Wine when you want curated selections, access to seasonal releases, or educated recommendations. Unlike big-box retailers that focus on volume, Total Wine emphasizes depth — great if you're building a tasting flight or looking for a specialty 12 oz bottle that stands out at a dinner party.
Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club are perfect for shoppers who prioritize price-per-ounce and convenience. These stores regularly move big cases — 24-packs and above — at aggressive prices. If you host often or like having staples on hand, a membership can pay for itself quickly compared to single-store purchases.
Buy what you know you’ll consume: even with great prices, a mountain of unopened cans can go flat if left too long. Look for single-flavor mega-packs if you prefer consistency, or mixed-case options if you want variety without buying many different six-packs. Also, warehouses sometimes offer limited-time seasonal or imported packs, so scan the shelves for surprise finds.
Target and Kroger bridge the gap between convenience and choice. These supermarkets keep a steady mix of domestic favorites, popular imports, and a growing selection of non-alcoholic and craft beers. They're great for last-minute runs or picking up a special bottle alongside groceries, and many locations offer weekly promotions that make mid-range craft picks more affordable.
Use supermarkets when you want convenience. If you need a six-pack to pair with dinner or a 12-pack for a small gathering, Target and Kroger do it without a membership or a long drive. Combine supermarket trips with weekend plans: you’ll likely find both staples and a few crowd-pleasers in one stop.
Regional shops and chains focused on alcohol selection, like BevMo! on the West Coast and countless independent craft stores nationwide, are gold mines for limited releases and expert guidance. These stores often host tastings, spotlight small-batch brewers, and stock unique cans and bottles that big-box outlets overlook.
Specialty shops are where you discover the stories behind the brews: meet the brewer, learn about local hops, or find a seasonal stout that's only available in small batches. If you're experimenting with styles or hunting a rare release, these stores can save hours of online searching and deliver a more memorable tasting experience.
Non-alcoholic beer used to mean flat flavor and compromise — not anymore. Brewers are innovating, producing non-alcoholic lagers, IPAs, and even dry-hopped offerings that mimic the aroma and mouthfeel of traditional beer. Brands like Weihenstephaner, Peroni 0.0, Clausthaler, Old Milwaukee non-alcoholic, and Guinness 0 are leading the way, often sold in 11 to 15 fl oz container sizes to mirror their alcoholic siblings.
NA beers are perfect for designating drivers, cutting back on alcohol while still enjoying flavor, or including all guests in a toast. They also open up beer tastings to a broader audience and pair smoothly with many foods. Think of them as the inclusive option on your drink menu that doesn’t compromise on taste or ritual.
Choosing between a 6-pack, 12-pack, or a 24-pack often boils down to guest count, duration, and variety preference. A 24-pack is economical and low-maintenance for big gatherings, while a few 6-packs offer variety for smaller groups. For tastings, mix 12 oz bottles to create a curated flight; for long daytime events, slightly larger cans around 14 to 16 fl oz can be satisfying and reduce the number of open containers.
Estimate roughly two drinks per adult for the first hour and one drink per person for each additional hour. For a three-hour event with 25 adults, plan around 75 drinks — about three 24-packs or a combination of cases and single bottles to introduce variety. This keeps the cooler full without unnecessary leftovers.
Seasonal beers and limited runs are often region-specific and time-limited. Breweries release fall spiced brews, winter stouts, spring sours, and summer session IPAs that capture the season’s mood. Look to specialty shops, Total Wine, and brewery taprooms for these releases, and check big retailers for special promotional packs around holidays.
If you plan to cellar or collect seasonal bottles, store them upright in a cool, dark space and consume within recommended windows for freshness. For cans and session beers meant to be bright and hop-forward, aim to drink them within a few months. Think of seasonal beers like produce — best enjoyed when fresh.
Price-per-ounce is your best friend when comparing deals. Divide the total price by the total fluid ounces in the pack to find the true cost. Bigger packs usually offer better per-ounce prices, but promotions, coupons, and seasonal sales can flip the equation. Use that math to decide whether a 24-pack at Walmart or a mixed case at Total Wine gives the better bang for your buck.
Sign up for store emails, loyalty programs, and seasonal newsletters from retailers like Total Wine, Costco, and Kroger — they often send coupons or alerts for flash sales. Consider buying limited-time promotional packs when available and split cases with friends if you want variety without the full cost. Finally, don’t sleep on private-label or store-brand options that deliver solid quality at lower prices.
Online shopping offers convenience and access to distant releases, while in-store visits let you inspect packaging, ask staff, and take home your purchase immediately. Services that deliver alcohol can add convenience, but availability and legal restrictions vary by state. For rare finds, online marketplaces and specialty shops expand your reach; for same-day needs, supermarkets and big-box stores are unbeatable.
Order online when searching for limited releases, curated gift packs, or large bulk orders where comparing prices across retailers saves time. If you’re looking for immediate consumption or prefer to avoid shipping complexities, local stores are the safer bet.
Beer pairing doesn’t have to be intimidating. Light lagers and non-alcoholic lagers pair well with salads, grilled fish, and spicy dishes, while robust stouts and porters complement smoked meats and chocolate desserts. Hoppy IPAs stand up to bold flavors like spicy wings and sharp cheeses. Consider the beer’s body, carbonation, and bitterness as you match flavors — think of pairing like matchmaking: you want two things that enhance each other instead of fighting for attention.
Start with three to four beers that vary in style and intensity. Serve smaller portions in 8 to 10 fl oz pours so guests can try multiple styles without overindulging. Include water and neutral crackers to reset the palate between samples. A tasting is more fun when everyone shares quick notes — encourage descriptive words like citrusy, toasty, or creamy to make the experience social and memorable.
Focus on balance: choose stores based on your priorities — price, variety, or access to rare releases. Track per-ounce value, rotate between big-box purchases and specialty finds, and embrace non-alcoholic options as a tasty alternative. Keep an eye on seasonal releases and take advantage of loyalty programs to snag promotions. Above all, buy what fits your occasion and palate — there’s a perfect pack for every plan.
From Walmart’s wide-ranging packs of popular and non-alcoholic beers to specialty shops and warehouse clubs offering bulk savings, the US beer retail landscape has something for every drinker and every budget. Use per-ounce comparisons to identify real value, explore non-alcoholic and craft options to expand your palate, and choose stores that fit your shopping style. With a little planning, you’ll always arrive at the perfect beer for the moment — whether it’s a casual backyard hangout, a curated tasting, or a big celebration.
