The State of the Economy According to Beer Pricing
Feb 3rd, 2009 by Alex
Pricing a set of basic staples can tell you a lot about inflation. Typically economists might consider a gallon of milk, a loaf of bread, or carton of eggs. I was out shopping for a Super Bowl viewing and decided to do the same with cheap beer. Sorted in the order from more affordable (per can) to least, here’s the list.
Natural Bohemian (24/$11) = $0.46
Pabst Blue Ribbon (30/$14) = $0.47
Schaefer (24/$12) = $0.50
Genesee Cream Ale (30/$16) = $0.53
Coors Light (30/$18.50) = $0.62
I was particularly shocked about the rise in cost of the Cream Ale. The cashier mocked me a little when I reminisced about picking up a 30-pack of Coors Light for under $12, but seriously… when did Coors Light become so expensive? I know there was talk (okay, and proof) of a hops shortage, but let’s be serious… how much hops are really in a case of Coors Light? My friends who graduated from Delaware would be proud to see that PBR is still right up there in the affordability column, bested only by Boh.
In light of the economy (and affordable beer), I believe a blind taste test of affordable beers is in order.
If memory serves me (and I am only relying on memory because I am too lazy to Google) a big chunk of the increase can be attributed to the spike in gas prices last summer. During that time everyone from the brewer to the wholesaler instituted transportation surcharges necessitating an increase at the retail level. Despite the change in gas prices no one seems to have rolled back their fees.
My dad drinks only the cheapest beers available. That was a lot of Piels when I was young. Not that there is a Yuengling plant in Tampa, he drinks that.