I'm always curious as to the consumers choice for places like this, that sell beer that's found in almost every corner on the West Coast. To use the Summerfest example, you can get a growler of it for $18.00 (presuming this is a 64oz size), which comes to about $0.28 per ounce. Buy a case of the stuff (24/12oz bottles..288oz), about $25 in most places, and it comes to about $0.08 per ounce. Cheaper to buy a case, and many times, a case of Summerfest can be found on sale (plus, you don't have to slam all 64 ounces). BTW, I'm not slamming Whole Foods or anything...I just find purchasing habits of consumers a bit muddled sometimes. Give me a growler of something that's available on tap and not in a bottle any old time though.

I remarked on that same thing while we were there. While 64 ounces of Tart Lychee ($10/22 oz) is a deal, $18 for what amounts to less than a sixer of Sierra Nevada is a rip off. But I won't go there for the regular stuff...only when they get the harder to find, more expensive versions. Also, if there are 4 that you like on the more expensive side, the price per ounce for a sampler flight was significantly less than pints. I think Sarah Palin does their pricing [:D]

quote: Originally posted by Stoutlover72 I'm always curious as to the consumers choice for places like this, that sell beer that's found in almost every corner on the West Coast. To use the Summerfest example, you can get a growler of it for $18.00 (presuming this is a 64oz size), which comes to about $0.28 per ounce. Buy a case of the stuff (24/12oz bottles..288oz), about $25 in most places, and it comes to about $0.08 per ounce. Cheaper to buy a case, and many times, a case of Summerfest can be found on sale (plus, you don't have to slam all 64 ounces). BTW, I'm not slamming Whole Foods or anything...I just find purchasing habits of consumers a bit muddled sometimes. Give me a growler of something that's available on tap and not in a bottle any old time though.

Whole Foods opens here in Des Moines in July. Even if not the greatest price, I hope it's at least an option. I have yet to see growlers to go in Iowa.

Growler stations have become a big deal around here over the past year or so. The local grocery chains are getting on board too, and their pricing is very good. You will pay less on a per ounce basis for a growler compared to the six/four pack price, so for that I rejoice. My biggest qualm is that most of these places will have around 6 taps and typically most if not all have beers that can be found bottled right across the aisle. I buy growlers of offerings not generally bottled in my area, why pay for a big ol' glass jug that you have to finish within two days when I can buy the same beer bottled. The non-enthusiast consumers do get excited and initial sales appear to be very good at these stores, but most die off exponentially after a few months due to similar tap rotations. I understand that a growler is an exciting way to enjoy beer, much like the romance over bombers and corked/caged 750's where they really bend you over on pricing. The growler stations just need to be handled more properly around here if you ask me.

I'd say 4 of the beers here were not available locally in bottles at all (though a couple of those may be soon), the other 2 were expensive bottles, so price per ounce was a reason to get a growler, though I did not...just a couple pints. The 3 locals they had are all available at the Brewery, which is less than 2 miles from the WF, so I didn't quite get that. One from each local place, maybe...three readily available ones didn't seem necessary. Hopefully, they continue to be fairly inventive.

quote: Originally posted by kinger Growler stations have become a big deal around here over the past year or so. The local grocery chains are getting on board too, and their pricing is very good. You will pay less on a per ounce basis for a growler compared to the six/four pack price, so for that I rejoice. My biggest qualm is that most of these places will have around 6 taps and typically most if not all have beers that can be found bottled right across the aisle. I buy growlers of offerings not generally bottled in my area, why pay for a big ol' glass jug that you have to finish within two days when I can buy the same beer bottled. The non-enthusiast consumers do get excited and initial sales appear to be very good at these stores, but most die off exponentially after a few months due to similar tap rotations. I understand that a growler is an exciting way to enjoy beer, much like the romance over bombers and corked/caged 750's where they really bend you over on pricing. The growler stations just need to be handled more properly around here if you ask me.

quote: Originally posted by kinger Growler stations have become a big deal around here over the past year or so. The local grocery chains are getting on board too, and their pricing is very good. You will pay less on a per ounce basis for a growler compared to the six/four pack price, so for that I rejoice. My biggest qualm is that most of these places will have around 6 taps and typically most if not all have beers that can be found bottled right across the aisle. I buy growlers of offerings not generally bottled in my area, why pay for a big ol' glass jug that you have to finish within two days when I can buy the same beer bottled. The non-enthusiast consumers do get excited and initial sales appear to be very good at these stores, but most die off exponentially after a few months due to similar tap rotations. I understand that a growler is an exciting way to enjoy beer, much like the romance over bombers and corked/caged 750's where they really bend you over on pricing. The growler stations just need to be handled more properly around here if you ask me.

That's cool. Not all Whole Foods have brews on tap. The one in Madison was pretty small so they didn't have it. The WF in Milwaukee was pretty amazing. You could get beer or wine by the glass and walk around with it while you shop. The best way to pick up groceries in my opinion. Whole Foods in Beaverton, just down the road has pints for $3.50. Not too shabby! My wife spotted it the other day, so I have yet to see if I can fill up growlers. Growler filling stations is where it's at. Wisc has unfortunately been slow on picking up on that idea. I always thought that was a cool thing the first time I saw it on the East Coast 8 years ago.

quote: Originally posted by Phishpond417 Whole Foods in Beaverton, just down the road has pints for $3.50. Not too shabby! My wife spotted it the other day, so I have yet to see if I can fill up growlers.

quote: Originally posted by Flashpro quote: quote: Originally posted by Phishpond417 Whole Foods in Beaverton, just down the road has pints for $3.50. Not too shabby! My wife spotted it the other day, so I have yet to see if I can fill up growlers. How is that Whole Foods' bottle selection? I actually lived across the street, next to the Macy's and never thought of going there. I got my official notice yesterday to go back there and I hope to move into the same apartment complex.

quote: Originally posted by heemer77 quote: quote: Originally posted by kinger Growler stations have become a big deal around here over the past year or so. The local grocery chains are getting on board too, and their pricing is very good. You will pay less on a per ounce basis for a growler compared to the six/four pack price, so for that I rejoice. My biggest qualm is that most of these places will have around 6 taps and typically most if not all have beers that can be found bottled right across the aisle. I buy growlers of offerings not generally bottled in my area, why pay for a big ol' glass jug that you have to finish within two days when I can buy the same beer bottled. The non-enthusiast consumers do get excited and initial sales appear to be very good at these stores, but most die off exponentially after a few months due to similar tap rotations. I understand that a growler is an exciting way to enjoy beer, much like the romance over bombers and corked/caged 750's where they really bend you over on pricing. The growler stations just need to be handled more properly around here if you ask me. Do any of these places allow fill ups of 32 oz. bottles? I would think that would be a nice option.