A lot of people lately have been telling us that they're drinking cheaper and lower quality beer to save money. While we here at DrinkCraftBeer.com are feeling the economic pinch just as much as everybody else, we thought there had to be a better way to get around this issue without sacrificing the taste of our brew. Afterall, when the guys from DrinkCraftBeer.com stop drinking craft beer, what has this world come to? With that in mind, here are the DrinkCraftBeer.com Top 5 Money Saving Tips for the Craft Beer Drinker!
1) Homebrew
What's that? You think it's hard? You don't know how? You don't have a yard? Well those would be good excuses, if we hadn't already debunked all of them in our article, How to Homebrew Beer In Your Kitchen.
Yes, the initial investment may cost around $60 or so. But, after that, the beer you make can be much cheaper than the beer you buy! A typical session ale can probably be put together for $30-$40, and you'll get 2 cases out of that. That's 8 six-packs... Even at $40, that's only $5 per six-pack. Also, a brew day is a low cost activity that you can do with a bunch of your friends. When we brew, we normally have a bunch of friends over and just make a day of hanging out. And, if you do have an outside area, it's great to spend a nice day outside while brewing!
2) Drink at home
Not by yourself. You don't have to stop being social just because you're trying to save money. Have friends over, or go over friends' places. The cost of 2 beers at the bar can buy you a six-pack and then some at the beer store. Set up a night with your friends where each person buys a different six-pack. This way you still get to try new beers and be social... you just don't have huge bar tab at the end of the night. If you really need the ambiance, grab some bar stools and get some buddies together to build a cheap and easy home bar. You can combine this step with homebrewing, and have your own personal brewpub even!
Get the rest of the DrinkCraftBeer.com Top 5 Money Saving Tips for the Craft Beer Drinker after the jump! 
3) Drink six-packs
When it comes down to it, beer in bombers (22oz bottles) and 750ml bottles is just more expensive per ounce than beer in six-packs. Stick to the six-packs and you'll get more beer for your buck. You don't have to miss out on the big or limited release beers... just make them a splurge or a special occassion instead of part of your regular drinking. A $5 bomber, which is a deal here in Boston, is a $16.36 six-pack when you look at it on a cost-per-ounce basis. That's damn expensive! Stick to the six-packs, you can still get good ones under $10.
4) Drink less beer
We know it sounds crazy... absurd even. But we're firm believers in quality over quantity. If you want to save money, just drink less craft beer... but make sure you're still drinking good beer.
Drinking less and saving more doesn't mean you have to try less beer. Most brewpubs and good beer bars will let you do a sampler of 4-5 beers. You'll get about a pint of beer (normally more) for the normal pint price, plus you'll get a chance to satisfy your urge to try many different brews. After our extensive time in brewpubs and bars all over the country, we've come to find that these samplers can often be the best deal on the menu!
5) Shop around
There will always be cost differences between stores. Check out a few in your area and find the cheaper one. Yeah, the trip may be slightly longer, but it could save you a few bucks each time you buy beer. When times are better you can pay for convenience. When you're trying to save money sometimes you have to work for it a little.