Reprieve

I know what you're thinking: not another post about corn! I was tempted. I even have one drafted on the topic of ethanol subsidies since I read an Economist article about it, but I'll spare you for now. On to another grain-related consumer good: beer!

I've recently noticed a lot of traffic on my site coming from people who are searching for "buying beer in New York" or some variation thereof. I went back and read that post and other than commiseration, it doesn't really help anyone. However, in my discussions of this topic and further research, I've discovered that it's not all that impossible, and my reasoning may have lacked a little information.

Most of the difference can probably be explained by liquor laws rather than space premiums and packaging. There are several different classes of licenses broadly ranging from wholesale to retail and from beer to liquor. A liquor license, for example, is more than 10x the price of a beer (only) license.

There are fabulous places to buy beer and it doesn't have to be too expensive--especially if you expand your horizons to include Brooklyn. Here are a few ideas:

Bierkraft - Tons of selection. Reasonably priced. Amazing knowledge from the staff. Delicious cheese. Tasting classes on Tuesday. These get a lot of hype, and for good reason, but get there early because tickets go fast and if you're in the back of the room, you might not be able to hear, and it's not worth it just for the couple of sips of free beer and cheese.

Park Slope Food Coop - If you're willing to work there and invest in the cause, the beer is cheap and selection is pretty good.

Rite Aid - I know it sounds crazy, but actually, liquor licenses for drug stores are cheaper than for other places, so it makes sense. Selection leaves you wanting, however.

Brooklyn Brewery (Happy Hour on Fridays from 6-11, but either bring your own food or get ready to order from their massive menu collection. Beers are $4 a piece. Fresh, delicious, and cheap!)

There are plenty of other places to buy beer in New York, so don't get upset if you don't find what you're looking for on the first try. Of course, if you're from the west coast and you're looking for Deschutes or some other home town microbrew, well, those guys don't distribute out here, so you'll have to find something else.

Drinking local beer is a good idea anyway, if only for the reduction of fossil fuel use. Try Sixpoint! I'm not quite sure what they're up to, but their website has been under construction for a while now and from the looks of it, they have some plans for change in the rest of the organization as well.