Decorations are coming down, not-so-great gifts are getting returned, and the holiday hustle is in the rear-view mirror. After breaking the bank on presents, celebratory bubbles, and other holiday splurges, it’s a good time to mind budgets and tighten purse strings. However, that doesn’t mean you have to resort to drinking swill! We asked our beer experts what budget-friendly brews are in their fridges - read on to learn about getting the biggest bang for your buck this month and all year long!
Wiseacre Tiny Bomb $9.99/6pk
Cooper Starr, Krog Retail Associate
Cooper, a valued member of the Krog team since 2021, notes this Czech-style pilsner is the definition of value: craft quality at a domestic price point. Spiked with local wildflower honey and brewed with German pilsner malt and noble hops, Tiny Bomb showcases delicate herbal aromas complemented by a balanced, bitter bite.
Cherry Street 11th Anniversary IPA $17.99/4pk
Jerome Chapman, West End Package Beer Manager
Admittedly, $17.99 is at the pricier end of the affordability spectrum, but Cherry Street’s Anniversary IPA totally over-delivers. This haze bomb is dosed with Citra oil at the end of boil and Citra hops at Whirlpool, then dry-hopped with Citra cryo concentrated hops at the end of fermentation and recirculated for 24 hours on Citra whole cone hops. The result? A delicious double IPA with a 4.2 Untappd rating that drinks even better than pricier hype DIPAs.
Creature Comforts Athena $11.99/6pk
Taylor Proctor, Krog General Manager
“The Champagne of the South,” Athena is a refreshing, gently tart take on the classic Berliner Weisse style. With a blend of citric and fruit notes, light body, and tight carbonation, Athena certainly registers as a delicious beer, yet is reminiscent of cider and zesty white wines.
Einstok Arctic Lager $12.99/6pk
David McCann, West End Retail Associate
David, the longest-tenured member of our team, will not steer you wrong! Arctic Lager is dry-hopped with Citra and Cryo Citra, which lends a hop-forward aroma and crisp, citrusy flavor profile. “It’s just so refreshing!” says David. “After a sip, you can’t help but smack your lips and say ‘Ahhh!’”
Monday Night Drafty Kilt $11.99/6pk
Rebecca Wilcox, West End General Manager
This roasty scotch ale was a celebrated year-round favorite until it recently became a limited offering. That means you’ve gotta grab it while it’s still available! With just a hint of smoke, it’s full-bodied, malty, and sweet, but balanced. Light a fire, get cozy, and beat this cold stretch with this seasonal staple.
Green Man ESB $12.99/6pk
Carey Charles, Krog Package Beer Manager
Green Man ESB has long been regarded as an exceptional interpretation of a traditional English style. Authentic British malts and hops yield rich toasted and caramel flavors, a nutty aroma, full body, and sweet finish. Fortunately, like Tiny Bomb, Arctic Lager, and Athena, this brew is available year-round, so you can add it to your regular rotation of fridge beers.
Staff-Curated Fridge Beer Pack $13.99/6pk
Want to try out all 6 of our hand-picked budget brews? We’ve got you covered! Go for this hand-picked pack and imbibe like an expert Hop City hop head!