When you think of Aldi, the first things that probably come to mind are low prices, exclusive brands, and a curated selection of groceries. But if you haven‘t checked out Aldi‘s beer aisle yet, you‘re missing out. This budget-friendly retailer offers an impressive variety of beers, from crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs to rich stouts. And the best part is, you can try out different brews without breaking the bank.
As a retail analyst and beer aficionado, I‘ve spent many hours exploring the beer selection at Aldi stores across the country. In this ultimate guide, I‘ll share my top picks for the best Aldi beers you need to try this year. Whether you‘re looking for your new go-to six-pack or want to sample some seasonal releases, Aldi has you covered. Let‘s dive in!
Overview of Aldi‘s Beer Selection
One of the great things about Aldi‘s beer selection is the sheer variety. Most locations offer at least a few dozen options ranging from light and refreshing to dark and boozy. You‘ll find many beers under Aldi‘s exclusive house labels like:
- Wernesgrüner
- Bacher
- Folded Mountains
- Wicked Grove (ciders)
- State of Brewing
- Independence Harbor
In addition, Aldi partners with regional craft breweries to bring local favorites to its shelves. Brands vary by location but may include names like Cigar City, Braxton, Great Lakes Brewing, Third Street, Summit, Wild Leap, and more. And if you prefer the familiarity of national brands, Aldi also carries staples like Budweiser, Coors, Corona, and Fat Tire.
Top 12 Aldi Beers to Try
After trying dozens upon dozens of Aldi beers over the years, I‘ve narrowed down my favorites to this top 12 list. Note that availability may vary by store and season. But if you spot one of these, toss it in your cart!
1. Wernesgrüner Pilsner
Hailing from Germany, this crisp and balanced pilsner is produced by one of the oldest breweries in the world (founded in 1436!). It‘s my go-to Aldi beer for everyday drinking. Serve it ice cold with a squeeze of lemon on a hot day.
2. Folded Mountains West-Coast Style IPA
For hop heads, this West-Coast style IPA offers dank, citrusy flavors and a solid malty backbone. Folded Mountains is one of Aldi‘s most popular house brands. Stock up when you see it because it tends to sell out fast.
3. Boot Tread Belgian White Ale
Fans of Blue Moon will love this creamy, effervesce witbier bursting with notes of orange peel and coriander. The name is a cheeky nod to Aldi‘s German heritage. Garnish with an orange wheel and enjoy.
4. State of Brewing Chocolate Coffee Stout
When the weather gets chilly, reach for this indulgent chocolate coffee stout from Aldi‘s State of Brewing line. With a 6% ABV, it‘s perfect for sipping by a crackling fireplace. Try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a grown-up float.
5. Wild Range Juicy India Pale Ale
This fruit-forward, hazy IPA stands up to pricier craft 6-packs. A blend of Citra, Mosaic, and Amarillo hops gives it a tropical aroma and smooth finish. Pair it with spicy foods or sharp cheeses. At under $8 for a 6-pack, it‘s one of the best craft beer values at Aldi.
6. Monterrey Cerveza
A refreshing Mexican-style lager, Monterrey Cerveza hits the spot with tacos, guacamole, and chips. The clear glass bottles are perfect for stuffing wedges of lime or orange into the neck. Amazingly, a 6-pack costs about the same as one margarita at a restaurant.
7. Wicked Grove Hard Cider
Made from freshly pressed apples, Wicked Grove ciders come in several tempting flavors like pear, elderflower, and cranberry. They‘re not overly sweet and clock in around 5% ABV. Great for your gluten-free guests.
8. Broegel Bock
Bock beers pack a punch, and this German-style bock is no exception at 7% ABV. Full-bodied with toasty malt flavors, it‘s the perfect companion for hearty cold weather fare like stews and roasts.
9. Vista Bay Hard Seltzer
Okay, not technically a beer, but Aldi‘s line of Vista Bay Hard Seltzers deserves a shout-out. With only 100 calories and 1g sugar, they‘re great for light drinking. The lemonade variety pack is especially delicious and has developed a bit of a cult following.
10. Heineken Lager
Sometimes you just want a familiar, reliable option. Aldi carries a selection of well-known brands like Heineken, which appears to be Europe‘s most exported beer. You can almost always find it in stock at a lower price than other stores.
11. Imperium Lager
Aldi‘s take on an American lager, Imperium has a nice balance of sweet and bitter notes. It drinks easy without any off-flavors. An excellent choice for a big backyard BBQ or tailgate that won‘t give you sticker shock.
12. Sainte Etienne Organic Saison Ale
Saisons are complex, spicy farmhouse style ales. This one pours a beautiful golden color with lively carbonation. Flavors of lemon, white pepper, and hay make it an exciting pick for more adventurous beer drinkers.
Creating Your Own Variety Pack
With so many great options to choose from, it can be hard to pick just one. Lucky, Aldi sells many of its beers in singles or create-your-own 6-packs. Mixing and matching is a economical way to sample different styles and find your favorites.
My ideal Aldi variety pack would include:
- 2 Wernesgrüner Pilsners
- 1 Folded Mountains IPA
- 1 Boot Tread Belgian White
- 1 State of Brewing Chocolate Coffee Stout
- 1 Wild Range Juicy IPA
That combo offers a nice range of flavors and styles. I‘d pay around $10 for it at my local Aldi, compared to $15-$20 for a similar haul at other stores.
Is Aldi‘s Beer Cheaper?
Now let‘s address the elephant in the room – price! Generally speaking, Aldi does have very competitive prices on its beers, especially the house labels. On average, Aldi beers cost about 20-50% less than comparable brews at other retailers.
For example, a 6-pack of Wernesgrüner is $5.49 at my Aldi. The most similar option at Total Wine is a 6-pack of Weihenstephan Original Lager for $8.49.
Of course, prices vary by location. And you can occasionally find better deals at other stores with sales and coupons. But after crunching the numbers, Aldi comes out ahead more often than not.
The trade-off is selection. Aldi keeps its beer aisle streamlined and you won‘t find some specialty or limited-release beers there. But in my opinion, the value makes up for that.
Final Thoughts
If it‘s been a while since you perused the beer cooler at Aldi, I recommend taking a closer look. With an ever-growing selection and hard-to-beat prices, it‘s become a go-to spot for both casual drinkers and craft beer fans. Start with a few of the brews I highlighted here, and don‘t be afraid to venture out of your comfort zone. You just might discover a new favorite.
Remember, the beauty of Aldi is that you can take some low-cost risks. If you come across a stout, lager, or cider that intrigues you, give it a shot. Even if it‘s not the best beer you‘ve ever tasted, you won‘t blow your budget – and you can always try a different option next time. With plenty of approachable styles along with some truly exceptional releases, you‘re sure to find something that suits your taste at Aldi. Cheers!
