News & Trending Shopping & Deals News

8 Most Ridiculously Expensive Beers That Aren’t Worth It

It's hard not to love a cold beer, but not all of them are worth the price tag.

young friends having a party
Updated April 30, 2025
Fact checked

Benjamin Franklin is erroneously, yet irrevocably, linked to the phrase, "God made beer because he loves us and wants us to be happy." He didn't actually say it, but beer connoisseurs can attest to the spirit of it.

Of course, as imbibers know, not all beers are made equal. While some are cheap and some will require a second job, some are simply way overpriced for what they offer you.

Here are eight ridiculously expensive beers that you should avoid wasting your money on.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

Beer at NYC airports

aapsky/Adobe beer and breadcrumbs with cheese

The Big Apple also has big beer prices.

LaGuardia Airport in New York City is facing criticism for its steep beer prices, averaging around $12 per bottle, making it the second highest in North America. If you're looking for a Sam Adams Summer Ale, get ready to pony up almost $30.

BrewDog's Sink the Bismarck

det-anan sunonethong/Adobe craft beer in the glass

Described as an "amplified" IPA, "Sink the Bismarck" is a hard-to-find beer that can cost well over $400 at some online stores.

This beer boasts four times the hops, four times the bitterness, and a staggering 41% ABV, which may not appeal to everyone's taste buds. It was created in response to a challenge to brew the world's strongest beer, ultimately losing to Schorschbrau's 57% ABV Schorschbock.

BrewDog's The End of History

Mystery/Adobe glass of cold beer

BrewDog's End of History, once priced at $20,000, is no longer available, but its intriguing tale remains. Initially boasting a 55% ABV, it was created in fierce competition against Schorschbrau. Each bottle was encased in a taxidermied animal, selling for $765. In 2016, it was revived for BrewDog shareholders, offering a unique ownership opportunity.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals

alfons/Adobe woman paying contactless credit card

May brings both warmer weather and major sales with the combo of Mother's Day (May 11) and Memorial Day (May 26). Here are some of the best deals to watch for:

  • Mattresses, furniture, and large appliances
  • Spring clothing clearance
  • Garden plants and outdoor furniture
  • For grocery savings, consider seasonal produce like strawberries, artichokes, and cherries.

Retailers are already prepping for summer while you're just enjoying spring, making May perfect to save money at your favorite retailers.

Bruery Papier 2009 Anniversary Ale

Pixel-Shot/Adobe dark beer and snacks

Released in 2009 by beer manufacturer The Bruery to commemorate its first anniversary, the Papier 2009 Anniversary Ale comes with a hefty price tag of nearly $300 per 750 ml bottle.

This potent brew boasts a 75% oak-aged and 25% barrel-aged blend with a robust 14.5% ABV. Initially, it was exclusively available at the brewery but later became accessible through select retailers like BestDamnBeerShop, where it retailed for $249.99.

Drinks at F1 racing

adimas/Adobe formula one race cars

Formula 1 racing is booming in the U.S., bringing yet another opportunity to enjoy overpriced beer at sporting events.

At the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, prices were steep across the board, with some tickets exceeding $10,000 at the suite level. A bucket of 12 oz. Heineken beers cost $60, while a bucket of 16 oz. domestic beers were $55.

Fenway Park

Bruce Leighty/Adobe fenway park night in boston

We can always go out to the ballgame, but beer prices at Boston's Fenway Park have jumped in recent years.

If you're planning to catch a Red Sox game, budget ahead. You can expect to pay around $11 for a 16-ounce of beer.

Super Bowl beer

Jacob Lund/Adobe fans cheering during a match

Let's face it: attending the Big Game already costs a pretty penny, so don't count on keeping more cash in your wallet. But if you're willing to splurge even more, head to the concession stands.

At the most recent Super Bowl in Las Vegas, a can of Bud Light cost $16.99 while a Michelob Ultra would've set you back $18.99.

Tactical Nuclear Penguin

Дмитрий Баронин/Adobe a glass of dark beer

Tactical Nuclear Penguin, known for its remarkable potency, is best savored in modest quantities and with an air of sophisticated nonchalance. Good luck finding a bottle, but if you do, you can expect to pay $400 or more.

Approach it as you would a fine whiskey or a really good rock album.

Alert: Americans lost billions to identity theft and fraud

According to the FTC, Americans lost over $10 billion to fraud and identity theft in 2023. Before your next online purchase, safeguard your data with all-in-one identity theft protection services from Aura.

Starting at just $9 per month, access Aura's Dark Web monitoring that scours data breaches for your sensitive personal data including Social Security numbers (SSN), Medicare information, and phone numbers.

Save up to 68% when you sign up today.

Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill

Halfpoint/Adobe mother with son outside grocery store

Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:

  • Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
  • Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
  • Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.

Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.

Bottom line

Syda Productions/Adobe happy male friends drinking beer

While Ben Franklin might be oft-misquoted, people do enjoy beer. Some are reasonably priced, while others come with a hefty price tag that doesn't match their quality.

While we can't tell you precisely what beers you'll prefer — everyone's palette differs — you'll save more shopping when you avoid these.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

5.0
info

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details