When it comes to stocking up for a party, planning a weekend getaway, or just filling your fridge with your favorite brew, knowing how many beers are in a case is incredibly handy. A case of beer is a common measurement used by breweries and stores to sell beer in bulk, but the actual number of beers inside can vary depending on where you are and what brand you’re buying. This guide is designed to clear up any confusion, providing a straightforward answer to the question: how many beers are in a case? Whether you’re a casual beer drinker or a seasoned aficionado, understanding this basic aspect of beer packaging will help you plan better for any occasion that calls for a cold one (or many). Let’s dive into the specifics, ensuring you’ll never find yourself short of beverages at your next gathering.
Contents
The Standard Case of Beer
The most common case size for major domestic and imported beer brands in the United States is 24 cans or bottles. So if you buy a case of Bud Light, Corona, or Heineken, you can expect 24 beers in that standard case. This applies to 12-ounce cans or bottles of lagers, pilsners, and light beers from top brands like Budweiser, Coors, Miller, and more. For party planning purposes, this standard case size makes it easy to calculate your beer needs – just multiply the number of cases by 24 to determine how many beers you’ll have on hand. Keep this typical case size in mind as we explore variations below.
How Case Sizes Vary by Beer Type?
When estimating your beer needs, also consider how case sizes may differ based on the style of beer:
- Lagers and Pilsners: Most major brands like Budweiser, Stella Artois, or Heineken package these in standard 24-pack cases.
- IPAs and Craft Beers: More variety here, with 6-pack, 12-pack, and 24-pack options common. Mix packs also popular.
- Wheat Beers and Sours: Specialty flavors often come in packs of 12 or mixed packs rather than standard cases.
So lighter beers are typically sold in 24-packs, while more unique craft brews have more variation. Plan quantities accordingly.
Different Types of Beer Packaging
Beyond the standard 24-pack case, there are some other common beer packaging options:
- Beer Packs: Contain various smaller packages like 4, 6, 12, or even 36 loose bottles or cans, allowing mix and match options.
- Beer Racks: Sturdy plastic shelves designed to neatly store full cases of beer. Holds up to 24 beers when filled with a standard case.
Here’s a helpful comparison:
| Packaging | Size | Number of Beers |
|---|---|---|
| Beer Case | Standard 24 pack | 24 beers |
| Beer Pack | Varies, typically 12 pack | 4 to 36 loose beers |
| Beer Rack | Holds 24 pack case | Up to 24 beers |
As you can see, cases, packs, and racks all package beers conveniently, just in different quantities and formats.
Sometimes Less Than 24 Beers per Case
While 24 beers is the norm, some specialty beer cases contain fewer than the standard 24 count. Here are some reasons you may find cases with fewer than 24:
- Large Can or Bottle Sizes: Cases of large 16-ounce or even 64-ounce cans or bottles will naturally hold fewer than 24 since each container is bigger.
- Convenience Six-Packs: Some brands sell convenient 6-pack cases ideal for small gatherings.
- Craft Beer Variety: Smaller craft breweries may sell cases of 12 beers to allow packaging of specialty seasonal brews.
- Brand Variations: Certain brands have proprietary case sizes like Heineken’s 16-ounce cans sold in 16-count cases.
So while unusual, it’s possible you may encounter cases with as few as 6, 12, or 16 beers depending on the brand and package size.
Case Beer vs. Other Options
Two other popular large format beer options are kegs and beer balls. How do cases compare?
| Format | Size | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beer Case | Portable | 24 beers | Affordable |
| Beer Keg | Bulky | Over 165 beers | Expensive |
| Beer Ball | Large dispenser | 55 beers | Moderate |
Cases provide personal amounts at a budget price. Kegs offer huge volume for parties. Beer balls dispense draft beer in a large yet portable package. Cases strike a versatile balance!
Additional Buying Considerations
When purchasing beer by the case, keep these other factors in mind:
- Environmental Impact: Larger case sizes mean less packaging waste.
- Recycling: Check local guidelines, as cardboard and plastic may differ.
- Responsible Drinking: Enjoy beer safely and legally in moderation.
- Chilled Storage: Store cases properly to optimize flavor.
- Party Planning: Estimate attendance and consumption to gauge cases needed.
- Sustainable Packaging: Some brands now use recycled or eco-friendly materials.
Conclusion: How Many Beers Are In A Case
To summarize, the standard case holds 24 beers, providing an affordable way to buy beer in bulk. But the number of beers per case may vary, especially for craft brews or large formats. Consider your needs, beer styles, and package options to get the ideal case size. With the insights from this article, you are now a beer case expert ready to pick the perfect packages for any party.
Joe Redburn is the founder of two iconic Salt Lake City gay bars, Club 90 and Trax. He was also responsible for bringing the beer to what became the first Utah Pride celebration. Joe has been a fixture in Utah’s LGBTQ community for over four decades, and his bars have been central gathering places for generations of queer people.