Five East Coast Microbrews You Must Have in Your Fridge that Won't Break the Bank

In the last five years, microbrews have exploded in popularity, and price. With bottles ranging from two to well over twenty dollars, it's hard to pick what to keep on hand. Many people will find one micro they like, and never deviate, fearing they will spend a ton of money on something they just cannot bear to drink. At the same time, some think that micros are just too expensive, and aren't willing to deviate from their tried and tested "macro brews." Well, I've done all the trying for you, and I want you to cut out the macros, and start drinking good beer. I've tasted over three hundred bottles of different types of craft brewed beer, and this is my list of top five to keep in your fridge that average less than two bucks a bottle.

1. Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA - The little brother of Dogfish's 120 and 90 minute IPAs, 60 Minute is quite possibly one of the greatest IPAs on earth. With its rich amber color and citrusy smell to its superb pour and pungent floral hops taste, at 6% ABV, 60 minute is truly a complete IPA experience. And at about nine dollars for a six pack, one of the best values on our list. Brewed by Dogfish Head Craft Brewing in Milton, DE.
Price - $31.99 Per Case. $1.33 Per Bottle

2. Tröegs Nugget Nectar - Referred to by many as the Nectar of the Gods, Nugget Nectar is an American Amber Ale that is produced in seasonally. It pours a copper orange color with a strong piney, hoppy smell. Though technically not an IPA according to the Tröegs brothers, all the signs of a great IPA are present. Bitter Hops, grapefruit/citrus smells, strong mouth feel and a high ABV at 7.5%. Nugget Nectar can get a bit pricy in bombers and sixers, you can pick up a case for around 42 bucks. Brewed by Tröegs Brewing Company in Harrisburg, PA.
Price - $41.99 Per Case. $1.75 Per Bottle.

3. Victory Storm King - The only Imperial Stout on out list, Storm King is a super black beer, super thick beer that almost has the consistency of a milk shake. Best served right about 55 degrees, this 9% ABV brew is definitely not a session beer. Tastes of coco, coffee and a little black liquorish (anise), Storm King is extremely complex, and only gets better with age. Luckily, this one is available all year round and is pretty easy to find. Brewed by Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, PA.
Price - $45.99 Per Case. $1.92 per Bottle.

4. Smuttynose IPA - Easily my favorite IPA, Smuttynose IPA has all of the qualities one looks for in an IPA. Strong hoppy flavor, fruity smell, bitter finish, and great murky, amber color. From pour to empty glass, this IPA has great character and at only 5.8% ABV, you can have a few and still be able to walk home. (Don't drink and drive.) Easy to find, easy to drink, easy on the wallet. That's the trifecta! Brewed by Smuttynose Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH.
Price - $32.99 Per Case. $1.38 Per Bottle.

5. Flying Dog Doggie Style - Doggie Style is the closest beer to a Bud, Coors or Miller you will ever find in my fridge. Described as an American Pale Ale (APA), this 5.5% ABV brew is not the strongest, or strongest flavored brew, but has the distinct cascade hop smell one would expect from an APA. The flavor is much more pronounced than a classic APA as it is noticeably dry hopped and has a somewhat citrusy character. This is the first beer you should try out on friends who may be a bit apprehensive about tasting craft brews. Brewed by Flying Dog Brewery in Frederick, MD.
Price - $29.99 Per Case. $1.25 Per Bottle

Honorable Mentions - Both Yuengling and Boston Breer Company make some great beers, but I'm not sure I would call them as much craft brews as domestics. That said, I will always enjoy a Yuengling or Sam Adams Boston Lager, and with wide distribution, low ABV, and small price, beers from both companies are still staples in my refrigerator.

Note: This list is not to be taken as a comprehensive list of the best crafts from the east coast, only as a list of some great brews for a reasonable price. Dogfish Head 120 IPA, Brooklyn Locals, and many of the Allagash brews are great, but can range from 5-25 a bottle. While these types of beers are great treats, it is not likely that many will be able to afford to drink more than a few before having to switch back to macro brews. While those beers are good enough for some, the intention of this article is to get people to drink what I feel is better beer, at a reasonable price.