Store Brand Option for Alcohol

I am not a big fan of store brand products.  Don't get me wrong they are useful in a pinch but I can usually get a better deal on name brand items using the techniques over at GroceryFreak.com.

This does not apply to alcohol.  There are almost never really good deals on name brand alcohol.  I am not a big drinker and can't even remember the last time that I consumed alcohol but I get an e-mail from time to time asking me what I know about getting inexpensive yet quality alcohol (because you can always find stuff that tastes like rubbing alcohol for cheap).

What I have found is that different vendors are starting to offer store brand alcohol.  The first I had heard of was Trader Joes who has seen tremendous success with their store label wine Charles Shaw (nicknamed two buck chuck for its low price of $2).   The new store brandsI have seen most recently are Costco and 7-11.  Both of these retailers are now offering their own brand of beer.  I have not seen prices on the 7-11 brand but I know that Costco sells their 24-pk case for $18.  I have even seen in some states where these beers do not get the same punitive tax treatment as the major brands.

I hope this helps with those of you who have been looking for cheaper alternatives to the expensive name brands of alcohol.