My political interests have unfortunately distracted me from an important mission I established early on during my blogging days: Delivering the best drink specials in town to the people. The real people. Those of you who wouldn't drink a Belgian beer in Belgium, and who like a brew that is cold, union-made and tastes like the spare change you used to buy it.
First thing's first. When it comes to downtown alcohol distributors, not all sellers are created equal. Badger Liquor sucks. Its very existence is befuddling, given that its owners also run Riley's, the liquor, beer and wine palace a block away with some of the best deals in town. The only good thing you can find at Badger is a 6-pack of Mountain Creek for $3.49. That is some damn mediocre beer for a damn good price.
Of course, you can also find the Mountain Creek sixer at Riley's, as well as tall boy sixers of Miller, Bud and Coors for $4.99. However, I would recommend saving 50 cents and going for the tall boys of Busch for $4.49. You can also get this deal at Fresh Madison, the new grocery store on University Ave. Busch is made by the same patriots who make Bud in St. Louis, except that by buying Busch you are not funding the absolutely horrible marketing campaigns that have made Budweiser the "All-American Lager."
Kegs are a whole 'nother story for another post. Ironically, I have not bought a keg since I've been legally allowed to, so I don't have the best sense of where the killer prices are. I think University Ave Liquor will give you kegs of Mountain Creek for $40 though.
If you're going to be partying with more than yourself and the TV, I would advise a 12-pack of Blatz. Blatzing is a great way to celebrate Milwaukee history and have a good time. A few more friends coming over, then the absolute cheapest way to go at Riley's is a 30-rack of Milwaukee Special Reserve. MSR tastes pretty bad. If you're feeling rich, spend an extra $2 for a 30 of Natty Light, which has no taste at all. Hamms is even more expensive, and not worth it, in my opinion.
If and when I get some money and start drinking good beer, I will still continue to give cheap beer recommendations. However, I will also add a Sconz Platinum beer review, which will cost a prohibitive fee to make sure the readership is elite.