Why Beer Costs More Than Ever
By: Sarah Chappell
Published: May 23, 2011

Beer costs are rising, and forking over big bucks for a six pack is enough to make us tear up. According to an article by Loren Berlin at MSNBC, supply, demand, and Mother Nature are to blame. A poor hops harvest in Bavaria coupled with excess heat that has damaged grain crops across China and the former Soviet Union have boosted production - and thus retail - costs. Even if future harvests are better, the prices are likely to remain high.