Cheap but good Belgian/German

As to why Belgian Trappist/Abbey Ales are priced expensively while German beers are typically priced more economically I have an idea: Belgian Trappist/Abbey beers are revered by US beer consumers and consequently they are willing to pay ‘big bucks’ for those types of beers. German beers are not viewed by US beer consumers in this same way and they are not willing to pay ‘big bucks’ for German beers.

A further observation: in my area (Southeastern PA) over the past dozen years the number of brands of German beer sold by my local beer retailers has decreased (and most of those being sold are non-fresh). It seems to me that German beers are less popular with US beer consumers; my guess is that they are purchasing more US craft beers instead. The demand for Belgian Trappist/Abbey beer is as strong as ever (and maybe even stronger?).

Cheers!

The price of Belgian Ales (Belgian Dark Strong Ale) was recently discussed in this thread: http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/why-are-belgian-beers-so-expensive.314728/ As to why Belgian Trappist/Abbey Ales are priced expensively while German beers are typically priced more economically I have an idea: Belgian Trappist/Abbey beers are revered by US beer consumers and consequently they are willing to pay ‘big bucks’ for those types of beers. German beers are not viewed by US beer consumers in this same way and they are not willing to pay ‘big bucks’ for German beers.A further observation: in my area (Southeastern PA) over the past dozen years the number of brands of German beer sold by my local beer retailers has decreased (and most of those being sold are non-fresh). It seems to me that German beers are less popular with US beer consumers; my guess is that they are purchasing more US craft beers instead. The demand for Belgian Trappist/Abbey beer is as strong as ever (and maybe even stronger?).Cheers!