[bpc009]

For clarity's sake:

In case you guys didn't gather, there is only one place you can buy alcohol in Sweden - Systembolaget. This state owned monopoly has been an institution in Sweden for years and thus some Swedes have strong feelings about it. Myself being an American, I do not. I simply look at it as the Liquor Store, nothing more, nothing less.

The prices are high, due to the high alcohol tax here (one Carsberg or Heineken is just under $2 these days due to the weak dollar), but the selection is very good. It's opening hours can be bit of a hassle (roughly Mon - Sat 10-6), but otherwise it works well. I thought it was great that they ordered in Fat Tire for me, so I really don't have any complaints.

Beer out at the pub though is expensive. Though it doesn't vary that much. You will often be paying $7 - $8 a beer, regardless if you order the cheapest [censored] or for example, a Guiness. So the silver lining is that it's definitely worth it to always order good beer here.