Anyone have a good recommendation (or warning) on a beer of the month club? Looking online I see several but other wanting stay away from those that think Anchor Steam or Sam Adams is something novel.
So far I’ve looked at www.beermonthclub.com, www.craftbeerclub.com and www.amazingclubs.com/beer. Any others? Any comments on these ones? My boss asked me for a recommendation, but since I only brew my own or spend my hard earned $$$ on beer I’ve researched directly, I’ve not got any experience on trusting someone else to send me something good!
I was a member of beermonthclub.com for several years. I enjoyed it very much. I liked being able to taste a lot of great beers, many of which are not commonly available in my area. Plus the little newsletter gives the ingredients to help educate and to even help a homebrewer develop his own recipes. The only reason I left is the expense… it’s cheaper to pick up 6-packs at your local store than to have it shipped to your door. Also after a couple of years, you may find that you get repeats of things they sent in the past, although that wasn’t the reason I left. Perhaps selection is improved now, I’m not sure. I was a member about 8 years ago. I would do it again, were it not for the unnecessary expense. It’s definitely educational and enjoyable and makes a great gift.
I’d consider the audience and what he’s after. If he’s just out to try new beers then one of the clubs that picks up the popular beers around the country might be a good option. If he’s a solid beer geek then receiving a different pale ale each month probably won’t feel like money well spent.
I used to think it would be a fun thing to do. Seriously looked at Wine-o-the-month clubs too. The biggest problem in Iowa with these is being in Iowa.
I don’t know how it affects other states but you can pretty much double the advertized price when shipping to Iowa. State laws make this type of thing prohibitively expensive.
Just something else to check out before you pull the trigger.
This club http://www.noblebrewerbeer.com/ is doing a new and, as far as I know, unique kind of thing. They scale up award winning homebrew recipes, contract brew them, and distribute.
The first two shipments will contain my farmhouse ale recipe.
My wife signed me up for http://www.beermonthclub.com earlier this year. It was a nice change only did 2 months; one US micro beer and one Rare Beer (2 - 750mL). I have looked at re-subscribing to the Rare Beer option multiple times now.
Plus, it is cheaper and you would get a better selection just driving to Iowa City and going to John’s Grocery, or taking an extra trip or two to El Baitship ;D
That said - I used to do “beer of the month” club and always liked it and looked forward to the shipment and newsletter that came with. Did it for about 2 years maybe… Long time ago though - 15 years I would say.
Same here - about that time frame too. I remember being in Michael Jackson’s Belgian beer club for a year or so. He attempted to get harder to find Belgians. Enjoyed it quite a bit.
Or even “Beer Crazy” in Urbandale. Great LHBS with every beer that can be distributed in Iowa on the shelf. Sold by the bottle. Mix-n’-Match to your heart’s content. And less than 2 miles from my house. 8^)
It is dangerous to sit idle in an auto repair lounge. I just subscribed to 4 months of the Rare Beer Club from www.beermonthclub.com
Hoping to land some tasty whales!
I filled out the form then backed out at the last second. Paced around, drank coffee, watched depressing news stories, then logged back in and quickly finalized before I could change my mind again. [emoji3]
Funny that shortly after this thread started, my sister ordered me “beer of the month” as an xmas present… Just got my second shipment a couple days ago. 2 US microbreweries, 2 varieties from each. So, a total of 12 beers (3 each of 4 beers). So far, I would say there was one beer I did not care for. The other 7 ranged from good-very good. It is always fun to find a box of 12 beers on your doorstep when you get home from work. Plus, the boxes they are shipped in are great for shipping beer to others or competitions if you do that sort of thing. I will probably continue after this one expires.
Are you looking for a service that sends you something automatically or a place where you can buy kick-ass beers online?
If it’s the second, I highly recommend Blackwell’s out of San Fran. Fantastic selection, great emails, etc. Especially if you are a poor sap like me in the Southeast who has to dream about west coast beers 11 months out of the year.
I just received the first shipment from amazing clubs that my son got me for Christmas. So far so good. 2 for 2 in tasty beer so far and not beer I see here. The beer tasted fresh and good variety of styles: stout, dortmunder, imperial ale, and amber ale.
