Craft Beer Clubs USA: Everything You Need to Know
Craft beer has become increasingly popular in recent years, and many beer lovers are turning to craft beer clubs to explore new breweries and beer styles. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what craft beer clubs are, their history in the USA, and the benefits of joining one.
What are Craft Beer Clubs?
Craft beer clubs are subscription-based services that deliver a selection of craft beers to your door on a regular basis. These clubs typically offer a variety of membership options, allowing you to choose the frequency of your shipments, the number of beers included, and the types of beers you receive.
Craft beer clubs are an excellent way to discover new breweries and beer styles, as they often feature beers that are not widely available in stores or bars. They can also be a cost-effective way to try new beers, as many clubs offer discounts on individual beer prices.
History of Craft Beer Clubs in the USA
The first craft beer club in the USA was founded in 1992 by a man named Michael Jackson (not the pop star), who is often referred to as the “Beer Hunter”. Jackson was a prolific beer writer and critic who traveled the world in search of the best beers.
Jackson's beer club, called the “Beer Explorer's Club”, offered a selection of six beers every month, along with tasting notes and food pairing suggestions. The club was a huge success, and it paved the way for other craft beer clubs to follow.
Since then, the craft beer club industry has grown significantly, and there are now dozens of clubs to choose from across the USA.
Benefits of Joining a Craft Beer Club
Joining a craft beer club has many benefits, including:
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Access to unique and rare beers: Craft beer clubs often feature beers from small, independent breweries that are not widely available. This gives you the opportunity to try beers that you may not be able to find anywhere else.
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Convenience: With a craft beer club, you don't have to go to the store to buy beer. The beer is delivered right to your door on a regular basis.
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Cost savings: Many craft beer clubs offer discounts on individual beer prices, which can add up to significant savings over time.
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Discovery of new breweries and beer styles: Craft beer clubs are a great way to explore new breweries and beer styles, as they often feature beers that you may not have tried before.
In the next section, we'll take a closer look at the best craft beer clubs in the USA, and what they have to offer.
The Best Craft Beer Clubs in the USA
Craft beer clubs have become increasingly popular in the USA, and there are now dozens of clubs to choose from. In this section, we'll take a closer look at the top 5 craft beer clubs in the USA, and what they have to offer.
1. The Original Craft Beer Club
According to Craft Beer Club, The Original Craft Beer Club is one of the most popular craft beer clubs in the USA. They offer a selection of handcrafted, small-batch beers from independent breweries across the country.
Membership options include monthly, bi-monthly, and quarterly shipments, with 12 beers included in each shipment. Memberships start at $44.00 per shipment, with free shipping to most states.
Pros:
– High-quality, handcrafted beers
– Flexible membership options
– Free shipping to most states
Cons:
– Limited selection of beer styles
– Higher prices than some other clubs
2. The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club
The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club offers a selection of award-winning, handcrafted beers from around the world. According to CNet, they have been in business for over 20 years and have a reputation for high-quality beers and excellent customer service.
Membership options include monthly, bi-monthly, and quarterly shipments, with 12 beers included in each shipment. Memberships start at $29.95 per shipment, with free shipping to most states.
Pros:
– Wide selection of beer styles and breweries
– High-quality, award-winning beers
– Excellent customer service
Cons:
– Higher prices than some other clubs
– Limited customization options
3. Beer of the Month Club
As per Craft Beer Club, The Beer of the Month Club offers a monthly selection of 12 craft beers from different microbreweries across America, with free shipping within the contiguous US. The club also includes a newsletter with information about the featured breweries and beer styles, as well as recipe suggestions for pairing with the beers.
Membership options include monthly, bi-monthly, and quarterly shipments, with prices starting at $39.95 per shipment.
Pros:
– Free shipping within the contiguous US
– Informational newsletter included
– Wide selection of beer styles and breweries
Cons:
– Limited customization options
– Higher prices than some other clubs
4. Beer Drop
According to Food and Wine, Beer Drop is a unique craft beer club that allows subscribers to select their preferred beer styles. They offer a variety of beers from independent breweries across the USA, with prices starting at $39.00 per shipment.
Membership options include monthly, bi-monthly, and quarterly shipments, with six or 12 beers included in each shipment.
Pros:
– Customizable beer selection
– Wide selection of beer styles and breweries
– Flexible membership options
Cons:
– Limited information about featured beers and breweries
– Higher prices than some other clubs
5. Tavour
As per Food and Wine, Tavour is a craft beer club that offers a selection of rare and hard-to-find beers from independent breweries across the USA. They have a team of expert curators who hand-select the beers for each shipment.
Membership options include monthly shipments, with prices starting at $59.99 per shipment. Members also have the option to skip shipments or cancel their membership at any time.
Pros:
– Unique selection of rare and hard-to-find beers
– Expert curation
– Flexible membership options
Cons:
– Higher prices than some other clubs
– Limited customization options
In the next section, we'll take a closer look at how to choose the right craft beer club for you.
How to Choose the Right Craft Beer Club for You
With so many craft beer clubs to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. In this section, we'll take a look at some of the factors you should consider when choosing a craft beer club.
1. Beer Selection
When choosing a craft beer club, one of the most important factors to consider is the beer selection. Some clubs offer a wide variety of beer styles and breweries, while others may focus on specific regions or types of beer. Consider your personal preferences and what you hope to get out of the club when making your selection.
2. Membership Options
Another important factor to consider is the membership options offered by the club. Some clubs offer flexible membership options, allowing you to choose how often you receive shipments or skip a shipment if needed. Others may require a minimum commitment or offer only one membership option.
3. Price
Price is another important factor to consider when choosing a craft beer club. While many clubs offer similar services, prices can vary widely. Consider your budget and what you are willing to spend on a monthly or quarterly basis.
4. Additional Benefits
Some craft beer clubs offer additional benefits beyond the beer shipments themselves. These may include informational newsletters, recipe suggestions, or discounts on additional purchases. Consider what additional benefits are important to you when making your selection.
5. Customer Service
Finally, consider the customer service offered by the craft beer club. Look for clubs with a reputation for excellent customer service and responsive support in case you have any issues with your shipments or membership.
By considering these factors, you can choose the right craft beer club for you and start enjoying high-quality craft beers from around the USA.
The Benefits of Joining a Craft Beer Club
Joining a craft beer club can offer many benefits beyond just receiving high-quality craft beers. In this section, we'll take a closer look at some of the benefits of joining a craft beer club.
1. Discover New Beers
One of the biggest benefits of joining a craft beer club is the opportunity to discover new beers. Many clubs offer a wide variety of beer styles and breweries, and you may receive beers that you wouldn't have tried otherwise. This can be a great way to expand your palate and discover new favorites.
2. Convenience
Another benefit of joining a craft beer club is convenience. Instead of having to search for new beers at your local store, you can have a selection of high-quality craft beers delivered right to your doorstep. This can be especially convenient for those who live in areas with limited access to craft beers.
3. Expert Curation
Many craft beer clubs have expert curators who select the beers for each shipment. This can be a great way to try high-quality, handcrafted beers that you may not have discovered otherwise. Some clubs also offer informational newsletters or recipe suggestions to help you get the most out of your beer shipments.
4. Cost Savings
While the cost of joining a craft beer club can vary, it can often be a cost-effective way to try new beers. Many clubs offer discounts on additional purchases or free shipping, which can help you save money in the long run.
5. Community
Finally, joining a craft beer club can be a great way to connect with like-minded individuals and become part of a community. Many clubs offer online forums or events where members can connect and share their love of craft beer.
By joining a craft beer club, you can not only enjoy high-quality craft beers but also discover new favorites, save money, and become part of a community of beer enthusiasts.
Cheers to Craft Beer Clubs!
Craft beer clubs are a great way to discover new beers, save money, and become part of a community of beer enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned beer drinker or just starting to explore the world of craft beers, there's a club out there for you.
In this article, we've taken a look at some of the top craft beer clubs in the USA, as well as the benefits of joining a club. We hope this guide has been helpful in finding the right club for you.
If you're interested in learning more about craft beer or other topics related to food and drink, be sure to check out our other great content. Cheers!
Questions
Q. Who can join a craft beer club in the USA?
A. Anyone over the legal drinking age can join a craft beer club in the USA.
Q. What types of beer can I expect from a craft beer club in the USA?
A. Craft beer clubs offer a wide variety of beer styles from microbreweries across the USA.
Q. How often will I receive shipments from a craft beer club in the USA?
A. Most craft beer clubs offer monthly shipments, but you can often choose how often you receive shipments.
Q. What if I don't like the beer I receive from a craft beer club in the USA?
A. Many clubs offer a satisfaction guarantee and will replace or refund any beers you don't enjoy.
Q. How much does it cost to join a craft beer club in the USA?
A. Prices vary depending on the club and membership options, but most clubs offer flexible pricing plans.
Q. What if I want to cancel my membership with a craft beer club in the USA?
A. Most craft beer clubs allow you to cancel your membership at any time, with no cancellation fees.
