Are Beer-of-the-Month Clubs Fun?

Whether you are a beer expert who enjoys learning everything there is to know about beer - or just the guy or gal who likes to drink it - a beer-of-the-month club can be a fun and exciting experience.

The purpose of a beer-of-the-month club is to provide consumers with a variety of beer they may not otherwise have a chance to sample. The best part of these kinds of clubs is that the product is delivered, so beer lovers can try new things without ever leaving the comfort of their homes.

Whether an individual truly enjoys a beer-of-the-month club depends on how that person uses their membership.

There are a plethora of monthly beer clubs out there, and choosing one that suits your needs can be a challenge. So take your time, review all the options and make sure the program you've chosen is a reputable one. A few of the more popular clubs are members of the Better Business Bureau, which provides customers with an option should they have a dispute with the club.

Many beer-of-the-month clubs have options as to which kinds of beer you can receive each month, so a big part of enjoying the process is figuring out which kind of beer you would prefer to receive.

If you are the kind of person who is satisfied by the run-of-the-mill flavors that are produced by small microbreweries, then choosing a plan which focuses on those kinds of beers likely will suit you. If you are someone who has a limited budget, this is probably the best option for financial reasons. Most beer-of-the-month clubs offer a basic service such as this, which runs between $25-35 per month plus shipping and handling.

However, if you are the kind of person who has a flair for exciting things, then a club which offers both domestic and foreign selections would be best for you. This variety is a little pricier, at around $40 a month plus shipping and handling with most clubs.

For the truly experimental and daring beer connoisseurs, a club which offers rare brands of beers may be the way to get the most enjoyment from your membership. These clubs offers limited-release products which promise bold and exciting flavors. They are creatively prepared and can provide quite an experience for the exotic beer lover. However, they also are the most pricey, at $45-70 a month plus shipping and handling.

Once you have decided which kind of club and style of beer best meets your needs, another way to make the beer-of-the-month club experience more exciting is to share it with others. Why not gather a group of friends, family members and neighbors and form a once-monthly club of your own? Each member could subscribe to a different kind of beer, and then the group members could share their selections with one another during a monthly meeting. This kind of gathering not only allows for a broader selection of beer to be tasted at a price everyone can afford - but also provides an opportunity for beer-of-the-month club members to discuss their love of all things fine-brewed. Give it a try for a unique beer-sharing experience.

Beer Club FAQ

How expensive is a Beer Club membership?

Most beer clubs run somewhere between $30 and $45 per delivery, before shipping. The cost of shipping is also something to consider when looking at the total price. Many companies charge a flat rate fee for each delivery, while others provide free shipping to customers. Beer club shoppers will find the option to pay for the entirety of the club up front or be charged at each delivery.

How frequently will the beer be delivered?

The frequency of beer club deliveries depends on you. Some beer club memberships offer a ton of flexibility in term options. Choose from monthly, every other month, seasonal or quarterly deliveries depending on your needs and budget.

Is my satisfaction guaranteed?

Most Beer Club memberships stand behind their products. But, due to State laws, alcohol sales are generally non-refundable. If a package arrives damaged or all together missing it's typically standard market practice to replace or refund for those particular problems. Please read the fine print before choosing a Beer Club membership.

Is a Beer Club a good gift?

Beer clubs can be a great gift for the beer lovers in your life and those hard to shop for family members. Imagine delicious, hard to find and unique, beers arriving each month to your gift recipient. Beer clubs can also make a wonderful business gift for your special client.

Will the delivery include cans or bottles of beer?

Depending on the club and the specific sourced brewery selected you may receive bottled beer, canned beer or both. That is typically determined by the brewery the club has partnered with.

Where does the beer come from?

Beer clubs source their beers from domestic and internal breweries - it often depends on the company you decide to go with. Companies look for hard to find and unique, delicious beer selections that are sure to impress even the hardest to please palate.

What can I expect with each beer club delivery?

Each beer club will specifically identify what is included with membership deliveries. Most can anticipate 12 to 24 beers, a newsletter or tasting notes explaining where the beer was brewed, and, even perhaps, a bottle opener for fun.

What's the cost of shipping?

Delivering alcohol does often come with a price tag. Many clubs charge a flat fee around $15 for each delivery while others cover the cost for members. Any associated shipping cost really depends on the specific club that is chosen but we hope this gives you a general idea.

Bottles vs. cans, is there a difference?

While in the past, bottles were superior to cans, these days brewers have optimized their materials such that cans no longer impart a metallic taste. In addition, cans protect beer from the sun more efficiently, and are therefore less susceptible to skunking. While there may be nothing more satisfying than the pop of a freshly-opened bottle of beer, they're technically no longer the optimal beer medium; at the very least, you don't need to worry about cans included in your shipment.

How much should I expect to pay for a beer club?

Most beer clubs range between $40-$55 per month with shipping included. If it costs more than that, there better be a good reason.

Do I need to worry about auto-renewing charges?

Most beer clubs let you choose how many months you pay in advance, likely due to the fact that beer clubs are often gifted. If you end up loving your club however, you can choose to enable auto-renewal. A club for which an ongoing subscription is the only option is likely not the best club for you.

What kind of quality can I expect?

The good beer clubs give you all the information you need about previously chosen beers and their selection process; some of the best show you everything they've ever shipped. In short, be sure to check their past offerings before subscribing to a beer club.

Bottles break, what if my shipment breaks in transit?

All of the clubs featured here offer to replace any shipments that are damaged in transit. While it is undoubtedly a pain if it happens, you won't need to worry about getting ripped off.

Can you age beers?

Yes! ...sometimes. Some of the clubs on our list specifically curate high-quality beers that can be cellared, and allowed to mature for a number of years. As a general rule of thumb, darker beers age better, and if they can be aged, the informative guide included in most shipments will let you know. For most beers, however, they'll keep fresh for about two years if refrigerated.

Are Beer-of-the-Month Clubs Fun in 2025?

Are Beer-of-the-Month Clubs Fun?

Beer Club FAQ