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Monday, November 4th
Offered by Great Clubs, the Beer of the Month Club is a fairly standard beer club that's been in business since 1994. They don't offer a ton of information about their selection process or history, aside from time in the business, and an assurance that all beers chosen are microbrews: sourced from small breweries.
Standard club for a standard price
The Beer of the Month Club is a relatively standard subscription: each month, you will receive 12 bottles/cans of four styles (from an unspecified number of breweries), with the Beer Expeditions monthly newsletter included. Beer Expeditions includes information about this month's beer and breweries with tasting notes and serving suggestions. At $51.95 per month, this is comparable in price to most mid-tier beer clubs on our list.
No past selections
The Beer of the Month Club doesn't index their previously chosen beers, and they do not detail their selection process in any meaningful way. While they do provide one sample of previously chosen beers, this selection is not dated, and a single example does not give an accurate view of the quality of the Beer of the Month Club.
A good refund policy
One thing we do appreciate about the Beer of the Month Club is their happiness guarantee. They offer to replace and refund any damaged or unused shipments. However their guarantee would be even more appreciated if we could view what went into choosing the product.
Nothing bad but nothing great either
In short, while the Beer of the Month Club offers microbrewed beers at a fair price, and has a good return/refund policy, there isn't a whole lot to distinguish them from their competitors. Other clubs are cheaper, or offer better volume; still other clubs on our list provide interesting themes for their beers, or more clearly communicate their selection process, for about the same price. In short, there are better clubs on our list in most categories, and while not bad, we don't really see anything extraordinary about Beer of the Month Club either.
Why have beer clubs become so popular? You might be surprised. For starters, monthly beer clubs provide a consistent and reliable way to try out new and unique beer styles that may not be readily available at local stores or bars. This allows members to broaden their horizons and experience the diversity of the craft beer world.
Another advantage of a monthly beer club is the convenience it provides. Members receive a regular supply of curated beers, saving them time and effort in researching and purchasing new beers on their own. This can be particularly valuable for people who don't have access to a wide range of beers in their local area. Beer clubs typically ship their beers directly to the member's home, which means that they don't even need to leave their house to try delicious new flavors.
Also, a monthly beer club can provide a sense of anticipation and excitement. Members look forward to the arrival of their monthly shipment, eager to discover new beers and expand their knowledge and experience of beer. Many beer clubs include detailed information about the beers they offer, including the brewing process, the ingredients used, and the history of the beer. This anticipation can add to the enjoyment of the experience, making it a fun and engaging way to explore the world of beer.
Here's a fun fact about beer to get you started: some anthropologists theorize that the shift from a hunter-gatherer society to sedentary farming was partially caused by one key technological innovation. That would be brewing!
These days, if we want a drink, we only need to decide whether we'll drive to the local bottle shop, or join in a growing trend and have it shipped right to our door. Since the 90's, monthly beer clubs have been an increasingly popular way to gift or receive expert-curated beer. So whether you're looking to explore new beer styles, discover the unexpected, or gift the same to a friend, family, co-worker or acquaintance, now is an excellent time to take advantage of the diversity of modern brewing, and explore something fresh with a monthly beer club.
There are, however, quite a number of beer clubs out there, and it can be difficult to compare them all. Some specialize in the highest quality (and highest priced) craft beer experiences, others offer interesting stylistic or regional themes, still others just ship you 12 good beers with no frills about it. After surveying the best (and a few of the rest), Top Consumer Reviews has found some key points to look for as you make your choice:
While many clubs seem similar, not all are up to the mark. At Top Consumer Reviews, we have searched with an eye for the interesting, intriguing, and quality-consistent, to find only the best Beer Clubs to fill your fridge. Whatever your specific tastes, we are certain you'll find a club that fits yours. Cheers!
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