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Tuesday, March 19th
While the Original Craft Beer Club may be original, they don't appear to have any credentials to back that claim. Originality aside, the Original Craft Beer Club offers some reasonably priced beer shipped monthly to your door, so let's see what they offer:
No pre-pay options
The Original Craft Beer Club has some competitive pricing, at $47.95 per month for twelve bottles, and $95.90 for 24. However, the Original Craft Beer Club is a subscription only, without the option to prepay for a set number of months. Compared to more flexible offerings from competitors, the subscription-only model feels a bit underhanded, as it requires active cancellation as opposed to letting a pre-pay run out. That being said, the 24 bottles per month could be a plus for those looking for a higher quantity in their monthly club.
What's in the box? Who knows?
While we appreciate the range of styles they included - 4 beer styles over 12 to 24 bottles provides a nice variety and quantity - the Original Craft Beer Club does not provide any information on how they choose which breweries to feature. Additionally, they do not list examples of what was in their previous boxes, so there is no way to assess the quality of previous shipments. We would've appreciated a bit more clarity as to what goes into choosing their beers, and which beers were chosen in the past.
Changing websites, lost in transition
After a bit of digging, it would appear that part of the Original Craft Beer Club's lack of information is due to the fact that they are in the process of changing websites, and likely have yet to migrate all the necessary information. It is unfortunate that their technical changes have occluded the quality of their product; however, with no information about how they choose their monthly shipments, and no examples of the quality of previous shipments, it's harder to recommend their service. Independent reviewers note that the beers from the Original Craft Beer Club have been high-quality, but not necessarily exciting.
High bottle count, but little else
In short, if you're looking for a more inexpensive beer club with higher-bottle-count options, the Original Craft Beer Club will likely be a good purchase or gift. However, for those seeking exciting beers, themed shipments, or customizable options, you'd be best to look elsewhere
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!
Select any 2 Beer Clubs to compare them head to head