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Monday, October 14th
While there is no denying the creative energy and quality of United States craft beers, beer lovers have to respect the weight and quality that comes with tradition in the international beer scene.
International beers without the plane ticket
The Reinheitsgebot (German beer purity laws) were made in 1516; monks have been fasting through Lent on Bock's alone since at least the 1650s, when the Pope gave them express permission. In short, centuries of tradition and practice inform the international beer scene, and the International Beer Club from the Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club offers a convenient way to taste that tradition (and current innovations) without an international plane ticket.
A bit pricier
While slightly pricier than Microbrewed's all-domestic plans, the International Beer Club ships you a nice 12-pack of international beers for $43.95 per month, plus $16 shipping: $59.95 total. At that price, you'll receive two styles per shipment, a newsletter with beer news, tasting notes, and food pairings, and a free bottle opener after three shipments. While the extras are nice, we also appreciate their clearly defined, easy to navigate pricing options.
Well documented quality
A big plus for us is the ability to see all beers from previous months, and reorder favorites; clarity and confidence in a product is an excellent way to receive good marks from us. Additionally, as all selections are sourced through brewery relationships and competitions, and are blind-tested by a panel of expert brewers and judges, you can be guaranteed that the beer you receive is considered quality by experts in the field. Keep in mind, however, that while you can reorder your favorites through their website, this is separate from the monthly shipment.
A taste-based international tour
Half the fun of a beer club is the discovery, enjoying the unexpected, and broadening your palate. While we would have appreciated more than two styles per shipment, the International Beer Club is a top choice on our list, and excellent selection for those looking to gain (or give) a slice of brewery tradition and innovation outside the U.S. craft scene.
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