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Monday, January 13th
The U.S. Microbrewed Beer Club is the original offering from Microbrewed Beer of the Month, and is the club that gave the company its name. Running since 1995, the U.S. Microbrewed Beer Club has been running since mail order meant ordering through the mail.
A history of quality at a good price
The U.S. Microbrewed Beer Club has been sending out selections from the U.S. craft scene for over 28 years. At $35.95 per month plus $16 shipping, its $51.95 price tag makes it moderately more expensive than other domestic craft clubs on our list. (But, the extra $10 or so a month appears to be paying for higher quality). While it is a shame to have to pay shipping, we strongly appreciate the clarity with which they lay out their pricing.
Some interesting extras
The U.S. Microbrewed Beer Club comes with The Malt of the Earth, their monthly newsletter, in addition to brewery notes, tasting info, and suggested pairings. Half the fun of a beer club is the discovery, and we like that their newsletter contributes to that dynamic. You can also reorder favorites; however, these are separate from your monthly shipments. And - though small - the free bottle opener is a nice touch.
Clearly defined, rigorous selection process
The U.S. Microbrewed Beer Club has a clear and well-explained process for picking your beers; sourced by their panel of expert critics, brewers, and judges, not only do they search competitions and showcases for the best, but run them through a blind-taste-test before they're listed in the club. We give this company kudos for not only the care that goes into choosing their curated product, but also for their transparency in what they share with customers.
Well-documented past selections
If you're curious as to whether the U.S. Microbrewed Beer Club is right for you or your planned recipient, every beer they've ever chosen is listed all the way back to 1995. We appreciate that this club has the confidence in their product to display exactly what they've curated, unlike other Beer Clubs which don't even tell you how they choose.
The best un-themed domestic club on our list
With a clear purchasing process, quality offerings, and a reasonable price, the U.S. Microbrewed Beer Club is the best domestic craft club on our list. If you're not looking for any kind of regional or stylistic theme, and just need a random selection of highly-rated beers, you'll likely love the U.S. Microbrewed Beer Club. They earn our highest rating.
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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