What is the Best Whiskey Club Available Online? When you think of a classic drink, among the favorites like vodka and rum, one of the top picks for mixers and a relaxing boozy beverage on the rocks is whiskey. Whiskey is a versatile drink: whether you like a classic Crown Royal or something a little more exotic, whiskey's various flavors are enhanced by "notes" and scents that will bring out your inner bartender.
Best Option
RackHouse Whiskey Club is a subscription platform that allows you to curate the subscription to best suit your whiskey needs. You may choose between 1- or 2-bottle packages and you can expect your whiskey every 2 months. RackHouse Whiskey Club stands out by providing an opportunity to share whiskey with your friends and invites you to be part of a whiskey community rather than just enjoying the whiskey all on your own. This club is a popular choice, having been featured in Whisky Advocate, Touch of Modern, US Weekly, NBC, Bourbon Pursuit, Business Record, Whiskey Wash, and The Fred Minnick Show.
American and international flavors
RackHouse Whiskey Club is a whiskey-focused site that offers a range of bourbon, traditional whiskey, and rye. You can also find some limited-release whiskeys and a few extras like moonshine, liqueurs, and vodkas. At the time of our review, the limited release was the Florida Bastard Whiskey. The whiskeys offered by RackHouse Whiskey Club are mostly American, but you can also find a selection of Japanese and other international whiskeys.
Choose from 1 or 2 bottles
There are two membership tiers to choose from at RackHouse Whiskey Club. The Gold Membership includes 1 full-size bottle of whiskey, bourbon, or rye alongside a gift from the distillery owner. This comes in a 2-month frequency and costs $89 for each shipment. The second option is a Platinum Membership which offers 2 whiskeys from craft distilleries and a gift from the distillery owner in each shipment. This also comes every 2 months and costs $129 for each box. You can expect to see brands like Black Button Distilling, Barrell Craft Spirits, Boot Hill Distillery, Molly Brown Spirits, and more.
Prices from $25 to $264 for the full menu
The a-la-carte menu is competitive as there are 150 different products to choose from. Prices across the entire selection (including liqueurs, moonshines, vodkas, and more) range from $25 to $264. 63 of the total offerings are whiskey with prices ranging from $40 for a White Whiskey from Boot Hill Distillery to $234 for Meiyo 15 YO Japanese Pure Malt Whisky.
Free shipping for all clubs
One of the benefits of going with RackHouse Whiskey Club is that the shipping costs are free no matter which package you choose. The Gold Membership and Platinum Membership both offer 100% free shipping on every order. If you choose to get a one-time gift box, that also offers free shipping for the one-time order.
Rave reviews, but missing some buzz
While RackHouse Whiskey Club is well-rated, the buzz for this whiskey club provider is a little scarce. With a 4.8-star average, customers who have ordered RackHouse Whiskey Club's memberships are over the moon about the experience. However, on one review site, there were only 19 total reviews. For a service that's been open since 2018, we would expect more feedback overall. However, the feedback that exists is highly positive, recommending this as an easy-to-use site to get unique bottles of whiskey.
Top pick: Best all-around service
RackHouse Whiskey Club is a new kid on the block in terms of its buzz, but it's a rising star based on the 4.8-star average ratings. With the option to choose 1 or 2 full-size bottles, a competitive cost per shipment, and a range of whiskeys from American-made to international brands, you get a ton of bang for your buck with this service. Plus, with a full a-la-carte menu with a range of spirits, you can enjoy this one-stop shop, and rebuy the whiskeys you get in your shipments. With zero downsides (and free shipping), RackHouse Whiskey Club takes the cake as our top pick for whiskey clubs in our review, earning a full 5 stars.
Great
Flaviar is a growing subscription service that offers a variety of different spirits. As a member, you don't just get access to whiskey every month, but also access to a variety of exclusive drinks and invite-only events created by Flaviar. There's only one monthly club to choose from for whiskey fans, but if you're looking for the ultimate home-bar one-stop shop, Flaviar is the place to check. The goal of Flaviar's subscriptions and a-la-carte offerings is to provide you with a boozy experience that's "inspired by culture."
One-stop shop menu
The Flaviar menu is extensive, offering a range of whiskeys including bourbon, rye, scotch, Irish whiskey, and international whiskey. You can also find an impressive range of other spirits to add to your home bar. This one-stop shop includes moonshine, tequila, mezcal, vodka, rum, gin, cognac, brandy, and even some non-alcoholic spirits if you want to join the trendy mocktail party. You can also find a range of mixers and bitters to add to your home bar, so you can show off your mixology skills with your family and friends.
2 ways to subscribe for $62 to $73 per box
The whiskey club offered by Flaviar is the Champions of Bourbon. This subscription box has earned awards from journals and publications like Whisky Advocate, Jim Murray's Whisky Bible, Wine Enthusiast, World Spirits Competition, and L.A. Spirits Awards. There are two ways to subscribe. You can choose from a pay-as-you-go style which offers 1 award-winning bottle of bourbon every month. You'll be charged month-to-month for each shipment, and the charge will appear right before your box is sent out. The cost for pay-as-you-go is $73 per box. You can also choose to prepay for 3 deliveries, which also includes 1 award-winning bottle of bourbon in each shipment. This costs $62 per delivery at $186 total for the pre-pay fee.
1 full-size bourbon
Every box includes a full bottle of bourbon that's guaranteed to have won a gold award or higher. Some of the previous full-size bourbons included are:
Over 5,000 different spirits a-la-carte
On the a-la-carte menu, Flaviar has over 5,000 individual bottles of liquor to choose from. Prices across the board range from $40.80 to $251,110 (!). If you're looking for whiskey prices, specifically you can find the lowest-cost whiskey in the Milam & Greene Port Wine Cask Finish Straight Whiskey for $50.99. The top-tier whiskey offered at Flaviar is the 1950 Macallan Fine & Rare Vintage Single Malt Scotch for $66,665.99. You can find your preferred spirits by brand, cost, region, and country if you're looking for something specific. And, you'll get discounts for being a subscriber.
Flaviar Black for $40 per year
On top of the Champions of Bourbon subscription, you can also join the Flaviar Black club which offers you special membership pricing on hundreds of bottles of all kinds of spirits, free shipping on some items, and exclusive access to limited bottle releases. This membership costs $40 per year, and you can grab sample-size bottles and full-size bottles any time you want.
Shipping included in club price or free for some bottles
Shipping is included in the cost of your membership fees if you join the Champions of Bourbon. If you just want to join the Flaviar Black membership, you can score free shipping on a range of bottles across all spirits on the website. If you're not sure which ones, don't worry; the whiskeys and other spirits will list "free shipping" on any eligible item.
A more balanced reputation than in recent years
When it comes to customer feedback, Flaviar stands out for having a solid reputation. Flaviar holds an "A-" rating from the Better Business Bureau and a multitude of awards for its bottle selections. On one third-party review site, Flaviar holds a 4.6-star average rating out of 5. However, on Trustpilot, the reviews are a little more balanced with a 3.5-star average. Customers agree that this is a great spot for beginners who want to enjoy a wide variety of whiskeys that you wouldn't try otherwise. However, some customers are saying that the shipments aren't the same value for the cost as they used to be. While some customers praise the selection, others are frustrated by slow shipments. Considering how popular Flaviar was a few years ago, this slight decline is a little disheartening.
Top one-stop shop
Flaviar is a top pick for its 5,000+ bottle selection and unique benefits for its membership and subscription programs. While its reputation has fallen a little in recent years, it's still a heavy hitter if you want a one-stop shop that includes a whiskey subscription, so you can get everything you want and then some from one easy website. However, if you're looking for the whiskey club with the top ratings, the slide in customer feedback keeps Flaviar from the top of the list. However, it still earns a highly competitive third-place finish in our review due to its awards and one-stop-shop supremacy.
Great
Blind Barrels is a whiskey service designed as a subscription. Rather than being a boozy retailer that happens to have a whiskey club, Blind Barrels is built around the whiskey club in the first place. Known for its popularity with journals like Men's Gear, Men's Journal, UrbanDaddy, and Bourbon & Banter, Blind Barrels gets high praise for its quality and variety. Blind Barrels was founded by whiskey fans (both expert and amateur) who have different tastes, ensuring a unique exploration of whiskey that isn't set with one specific type or flavor.
47 American whiskeys to choose from
The online menu for Blind Barrels is 100% whiskey. You can find a range of ryes, bourbons, malts, and more. The whiskeys at Blind Barrels are all sourced from American distilleries, and there are a total of 47 different whiskeys to choose from. You can also find a range of different merch items at Blind Barrels to compliment your home bar. (In our opinion, the best item is the Blind Barrels Glencairn Tasting Glass.) But you can also find Blind Barrels t-shirts and lid hats. However, if you're looking for more than just American whiskey, though, you may be disappointed.
2 subscription commitments
Blind Barrels offers a Quarterly Kit and an Annual Kit. The Quarterly Kit includes a free custom tasting glass (only sent once) and 4 bottles of whiskey every 3 months. This option costs $59.99 per kit, billed at the time of each shipment. The Annual Kit is the same delivery frequency, quarterly, but the total cost per box is lower at $49.99 per kit. However, this cost is billed upfront annually at $199.99 per year. If you're not sure about Blind Barrels and want to test out the boxes before you commit to a quarterly or annual subscription, you can also try the 1 Box Only purchase for $69.99 per kit. The only difference is you don't get a free tasting glass with this purchase.
4 sample sizes in every box
In each box, you can expect 4 samples of a blind whiskey tasting. The descriptions are included on a QR code to check out what you're trying. You'll also get a tasting table that includes aromatics and tasting notes so you can learn more about whiskey tasting while you enjoy the experience. You'll also get access to the full bottles of the flavors you're sent at a discounted price. This way, if you love a flavor of whiskey in your recent shipment, you can pick up the full size without paying the full market price.
Individual bottles from $49.99 to $115.99
If you buy from Blind Barrels' "Bottle Shop" you can expect to find costs per bottle from $49.99 to $249.99. However many of the whiskeys at Blind Barrels are regrettably out of stock. For example, during our research, we found the top five whiskeys were 100% unavailable for purchase. The highest-priced whiskey you can buy is KROBAR Cask Strength Bourbon for $115.99 ($99.99 for whiskey club members). We found the same issue in the lower-cost whiskeys too. Many were totally out of stock. The lowest-cost whiskey at Blind Barrels available is the Casey Jones Distillery - Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey for $49.99. Only 24 of the 47 whiskeys listed at Blind Barrels were actually in stock.
Shipping from $12.50 to $15 per box
The cost of shipping depends on which membership you choose. For the Quarterly Kit, the cost of shipping is a flat rate of $15 per box. For the Annual cost, shipping is also billed annually, and the total shipping is $12.50 per kit, but will cost a total of $50 per year prepaid. For a single box, you'll go back to the $15 per box in shipping costs.
Customers love the variety and value
At the time of our review, Blind Barrels was not rated by the Better Business Bureau. So, instead, we focused our research on third-party reviews from customers who have ordered from Blind Barrels before. On one third-party review site, Blind Barrels held a perfect 5 stars across 220 individual reviews. Customers loved the variety of whiskeys offered by Blind Barrels, saying they were exposed to "whiskeys that we may not have an opportunity to try otherwise." Reviewers also loved the packaging, the value for the cost, and the impressive flavor profiles.
Best option for American whiskey
Blind Barrels is a standout choice if you're looking for a whiskey club that offers multiple whiskeys per box. It's a perfect choice for those interested in trying new American whiskeys, with a value of around $15 per sample for top whiskeys from choice distilleries. You can even try out the box with a single purchase before you commit. Someone looking for a 100% whiskey-focused experience will love Blind Barrels. For these reasons, it is one of our top picks for trying strictly American whiskey.
Very Good
Shots Box is a whiskey club that got started in 2017. Its goal is to increase the reach of craft distilleries by creating boxes to share small-batch spirits with those who will appreciate them. Shots Box prides itself on constantly updating and adding to the list of brands available. You can find a range of other unique liquors in the Shots Box shop. Plus, if you join as a subscription member, you get access to a range of features including virtual tastings and meetups (if you're local) in Southern California.
A worldwide menu
Shots Box offers a solid menu with a range of different spirits. Outside of the whiskey box, Shots Box offers gin, rum, tequila, mezcal, vodka, baiju, liqueur, and cocktail selections for building up your home bar. There are 357 different full-size bottles of spirits at Shots Box, and you can find exotic flavors from anywhere in the world. Plus, on top of the whiskey club, Shots Box offers clubs for Clear Spirits, Dark Spirits, Mixed Spirits, and the Margarita Shots Box.
Full or half-year memberships
Shots Box offers two ways to subscribe: a full year of whiskey and a half-year of whiskey. The Annual Membership costs $599 and includes perks like 10% off the entire online store, special live events, free shipping, early access to new releases, and free Glencairn tasting glasses. The boxes are shipped every 2 months, so the price covers 6 club boxes. The Half-year Membership costs $359.99 and covers 3 total boxes with the same perks.
5 minis and 1 full-size bottle
Every box comes with five 50ml bottles and 1 full-size 750ml bottle of whiskey. The process is a little different with Shots Box than with some other sites. First, Shots Box sends your "tasting box" which includes the five minis. From those five minis, you can choose a whiskey to be sent in a full-size bottle the following month. The listing notes that you get a "complimentary" whiskey bottle in your first order. So, Shots Box will choose the first full-size whiskey for you.
A-la-carte prices from $69.99 to $179.99
If you're curious about the a-la-carte shop, Shots Box has a solid selection of popular spirits. Across the entire menu, the prices ranged from $69.99 for Dos Gabachos Mezcal to $179.99 for Stonehouse Triple Barrel Rum. If you're interested in just whiskey, the prices range from $5 for a mini size of Ezra Brook Rye Whiskey to $159.99 for Wildrye Distilling 10th Anniversary Five Drops Bourbon. There are plenty of options in between too, and all of them were in stock at the time of our review.
Increased reputation over the years
While Shots Box isn't rated by the Better Business Bureau, our research shows that it's a highly popular platform for grabbing your next whiskey club. According to third-party reviews on Trustpilot, Shots Box has increased its reputation in recent years. It now holds a solid 4.3 stars out of 5. Customers have left high praise for the level of customer service offered by Shots Box. There are also 5-star reviews for the speed of shipping, selection of spirits, and value for money. Now, there were a few reviews that noted the whiskey club has "standard stuff" that wasn't as interesting to that reviewer, but without other specific whiskey club reviews to go off of (most cover only the entire company experience), it could be that this customer is just very well-versed in whiskey already.
Try before you buy
While this whiskey club is a little costly, it has a lot to offer. You get to try five whiskeys in each box, and then enjoy a full-size bottle of your favorite flavor. The boxes come every 2 months, with discounts for shopping online with Shots Box and free shipping. Many customers praise the overall experience at Shots Box and the impressive level of customer service. Given the unique approach of trying out flavors before getting a full size of your favorite, Shots Box earns a solid score in our review.
Good
Bitters & Bottles is a whiskey club made for those who love cocktail-making and want to improve their home bar. This subscription service offers spirits, mixers, and classic cocktail recipes in every box. The company's main focus is as a place to buy craft spirits and cocktail supplies a-la-carte, and the whiskey club is one of many features of this one-stop shop for boozy delights. The best part? Bitters & Bottles sells full-size items every month.
One-stop shop menu
Bitters & Bottles has a sprawling menu of whiskey including bourbons, ryes, and flights. Outside of whiskey, you can find rum, tequila, mezcal, brandy, vodka, and a range of liqueurs, and there are subscription boxes for each kind of spirit. The Whiskey Club focuses on providing you with a curated selection of whiskey throughout the year. Whiskeys are picked by the Bitters & Bottles team from single barrels and limited-release whiskeys at top distilleries in the US. You can also grab the Old Fashioned Club subscription if you want a different take on whiskey. This option sends you the important ingredients to "learn modern riffs on the Old Fashioned".
Two boxes between $90 to $110
Both the Whiskey Club and the Old Fashioned Club are shipped in quarterly boxes. Both are listed as "free to join", but each shipment does have a quarterly cost. The ultimate cost is unknown as Bitters & Bottles changes the final charge depending on what they curate for you. The site estimates that both boxes will cost about $90 per quarter. There is no guarantee on the pricing other than a promise that your box will always be under $110. The quarterly shipments are fixed, so you'll receive a box in March, June, September, and December. At the time you start your subscription, you won't be charged, so there's no immediate cost. You will receive your charge of between $90 to $110 right before it ships.
One whiskey per shipment
The Whiskey Club shipments include a full-size bottle of whiskey every time. This will generally be a limited edition whiskey and always from an American distillery. Some recent selections include Russel's Reserve Camp Nelson, Peerless Bourbon, and Rare Character Bourbon. There aren't a lot of details beyond that, but you do get some recipes for mixing drinks if you like. On the other hand, you can go with the Old Fashioned Box. This includes a recipe and all the ingredients for that signature drink every quarter.
A-la-carte whiskeys from $16.50 to $7,399.50
The a-la-carte menu offers a wide range of different spirits and liqueurs for the best home bar experience. Prices range from $16.50 per bottle for a Buffalo Trace B&B Single Barrel Select Bourbon up to $7,399.50 for a WL Weller Millenium Blend Bourbon. You can also buy pre-made cocktails, alcohol-free drinks, and a range of supplies including bitters, syrups, bar tools, and more to help bolster your bartending dreams. Plus, if you're a member of a whiskey club here, you'll get 4x reward points on other purchases through Bitters & Bottles.
Shipping free for members
Shipping for Bitters & Bottles is around $12.99 for non-members. But, if you're signed up for the Bitters & Bottles rewards program, you'll be able to get shipping for free. If you purchase a-la-carte you can expect 2-5 day delivery and a 30-day return policy for bar supplies. All alcohol sales are final and aren't included in the return policy. Any canceled orders or returns will be charged a 10% restocking fee.
Customers like the store
Customers who have tried Bitters & Bottles generally seem very satisfied. Based on our research, third-party review sites show that the service holds an outstanding 4.9 out of 5-star average rating. However, a large portion of these reviews come from people in California who frequently visit the physical store. Finding recent feedback specifically about the subscription service was more challenging, and many available reviews are from blog sites rather than verified customers who paid for their whiskey. While customers praise the selections on the site's menu (including the whiskeys), there isn't much buzz yet for the whiskey club itself.
A balanced option with a full bottle per quarter
Getting a full bottle of whiskey in every shipment is a great deal, but some aspects of Bitters & Bottles may make it less ideal for some customers. First, the fact that the cost could change month to month may cause some frustration. Further, if you're looking for a wide variety in each subscription box, you may be disappointed. If you don't like the bottle you get, you're out of luck for the quarter. While the benefits of being a rewards member can help with shipping costs, and the a-la-carte menu is fairly impressive, Bitters & Bottles is missing more buzz for its whiskey club, specifically.
Average
Pour More is a modern whiskey club designed for those who are interested in high-quality spirits and want to add new bottles to their home bar collections. You can find a variety of different clubs at Pour More and multiple different options for just whiskey. One of the best features of Pour More is its flexibility-not only can you choose the type of whiskey you want, but you also have control over your membership level and how often you receive shipments.
Club-only service
You can find a range of spirit-based clubs at Pour More including bourbon, scotch, tequila, mezcal, and rum. However, if you're hoping for an a-la-carte menu, you might be disappointed. Currently, Pour More only offers subscriptions. So, if you're hoping to re-buy a whiskey after you get a taste in your club membership, you'll have to hunt down the bottle yourself from another retailer.
Four subscriptions with whiskey
Four different clubs at Pour More include whiskey. The first three, The Whiskey of the Month Club, the Scotch of the Month Club, and the Bourbon of the Month Club, are all 100% whiskey. The fourth option is the Bartender Club which offers a range of different spirits including whiskey, for those who want a wider variety. All of the clubs start at $50 and most of them offer 3 tiers: Intro, Explorer, and Enthusiast. Here's how the prices shake out:
1 bottle per box
In each box, you'll get one full bottle of whiskey (or any spirit if you choose the Bartender club). The whiskeys will be unique finds with different levels of commitment. The Intro level includes more common whiskeys and just lets you enjoy branching out from what you're used to. The Explorer Club takes a "deeper dive" into whiskey, offering a taste of more unique finds from around the world. Finally, the Enthusiast level offers you top-shelf whiskeys with high-quality labels.
Shipping around $20 per box
Regrettably, shipping costs are not included in the price of the boxes. For our area, the standard shipping cost was $20 per box, which is a little steep, but relatively similar to other whiskey clubs that charge for shipping. This price may also change depending on your location. However, keep in mind that Pour More currently doesn't ship to Arkansas, Tennessee, Utah, Michigan, and South Dakota.
Mixed reviews with shipping concerns
Our research shows that Pour More has somewhat middle-of-the-road ratings from customers. According to the Better Business Bureau, this whiskey club provider holds a "B-" rating overall. On third-party review sites like Trustpilot, Pour More holds a 3.2-star average rating. The recent reviews are back and forth between a full 5-star rating praising the simple process and unique selection, and 1-star ratings complaining about difficulties with payment, missing shipments, and long shipping times. Some customers said they were charged even when bottles didn't arrive, and there was no refund offered despite the issue being on the part of the shipping provider.
Lots of clubs but not enough service
While Pour More has a lot of options in terms of clubs, it falls behind in two ways: there are no a-la-carte options to purchase through this platform, and the reviews show a pattern of complaints with shipping concerns. While the boxes are still reasonably priced, especially at the lower tiers, you might prefer a place that allows you to buy individual bottles, especially if you find something you like in the whiskey club. Considering the mid-tier ratings from Trustpilot and the BBB, Pour More earns just an average score in our review until it improves its customer service and shipping concerns.
Average
Westward Whiskey Club has been around for 20 years, and not only does it offer whiskey for sale, but this online retailer is also its own distillery. Promising the award-winning flavors and expressions from the American Northwest, Westward Whiskey Club is a subscription made with one focus: getting the hand-made craft whiskeys offered by Westward Whiskey out to the public. The one obvious drawback? You won't find any whiskey from other distilleries. This club is 100% Westward Whiskey only.
45 bottles of whiskey
While the menu might be a little more limited than some whiskey clubs because all of the whiskeys are from the same distillery, you can still expect to find some unique blends at Westward Whiskey Club. From spiced whiskey, rum cask, stout cask, sherry cask, and malts, there are plenty of ways to try and taste whiskey here. There are 45 different products and packages to choose from on the a-la-carte menu. Plus, you can buy merch as well as barware to upgrade your home bar experience.
1 or 3 bottles per quarter
There are two membership tiers at Westward Whiskey Club: the Expedition Club and the Founders Club. The Expedition Club includes a bottle of whiskey, a complimentary Westward Experience for you and a guest every year, access to exclusive releases, first access to Westward Whiskey events, and 15% off merchandise. However, there aren't exact prices available. Each quarter, you'll be offered the release bottles, and you get to choose the one you want most, but the cost will be slightly different depending on your choices.
How much does it cost?
Westward Whiskey Club estimates that most members of the Expedition Club spend around $100 per quarter. For the Founders Club, the inclusions are the same except that you get 3 bottles per quarter instead of 1. Oddly, the site still says the cost is around $100 per quarter, which seems unlikely given the increase in the number of bottles per quarter. We'd love to see a bit more transparency (or accuracy) for the costs.
A-la-carte prices from $64.95 to $249.95
If you're hoping to grab a bottle of whiskey from the online shop, many of the prices will be about the same, since all the bottles are made and distilled at Westward Whiskey. The least costly whiskey is the Westward Whiskey Women of Westward Benefit Barrel for $64.95 per bottle. On the high end, you'll find the Westward Whiskey Milestone, Edition No. 2 A Discovery of Spice at $249.95 per bottle. You can also find a range of collections with three or four bottles per purchase if you want to try multiple whiskeys in one shipment.
Free shipping on all orders
According to our research, Westward Whiskey offers shipments in Oregon and 30 other US states through its fulfillment partner. However, Westward Whiskey Club does not say which states are able to receive their items. On the bright side, shipping is 100% free on all orders whether through the club memberships or the a-la-carte shop.
Not enough buzz for Westward Whiskey
At the time of our review, there wasn't a lot of buzz for Westward Whiskey Club or the shop itself. There were a handful of reviews on Yelp that discussed the whiskey tastings and events which had full 5-star ratings. However, for the whiskeys themselves or the club experience, there isn't much buzz to go off of. One retailer that sells Westward Whiskey spirits showed a 4.5-star average on one of the whiskeys, so you can be sure you're getting solid quality, but for now, there isn't enough detail about the club itself to get a good read on the quality of customer experiences.
Best for those who love craft whiskey
Westward Whiskey Club is a fun option if you want to support a craft distillery directly. But if you're someone who wants a wide variety of whiskey and a more established company, Westward Whiskey Club may not be your first choice. While the few reviews we found were positive, there isn't enough buzz yet for this Oregon-based whiskey shop.
Fair
For whiskey lovers looking to discover rare or small-batch selections, Craft Whisky Club, based in Edinburgh, Scotland, offers a one-of-a-kind experience. This subscription service stands out by delivering exclusive whiskeys from distilleries across the world along with hand-selected artisanal food pairings. Designed for those who enjoy venturing beyond mainstream options, this service introduces premium blends and distinctive whiskey expressions. Craft Whisky Club has been featured in journals and publications like Esquire, The Whisky Lady, The Whiskey Wash, and Whisky Advocate.
No a-la-carte menu or other liquors
Craft Whisky Club is 100% focused on whiskey (or "whisky", since it mainly offers varieties from Scotland and Europe, where they spell it without the "E"). You'll find lots of curated flavors and rare whiskey options, but if you're looking for a home bar one-stop shop, you may be disappointed. What you can expect are whiskeys from Scotland, Japan, Australia, and America. Craft Whisky Club doesn't offer an a-la-carte menu or place to grab any kind of liquor other than whiskey.
Boxes from $55 to $95 per month
There are two box types offered by Craft Whisky Club: the 1 Bottle Every 2 Months package and the 2 Bottles Every 2 Months package. Both packages include the listed number of bottles every 2 months, alongside food pairings that match the whiskeys selected for you. The cost is where the numbers get a little funky. You will be paying every month for your Craft Whisky Club box, but you will only receive a shipment every other month. So, the cost for the 1 Bottle Every 2 Months plan is $55 per month, but you will only get a bottle every other month. So, effectively you're paying $110 per bottle of whiskey (plus the included food pairings). The 2 Bottles Every 2 Months plan is laid out similarly, but you're committing to $95 per month which comes out to $190 for 2 bottles of whiskey and the included food pairings.
2 full-size bottles in each shipment
Regardless of if you choose the 1 Bottle or 2 Bottle shipment, you'll get full-size selections in your shipments. The selections will be pulled from bourbons, traditional whiskey, and rye as well as a range of peated, unpeated, different cask strengths, wine barrel aged, and some custom blends. However Craft Whisky Club does not offer a list of recently shipped whiskeys on the website, and without an a-la-carte menu, you may feel a little in the dark about what brands are up for grabs.
Shipping costs included
Keep in mind that there are some limitations for Craft Whisky Club depending on where you're located. Currently, Craft Whisky Club does not ship to Massachusetts, Arkansas, Hawaii, Utah, Michigan, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Illinois, and Puerto Rico. Thankfully, all shipping costs for states that can receive Craft Whisky Club shipments are included in the price of the club.
A concerning decline in service quality
Regrettably, the reviews out there for Craft Whisky Club show a middle-tier reputation overall. Craft Whisky Club is not currently rated by the Better Business Bureau, so our research relied on Trustpilot and other third-party review sites. According to Trustpilot, Craft Whisky Club has an average rating of 3.1 stars out of 5. Reviewers recently had a range of problems with the shipping. Shipping is mentioned as "spotty" with many orders not showing up on time or at all. Some of the shipments included false information about where the snacks were from. One reviewer said that Craft Whisky Club told them that the snack included was from "Japan" but the product itself was from San Diego, CA. Most reviews since 2020 have been 3 stars or lower, showing a decline in Craft Whisky Club's reputation overall.
High costs are best for international superfans
While this may be a solid choice if you want to try whiskey from around the world, it may not hit the mark if you're looking for the best customer service (or shipping reliability). Plus, with a high cost for shipments that are only sent out every 2 months, you may not be getting a whiskey and snack each time that fits the price. For these reasons, Craft Whisky Club earns a below-average rating in our review.
Subpar
Taster's Club is a whiskey subscription service that delivers whiskeys from different regions around the world every single month. Unlike some services that offer bi-monthly or quarterly shipments, Taster's Club offers a regular monthly treat of new and exciting whiskey. It is well-known and has been mentioned in popular magazines and publications like BuzzFeed and Esquire. With a range of different membership options, you can have total flexibility to customize the experience for your ideal flavor profile. Plus, with the promise of full-size bottles, you're getting a full-tasting experience (with a guide and insights into the making of every whiskey).
1,174 whiskeys to choose from
Taster's Club is a one-stop shop for clubs with a full range of different options including Whiskey, Scotch, Scotch Pro, Tequila, Tequila Pro, Rum, Gin, Vodka, Wine, and a Stock the Bar subscription. If you're looking for a place to explore all kinds of whiskey as well as a range of other spirits, Taster's Club is a great spot to check out. The site also offers an extensive Bottle Shop that includes Japanese liquors, mezcal, brandy, liqueur, and non-alcoholic beverages on sale. The entire online shop has 2,204 products to choose from, and 1,174 of them are whiskey.
Monthly costs from $69.99 to $184.99
Four different subscriptions offer whiskey at Taster's Club: Whiskey Club, Bourbon Club, Scotch Club, and Scotch Pro Club. For each of the clubs, you can choose to subscribe for month-to-month payments or prepay for a certain number of months (3, 6, or 12). Each club also has a 3-bottle pack for gifting if you don't want to subscribe. Here's how the prices shake out:
1 full-size bottle per month
In each of the boxes, the items are the same regardless of which whiskey club you select: you'll get 1 bottle of whiskey and a tasting guide. The quality of the whiskey may differ (especially in the Scotch Pro Club), but the contents will be the same format in every whiskey club. With each club, you'll also get free shipping if you prepay for a set number of months. If you wish to subscribe month-to-month, there will be an additional cost for shipping.
A-la-carte pricing from $15.99 to $14,117.99
The a-la-carte menu is extremely impressive at Taster's Club, and you can find a range of low-cost and high-end spirits. Across all the products on Taster's Club, you'll find prices from $15.99 up to $14,117.99. Notably, both the least and most costly spirits were whiskey at $15.99 for The Busker Triple Cask Blend and $14,117.99 for Eagle Rare Double Eagle Bourbon.
Its reputation has taken a slide
Regrettably, despite the impressive offerings at Taster's Club, its rating has fallen in recent years. In prior years, Taster's Club had a "B-" rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, during our research, we found that the rating had fallen to a "C+" for failing to respond to complaints from customers. While Taster's Club does get some positive reviews from bloggers (around 4.6 stars on average), in feedback on third-party review sites from other customers, Taster's Club generally earns around 2.5 stars out of 5 instead. Taster's Club earns praise for being a great way to learn more about whiskey, but there are a lot of complaints about customers who don't receive orders and have issues canceling their subscriptions.
Worth it mostly for the online shop
While the offerings at Taster's Club may be worth a try, the recent decrease in ratings and poor reviews regarding shipping and unsubscribing make this a less appealing choice than some other whiskey clubs in our review. However, if you're looking for a place that offers a bottle of whiskey every single month, you may still enjoy taking a look. With such a wide range of spirits, the online store is also a great place to find something if you're just shopping for your home bar. However, as a whiskey club, Taster's Club earns one of our lowest ratings until it improves its customer ratings.
Continued from above...
When you think of a classic drink, among the favorites like vodka and rum, one of the top picks for mixers and a relaxing boozy beverage on the rocks is whiskey. Whiskey is a versatile drink: whether you like a classic Crown Royal or something a little more exotic, whiskey's various flavors are enhanced by "notes" and scents that will bring out your inner bartender.
Whether you're a whiskey newbie, and you don't know what to try, or a connoisseur who's looking to add a bit more variety to your home bar, joining a whiskey club is the best way to enjoy new whiskeys from around the world. After all, there are so many different whiskeys available today that it's hard to know where to start.
Whiskey originated over 1,000 years ago when the practice of distillation made its way to Scotland and Ireland. Since grapes were scarce at Scottish and Irish monasteries, they decided to ferment grains. The first written record of "whisky" appeared in 1405 in the Irish Annals of Clonmacnoise. You might note the difference in spelling. This is due to the origins (not just an old-timey language quirk), and for modern whiskey, you can still tell where your drink is from by how they spell the word. If you see "whiskey" with an "E," it likely comes from the U.S., while "whisky" without the "E" is typically from Scotland, Canada, or Japan.
Well-known names like Jack Daniels, Jim Beam, and Maker's Mark have built strong reputations for their quality and consistency. But beyond these big names, smaller craft distilleries are also gaining recognition for exceptional whiskey.
If you're worried you might never be able to find them all, don't be! This is the perfect reason to join a whiskey club. This way, you'll have the opportunity to try some of the best whiskeys out there and some unique options you might not find in your local stores. From curated shipments to pick-your-own boxes, there are plenty of ways to try and enjoy whiskey through a new whiskey club.
Whether you prefer your whiskey on the rocks, in a cocktail, or neat, you can definitely find some delicious options at a whiskey club. But given the variety of whiskeys and the range of impressive whiskey clubs out there, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are a few factors to consider that might help you pick:
To help you find the right club to join, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the most popular subscriptions for whiskey out there today. This way you can trust that your next glass of whiskey is on the way, and you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your well-deserved nightcaps in peace!
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