The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club is a subscription from monthlyclubs.com that includes 12-12oz. craft beers from two different U.S. microbreweries. Monthlyclubs.com also offers The International Wine, The Premium Cigar, The Gourmet Cheese, The Gourmet Chocolate, and The Fresh Cut Flowers monthly clubs.
Within The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club, subscribers can also choose between 5 options: The U.S. Microbrewed Beer Club, The U.S. and International Variety Beer Club, The Hops-Head Beer Club, The International Beer Club, and the Rare Beer Club.
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out our review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
This review is of The U.S. Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club, $27.95 a month, box.
The Subscription Box: The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club
The Cost: $27.95 a month + $15 shipping and handling
ACTIVE DEAL: $10 off a 4 shipment order
CODE: SAVE10
The Products: Twelve 12 oz. hand-crafted beers (3 of each) from "two different lightly distributed U.S. microbreweries."
Ships to: U.S. only, excluding Alaska, Hawaii, and Utah
Good to know: Not only can you choose from one of the six monthlyclubs.com memberships, you can also “Design Your Own Club” by combining any or all clubs into one. This is a great idea for upcoming birthday gifts, Mother’s and/or Father’s Day.
Check out all of our The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club reviews and the Beer of the Month Club Subscription Box Directory!
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A newsletter was the only supplemental information this month, and as normal, it describes the two breweries featured. This month's breweries are Tommyknocker Brewery and Christian Moerlein Brewing Company. I am not familiar with either company, so this will definitely come in handy when trying the beers. It also helps in appreciating the brewery's process and ultimately discovering what I like or dislike about each beer.
Tommyknocker Brewery Pick Axe IPA
Tommyknocker Brewery is based out of Idaho Springs, Colorado, which is an old mining town. The brewery is named after tommyknockers, who are "mythical creatures, not unlike leprechauns, that are purported to live underground and signal to miners when a collapse is imminent by making knocking sounds in the rock." I'm starting to get a St. Patrick's Day vibe about this box!
The Pick Axe is one of their year-round American India Pale Ales. Despite my distaste for IPAs, I liked this one. It has a 6.2% alcohol content and Int'l Bittering Units (IBUs) level of 55, which is likely why. This is lower than past months' IPAs, so although bitter, I was able to taste the pine and citrus first, rather than be overwhelmed by the hops. It's good!
Tommyknocker Brewery Maple Nut Brown
The second beer from Tommyknocker Brewery is a brown ale and another year-round favorite. I really like this beer! It is brewed with Munich, caramel, and chocolate malts and then maple syrup is added to each barrel. A winning combination if you ask me! It has a 4.6% alcohol content, so a bit lighter than the rest, and also the smoothest. It's nice and sweet with a tad of spice.
Christian Moerlein Brewing Company Over The Rhine Ale
Christian Moerlein Brewing Company is based in Cincinnati, Ohio, "located in the German 'Over-the-Rhine' district." The company was founded in 1853 by Christian Moerlein, a Bavarian blacksmith, and apprentice brewer who established the area as a brewing hub. This ale has fruity notes of apple and pear, blended with grassy hops. It has a 5.1% alcohol content, is fairly smooth and low amount of bitterness.
Christian Moerlein Brewing Company Friend of An Irishman
Lastly is the darkest beer of the bunch and another nod to St. Patrick's Day. Friend of An Irishman is a bold stout with a 4.5% alcohol content, so not too strong. You can definitely taste the roasted coffee beans and hints of chocolate described in the newsletter, but much dryer and bitter than I was expecting.
Here's a comparison of all the beers. From left to right: Tommyknocker Brewery Pick Axe IPA, Christian Moerlein Brewing Company Over The Rhine Ale, Tommyknocker Brewery Maple Nut Brown, and Christian Moerlein Brewing Company Friend of An Irishman.
Verdict: This month's The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club is so much better than last months! I enjoyed all the beers and felt each was unique and brought something different to the box. I also liked the subtle nod to the upcoming St. Patrick's Day holiday, something I have not noticed before about this subscription.
For $42.95 a month (if you include shipping), you receive 12 beers, which breaks down to $3.57 a beer. While not a bargain, you would likely pay more for each beer out at a bar or sampling at the brewery itself. I like how this subscription brings local and craft-brewed varieties straight to your home, and feel the value is there for me this month.
What did you think of February's The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club? Which was your favorite beer?
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