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
LIMITED TIME DEAL: Use code 10VAL to save $10 off a 4 shipment order, code 15VAL to save $15 off any prepaid 6-shipment order, or code 25VAL to save $25 off any prepaid 12-shipment order
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
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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My box included a one-page flyer promoting Valentine's Day gifting. 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, not only for Valentine's Day but also upcoming birthdays, Mother's or Father's Day.
A newsletter is also included each month, describing the two breweries featured. This month's breweries are Sudwerk Brewing Company and Clipper City 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.
Clipper City Brewing Company Heavy Seas Loose Cannon
Clipper City Brewing Company is based out of Baltimore, Maryland and has been around since the mid-1980s. All of their beers have pirate-themed names, like this first IPA. The grapefruit and tangerine flavors are very apparent, but it's too hoppy for my liking. I wish this beer wasn't so bitter because I'm really drawn to the citrus. This is Clipper City's flagship beer, so this is obviously a fan-favorite!
Clipper City Brewing Company Heavy Seas Winter Storm Imperial ESB
The second beer from Clipper City Brewing Company is a limited edition ESB (Extra Special Bitter). It has a nice amber color, but unfortunately, this beer is my least favorite of the four. The bitterness is too overpowering for my taste buds.
This is my first time trying any beer from Clipper City and I don't get any indication in the booklet that they specialize in hoppy beers, but this is definitely not a great impression of the brewery if you don't like IPAs or ESBs. I wish a more diverse selection was sent!
Sudwerk Brewing Company Rye of the Lager
Sudwerk Brewing Company was founded in California, in the late 80's. They were one of the first craft brewers focused on lagers. The Rye of the Lager is a bit newer to the brewery, launching in 2015. It has a 7.0% alcohol content and just like the first two beers, very bitter. It technically has a higher IBU (International Bittering Units) than the Winter Storm ESB, but I think the rye is saving it for me.
Sudwerk Brewing Company Ulimator
Last but not least is Sundwerk's Ultimator Doppelbock. I taste all of my favorite beer ingredients: chocolate, caramel, and coffee. There are also hints of rum-drenched cherry, fig, and raisin - yum! This is a nice brown malty ale and much smoother than the rest. It's definitely my favorite in the box.
Here's a comparison of all the beers. From left to right: Clipper City Brewing Company Heavy Seas Loose Cannon, Sudwerk Brewing Company Rye of the Lager, Clipper City Brewing Company Heavy Seas Winter Storm Imperial ESB, and Sudwerk Brewing Company Ulimator.
Something else worth noting is the durable styrofoam packaging the beers are mailed in. Not eco-friendly at all, but the top and bottom sections can be reused as a handy beer refrigerator! I placed the beers in the styrofoam and left it outside in the colder temperatures to stay chilled.
Verdict: Overall, I am disappointed in this month's The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club. If you are a hoppy beer lover, then this month was designed for you. However, I'm not, so all but the three Ulimator beers will likely go to waste or be gifted.
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 do like how this subscription brings local and craft-brewed varieties straight to your home, but 3/4 of this month's box was a miss for me personally.
What did you think of January's The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club? Which was your favorite beer?
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