I was fortunate enough to win a great prize from Craft Beer Rising a couple of weeks ago. They told me I’d own a month’s subscription to Beer 52.
A quick google showed that this meant I’d be receiving 8 different craft ales to help me expand my beer knowledge.
This was right up my alley. Over the last 5 or 6 years, I’ve developed a taste for ale and have even made my own. I designed a local brewery’s website, grow hops in my garden and fancy myself as a homebrewer. I was therefore very excited about receiving my prize.
The Beer52 website is easy to navigate and a breeze to use. Unfortunately, I missed up when registering. While it was completely my stupid fault, the guys at Beer52 fixed the problem in about 2 minutes, then insisted that I have an additional two bottles of beer for free, despite my protestations. They were very friendly and the customer service was incredibly good.
One month’s subscription gets you 8 beers, a snack and a magazine. If, however, you use this link to register, you’ll get a ÂŁ10 off your first case (ÂŁ14 instead of ÂŁ24!). Thanks Beer52!
The package was dispatched as Parcelforce 48 hour delivery, but it arrived in 24 hours. Perfect!
The box was well packed. No risk of breakages. My ten(!) beers had arrived, accompanied by some popcorn crisps and a copy of ‘Ferment’ magazine, for those interested in brewing and beers.
So, what had I been sent? The suspense was killing me!
As well as these nine beauties, there was another can, of American Pale Ale from Norway. The great thing about this selection was that I was not familiar with any of them. I wanted a change to go outwith my comfort zone (ie Morrissons’ selection) and try something new. This was definitely it!
We invited my in-laws over for dinner, and got the beer chilling. I already had my eye on the American Pale Ale, but the Gosnell’s Mean also picqued by curiosity. Mead? Wasn’t that medieval?
Now, I know some people will be yelling that ales shouldn’t be cold. Well, I like my ales a little chilled. Sue me.
My father-in-law loves ales as much as I do, although he does have a slightly different taste. Whereas I go for the more pale, citrusy options, he likes a dark / sweeter beer. We ploughed on through the beers, sharing each one and comparing notes.
My wife made a mind-blowing South Indian cod and prawn curry, which has already become a thing of legend. (There’s another blog post to do. It means I’ll get to eat it again. Win!).
The Lucky Jack APA was opened first. It was a beauty. Pale, light, frothy and loaded with citrusy flavours. I would definitely hunt this down and drink it by the keg.
We valiantly ploughed on through the beers. More citrusy ones, some wheat-beers, delicious IPAs, a stout and that curious Mead. It was delicious too. It tasted like a honey beer-wine combo.
This was a great experience and I’m already looking forward to getting another case (although I’ll make it last longer than one night next time!). I’m now more learned about previously unknown beers. Job done.
This would make a great present for anyone who loves beer. It’s more than just a box of booze – it’s an experience.
What’s more, if you use the link below (by clicking the image), you’ll get a ÂŁ10 credit applied to your account. How good is that? When they arrived, remember to raise a glass and toast Looking for the Postman for telling you all about it. 🙂
Great idea for a present for my son – he loves Craft Beers
great idea
I know someone who would love these!
Seems like a nice idea for beer lovers.
I will definitely check this out we always buy a selection of ales for my brother in law and always on the look out for good sites to help with this.
Great idea, it looks awesome!
Personally I am not a beer fan, but this sounds brilliant for those that are!
If anyone wants to buy me a present, this would be perfect, yes please 🙂
I must admit to being more of a cider fan myself but definately a great pressie for crimbo for a beer fan
I’m going to have to get one of these subscriptions for Christmas it sounds fab
I would love one of these subscriptions for christmas
I know several people who would love this as a gift.
people who would love this as a gift.
Fab! My dad would love this!
This is a great gift. I am a brewer and would love it. Might have to hint heavily for my Birthday!
This is a fab way for beer lovers to try new ales…. a friend of ours would love it
Sounds perfect for my dad might have to look into it for xmas for him
My dad would absolutely love this! He is a huge fan of new and unusual ales and this might be a brilliant idea for Christmas!
Great idea my dad would love this.
Great prezzie  for my hubby which would earn me a few brownie points xx
What a fab idea! Perfect for those difficult to buy for men!
These are fantastic, my hubby would be made up with them in his Christmas stocking.
Brilliant idea!
I am sure I can find someone who’d love beers as a present