What’s the Difference Between a Brewery VIP Club and a Subscription Box?
What’s the Difference Between a Brewery VIP Club and a Subscription Box?
Craft beer enthusiasts enjoy discovering new brews, but how you experience them can vary depending on whether you join a brewery’s VIP club or subscribe to a box service. Both provide perks, exclusivity, and a regular supply of beer to try—but they offer different experiences. One offers insider access directly from your favorite local brewery, while the other delivers a curated selection right to your door. Let’s look at the differences so you can choose the option that matches your tasting style.
| Brewery VIP Club | Subscription Box | |
| Primary Focus | Builds loyalty and community around one brewery’s brand, location, and events | Delivers curated products (beer or related items) on a recurring schedule |
| Membership Perks | On-site benefits like discounted pints, exclusive beer releases, early access to events, members-only merch | Tangible products delivered regularly, often from various breweries or curated selections |
| Frequency of Engagement | Frequent in-person visits to the brewery to redeem perks and attend events | Engagement mostly at delivery times (monthly/quarterly) when the box arrives |
| Customer Relationship | Deep, ongoing relationship with a single brand | Transactional relationship can be with one company, but products may change brands |
| Experience Type | Experience-driven (tastings, tours, meet-the-brewer nights) | Product-driven (new beers, or glassware) |
| Revenue Model | Monthly membership fee, plus on-site spending | Subscription fee covering product cost, shipping, and curation |
| Flexibility | Members can choose when/how to use benefits | Deliveries are on a fixed schedule; flexibility varies by provider |
| Exclusivity | Often offers beers that aren’t available to the public | Sometimes includes exclusives, but the focus is on variety |
While subscription boxes are a fun way to explore beers from a distance, nothing matches the connection, exclusivity, and community you find in a Brewery VIP club. It’s more than just beer showing up at your door—it’s about being part of the story, the events, and the people behind every pour. If you want a deeper experience that celebrates your passion for craft brewing, a VIP club isn’t just the better choice—it’s the only one that truly makes you part of the brewery family.
Visit perksprofessor.com to learn more about our membership software that will turn your regulars into part of your brewery family.
