Finding Limited-Release Beers: A Guide To Quick Action

Limited-edition beers are highly sought-after, with some people willing to travel and wait in line for hours to get their hands on a rare brew. These beers often attract a cult-like following, with release parties and long wait lines. The demand for these beers often far outstrips the supply, and they can be very difficult to find. However, with a bit of planning and dedication, it is possible to get your hands on some of these coveted brews. This may involve subscribing to newsletters, keeping an eye on release schedules, and being willing to travel to the brewery or a specific region where the beer is distributed. Some limited-edition beers are sold through lotteries or special events, while others may be available for purchase online or at select retailers.

Join a brewery's membership scheme

Joining a brewery's membership scheme is a great way to get your hands on limited-release beers. Many breweries offer exclusive perks to members, such as early access to new releases, discounts, and invitations to special events. Here are some benefits you can expect from joining a brewery membership scheme:

• Access to limited-edition beers: Members often get first dibs on limited-edition beers, allowing you to purchase them before the general public. This is a great way to ensure you don't miss out on special releases.
• Discounts and perks: Brewery membership schemes often offer discounts on beer purchases, merchandise, and dining at the brewery. Some breweries even provide members with a complimentary brewery tour or a unique membership glass.
• Exclusive events: Members may be invited to exclusive events, such as beer pairing dinners, bottle shares, educational talks, and members-only parties. These events offer a great opportunity to connect with other beer enthusiasts and learn more about the brewing process.
• Flexibility: Some breweries offer flexible membership plans, allowing you to customise your beer selections, pause or cancel your membership, or choose the frequency of deliveries. This ensures that you can tailor the membership to your preferences and needs.
• Community: Joining a brewery membership scheme is a great way to become part of a community of like-minded beer enthusiasts. You'll have the opportunity to connect with other members who share your passion for craft beer and may even form new friendships.

Joining a brewery's membership scheme is an excellent investment for any beer lover. Not only will you get access to limited-release beers, but you'll also enjoy a range of exclusive perks and discounts. So, if you're looking to expand your craft beer horizons, joining a brewery membership scheme is definitely the way to go!

Enter online raffles

If you're keen to get your hands on limited-release beers, entering online raffles is a great option. Many organisations host beer raffles, and with a bit of luck, you could win yourself some sought-after brews. Here's a guide to help you navigate the world of online beer raffles:

Finding Online Beer Raffles

Start by searching for online platforms dedicated to hosting raffles, such as Raffall, which is a popular choice for brands and charities looking to run prize competitions. These platforms offer a safe and credible way to enter raffles and provide a wide range of opportunities to win exciting prizes, including limited-release beers. Keep an eye out for specialist beer raffles, like the Whales for Wishes annual raffle, which donates its proceeds to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. You can also look for breweries or beer-focused organisations that occasionally host raffles for their limited releases.

Entering Online Beer Raffles

Once you've found an online raffle that piques your interest, it's time to enter! Online raffle platforms usually have straightforward entry processes. Simply create an account, decide on the number of entries or tickets you want to purchase, add them to your cart, and complete the checkout process. Some raffles may have different tiers or options for entry, so choose the one that suits your preferences and budget. It's important to note that you must be of legal drinking age to participate in these raffles.

Understanding the Prizes

Online beer raffles often offer unique and exclusive prizes. These can include limited-edition beers, rare releases, or highly-rated brews from around the world. Some raffles may offer beer baskets or collections, giving you a chance to win a variety of beers in one go. Additionally, some organisations, like Whales for Wishes, provide online-only baskets specifically for those who can't attend in-person events. Keep an eye out for such opportunities to increase your chances of winning.

Staying Informed

To make the most of online beer raffles, stay informed about upcoming opportunities. Sign up for newsletters or follow social media pages of raffle hosts and breweries to be notified when new raffles are announced. By staying in the loop, you'll be among the first to know about the latest limited-release beer raffles, increasing your chances of success. Some platforms, like Whales for Wishes, even offer bonus giveaways exclusively to their subscribers.

Remember, entering online raffles is a fun way to engage with the beer community and support various causes. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or simply looking for a unique drinking experience, online raffles offer an exciting opportunity to try your luck and potentially win some exceptional limited-release beers.

Visit the brewery

Visiting the brewery is a great way to get your hands on limited-release beers. Many breweries have taprooms or restaurants attached, welcoming beer enthusiasts into their world and offering exclusive access to limited-edition brews. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your brewery visit:

Plan Your Visit

Before you go, do some research on the brewery's website or social media pages to find out about their opening hours, tour availability, and the beers they have on tap. Some breweries may offer pre-sales, waitlists, or raffles for their limited releases, so you can sign up ahead of time and increase your chances of securing that exclusive brew.

Ask About Limited Releases

When you arrive at the brewery, don't be afraid to ask the staff about any limited-release beers they may have available. They may have special releases that are only announced at the brewery or offered to visitors, so showing your interest can help you access these exclusive offerings.

Take a Tour

Consider joining a brewery tour to learn about the brewing process and get a behind-the-scenes look at their operations. This can be a great way to build a connection with the brewery and increase your chances of being in the know about future limited releases. You might even get to sample some of their beers during the tour!

Join a Membership Club

Some breweries offer membership clubs or bottle societies that provide exclusive access to limited releases. Ask about any such programs and consider signing up to be part of their community. This can often give you early access to new releases and special offerings that may not be available to the general public.

Build a Relationship

Chat with the brewers and staff to learn more about their beers and show your enthusiasm for their craft. Building a relationship with the brewery can increase your chances of being notified about future limited releases. They may even be willing to give you a heads-up when something special is about to drop.

Enjoy the Experience

While your main goal may be to get your hands on limited-release beers, don't forget to enjoy the experience. Sample different beers, soak in the atmosphere, and appreciate the art of brewing. This can make your visit more memorable and rewarding, whether or not you manage to secure that exclusive brew.

Line up early

If you want to get your hands on limited-release beers, you may have to line up early—we're talking hours early. For some of the most sought-after limited-edition beers, it's not uncommon for people to line up for hours, and even camp overnight, to be one of the first to get their hands on a rare brew.

Take the example of Russian River Brewing Co.'s Pliny the Younger. Every February, thousands of craft beer aficionados make the trip to Santa Rosa, California, to wait in line for hours for this triple IPA, which is only available on tap for a couple of weeks. Similarly, for the release of Heady Topper by The Alchemist, people have been known to line up for hours, and it often sells out within hours of being released.

For some breweries, arriving early is crucial to securing your purchase. For instance, at Other Half Brewing Company in Brooklyn, New York, people line up with lawn chairs and coolers, and those who arrive early can skip the line and still get what they want. In some cases, breweries may even sell out of their limited releases before the official opening time, so getting there early can increase your chances of success.

If you're planning to line up early, it's important to dress appropriately for the weather and bring any necessary supplies, such as snacks and water. Additionally, bringing appropriate carrying gear, like empty duffel bags, can be useful for transporting your beer haul.

So, if you're serious about getting your hands on limited-release beers, setting that early-morning alarm and lining up well in advance can be a worthwhile strategy.

Buy from specialist beer shops

Specialist beer shops are a great way to source limited-release beers. These shops tend to be independent and have a more curated selection of beers than a typical supermarket. They often focus on craft beer and will usually stock a range of limited-edition and seasonal beers.

The benefit of shopping in-store is that you can chat with the staff, who are usually very knowledgeable about their products and can advise on the latest releases, as well as any upcoming special editions. They can also advise on the best beers to suit your taste, and you can often sample the products in-store.

Specialist beer shops will often have a loyalty program, so it's worth signing up to be notified of new releases and to be eligible for discounts and special offers. These shops may also have exclusive deals with breweries, so you can access limited-edition beers that you won't find in regular stores.

Some specialist beer shops also offer a subscription service, where you can receive a curated selection of beers each month, often including limited-release beers. This is a great way to discover new beers and to be among the first to try new releases.

If you can't get to a physical store, many specialist beer shops also offer an online service, where you can order beers for delivery or in-store pickup. This can be a convenient way to access a wide range of limited-release beers from the comfort of your own home.

Frequently asked questions