The Best Craft Beer Advent Calendars 2024
As the nights grow longer, the festive season draws closer, and that means it’s time to get excited for one of the best parts of December: opening your craft beer advent calendar! Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just exploring the world of craft ales, advent calendars filled with specialty brews are the perfect way to count down to Christmas.
With so many choices on the market, I’ve reviewed some of the best beer advent calendars you can buy this year. Whether you’re looking for variety, value, or unique brews, there’s something for everyone.
Beer52 Advent Calendar – £64.99
If you’re after a mix of different styles from a reputable subscription service, the Beer52 advent calendar is a great choice. Priced at £64.99, this calendar offers a well-curated selection of 24 beers, with a focus on international and small-batch brews.
You’ll also get a tasting glass and a scratch-card for the chance to win prizes like free cases of beer. As a long-time subscriber, I can say the variety has been excellent in the past, covering everything from IPAs to stouts, there’s plenty of different ones to keep you interested.
Pros:
- Wide range of beer styles
- Bonus tasting glass and prizes
- Excellent value for craft beer lovers
Cons:
- The box design could be sturdier; once you start opening, the remaining beers may shift if not stored flat.
Stormtrooper Beer Advent Calendar – £64.99
What could be better for a beer-loving Star Wars fan than the Stormtrooper Craft Beer Advent Calendar? This officially licensed Star Wars-themed calendar is a galactic treat, perfect for anyone looking to combine their love of the Force with some seriously good craft beer. Inside, you’ll find 12 beers, including 11 unique brews. While most are on the pale side, there’s also a rich stout and a flavorful brown ale, providing a stellar mix of styles. And, of course, each beer is brilliantly named, with standout titles like “Galactic Pale Ale” and “Full Meta Trooper” to transport you to a galaxy far, far away!
The excitement doesn’t stop with the beers. The calendar also comes with a sleek Stormtrooper-themed tasting glass, a tasty snack, and a set of collectible beer mats—all packed in a festive Stormtrooper-themed box that’s as cool as the contents inside. Whether you’re enjoying a beer under the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree or alongside a Star Wars movie marathon, this advent calendar delivers a holiday experience unlike any other!
Pros:
- Officially licensed Star Wars theme
- A great mix of craft beers
- Stormtrooper tasting glass and extras
Cons:
- At £65, it’s a bit of a splurge for 12 beers—but hey, it’s Star Wars, and the experience is priceless!
May the froth be with you this Christmas!
Qwerty IPA Pale Ale Craft Beer Advent Calendar – £54.99
An all pale box this time from QWERTY who do gift packs of beers from small breweries across the UK. This comes with 12 different IPA and pale ales and a beer matt, all held in a nice box to open in the run up to Xmas. The beers are all sourced from small UK brewers which means you’re sure to have some that you’ve not had before.
Looking at the reviews it seems to have gone down well with mostly 4 or 5 star reviews. Again only 12 beers for over £50 could be on the steep side form some, but it’s a nice thing to open and have leading up to Christmas. I may well order this myself as there’s a few beers in there I’ve not tried.
Pros:
- Good for IPA/Pale lovers
- All from small UK breweries
Cons:
- No tasting glass
Virgin Wines – £79.99
Another that I’ve not had but that looks interesting. I’ve bought wine from Virgin Wines for years and have had beers a couple of times. They seem to be expanding their range now and the calendar includes beers from all over the world with brewers such as Brick, Pohjala, Tiny Rebel and Two Tribes.
Note that having had a look at the contents this one contains quite a few lagers, but they look like good craft ones. It also contains a few that you would easily find in the supermarket like Beavertown Gamma Ray. That said it’s still a wide and varied selection with some sours making a rare appearance!
Pros:
- Wide selection of beers
- Includes a few rare sour beers
Cons:
- No tasting glass
- A few that are easily available in supermarkets
Hopefully you’ll find a craft ale advent calendar to enjoy. I tend to open mine daily and but save them for over the Christmas period. Mainly because i get ‘The Look’ from my wife if I drink it daily through out December!
Enjoy and happy Christmas
Why should I buy a craft beer advent calendar?
A craft beer advent calendar is the perfect way to discover new and exciting brews throughout December. It’s a fun and festive way to count down to Christmas, offering a daily surprise with each beer. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer lover or just getting into it, advent calendars allow you to try different styles, flavours, and breweries, often including exclusive or limited-edition beers. Plus, they make great gifts for beer enthusiasts!
What’s inside a craft beer advent calendar?
Each craft beer advent calendar typically contains 12 or 24 beers, depending on the calendar. The beers can range from IPAs, stouts, lagers, and pale ales, giving you a diverse tasting experience. Some calendars also include extras like tasting glasses, snacks, or even scratch cards to win prizes.
How much does a craft beer advent calendar cost?
Prices vary depending on the brand and content, ranging from £50 to over £85. Premium calendars might offer rare or exclusive beers and additional items like glasses or snacks, while more affordable options still provide a great variety of brews.
Are the beers full-sized?
Most advent calendars feature full-sized beers, typically 330ml or 440ml cans or bottles. Some may include a mix of both, but always check the product description for details on sizing.
Can I buy craft beer advent calendars as a gift?
Absolutely! A craft beer advent calendar is a fantastic gift for beer lovers. Many come in beautifully designed, festive packaging, making them perfect for gifting during the holiday season.
Will I like every beer in the calendar?
Craft beer advent calendars are designed to give you variety, so you’ll likely encounter a range of flavors and styles. While you might not love every beer, that’s part of the fun—it’s a great way to explore new styles and discover favourites.
When should I order a craft beer advent calendar?
It’s best to order early! These calendars are limited edition and often sell out by late November, especially around Black Friday. Some retailers may offer discounts, but it’s wise to act fast to ensure you get your pick.
Are there non-alcoholic craft beer advent calendars available?
Yes, some brands offer non-alcoholic versions for those who enjoy the taste of craft beer but want to avoid alcohol. These are great options for those who still want to join in the fun without the alcohol content.
