Best Benefit Ever: New Perks for L.A. Beer Enthusiasts

What is the benefit? The Los Angeles Brewers Guild  (opens in a new tab) (LABG) announced its new Enthusiast Membership last week, during L.A. Beer Week  (opens in a new tab). For $45 a year, local beer buffs will get early access to area events and receive “official LABG swag,” such as glasses, buttons, stickers, and coozies. Members will also enjoy 25 percent off merchandise from the LABG online store when it launches next year.

Why it works: Though it’s still in its relative infancy after starting just two years ago, LABG has already hosted a few major events. And the guild plans to expand beyond L.A. Beer Week as its popularity and membership grows. The Enthusiast Membership is aimed at fostering that growth. “In a nutshell, we wanted to offer opportunities for our brewers to engage with craft beer lovers beyond L.A. Beer Week,” LABG executive director Frances Lopez told L.A. Weekly  (opens in a new tab). “This program, similar to other guild memberships in other states, is designed with the consumer in mind.”

Other benefits: Until January 1, 2016, the first 250 potential members can buy discounted holiday memberships. The LABG is also working on membership levels for retailers and vendors  (opens in a new tab). These new membership options will soon offer discounts on growlers at local tasting rooms, food specials, and beer tours. Members will also be able to partake in unique promotions from breweries that have already joined with LABG  (opens in a new tab), including El Segundo, Smog City, Monkish, Wolf Creek, and Eagle Rock.

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