How to Start a Craft Beer Club in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is more than just a coastal city with sun-kissed beaches and a vibrant boardwalk—it’s a thriving hub for craft beer enthusiasts. With over 30 local breweries within a 20-mile radius, including acclaimed names like The Bruery, Beachwood Blendery, and Long Beach Beer Lab, the city offers an unparalleled foundation for building a passionate craft beer community. Starting a craft beer club in Long Beach isn’t just about gathering people to drink beer; it’s about cultivating connections, educating members on brewing artistry, supporting local businesses, and creating a sustainable social experience rooted in quality and discovery.

A well-structured craft beer club can transform casual drinkers into informed connoisseurs, provide breweries with direct consumer feedback, and foster a sense of belonging among residents who share a deep appreciation for small-batch, locally crafted ales, lagers, sours, and stouts. Whether you’re a homebrewer, a beer retail professional, or simply someone who loves exploring new flavors, launching a beer club in Long Beach offers a unique opportunity to merge passion with purpose.

This guide will walk you through every step of launching and sustaining a successful craft beer club—from initial planning and legal considerations to member engagement and community partnerships. You’ll learn best practices, discover essential tools, explore real-world examples from Southern California, and find answers to the most common questions new organizers face. By the end, you’ll have a clear, actionable roadmap to turn your beer-loving vision into a thriving, long-term club in one of America’s most beer-forward cities.

Step-by-Step Guide

Define Your Club’s Purpose and Structure

Before you send out your first invitation, you need clarity on what kind of beer club you want to build. Is it a tasting-focused group that explores rare releases? A homebrewing collective that shares recipes and techniques? Or a community-driven initiative that supports local breweries through group purchases and events?

Start by answering these core questions:

• Will the club meet monthly, biweekly, or quarterly?
• Will members rotate hosting, or will you secure a consistent venue?
• Will the focus be on education, socializing, or both?
• Will there be a membership fee, and if so, how will funds be used?

Most successful clubs in Long Beach operate as non-profit, member-supported organizations. This means fees are typically used to cover venue costs, beer purchases, or educational materials—not profit. Define your mission statement in one sentence: “Our club exists to celebrate Long Beach’s craft beer culture through monthly tastings, brewery tours, and member-led education.”

Identify Your Target Audience

Long Beach’s population is diverse, with neighborhoods like Belmont Shore, Downtown, and the Eastside each offering distinct demographics. Your ideal members might include:

• Young professionals aged 28–40 who enjoy social experiences and local commerce
• Homebrewers looking for feedback and collaboration
• Food and beverage industry workers seeking peer networks
• Retirees with disposable income and a curiosity for new flavors

Use Facebook Groups, Reddit’s r/LongBeach, and local event platforms like Meetup to gauge interest. Post a simple poll: “Would you join a monthly craft beer club focused on Long Beach breweries?” Include options for preferred meeting days and formats. This data will help you tailor your launch strategy.

Choose a Name and Brand Identity

Your club’s name should reflect its local roots and personality. Avoid generic names like “Long Beach Beer Lovers.” Instead, consider evocative, memorable titles such as:

• The Shoreline Sippers
• Beachwood Brew Crew
• Long Beach Lager League
• The Tidal Tap Society

Pair your name with a simple logo—something that incorporates coastal imagery (waves, lighthouses, surfboards) and beer elements (hops, barley, pint glasses). Use Canva or hire a local graphic designer on Fiverr for under $100. Your branding will appear on invitations, social media, and physical flyers, so consistency matters.

Secure a Meeting Venue

Long Beach offers a wide range of venues suitable for beer clubs. Options include:

• Local breweries: Many, like 21st Amendment or Taps Fish House & Brewery, host private events and may waive fees for regular club gatherings.
• Community centers: The Long Beach Public Library or the Recreation and Parks Department offer affordable rental spaces.
• Private homes: Ideal for smaller, intimate groups (5–12 people). Rotate hosting to reduce costs.
• Co-working spaces: Spaces like The Lab or WeWork often allow beverage-related events during off-hours.

Contact venues early. Explain your club’s mission and ask if they offer discounted rates for nonprofit or community groups. Some breweries may even sponsor your first meeting in exchange for social media promotion.

Plan Your First Meeting

Your first gathering sets the tone. Aim for 6–10 attendees to keep it manageable. Structure your session like this:

1. Introduction (15 min): Welcome everyone, share your mission, and ask members to introduce themselves and their favorite beer styles.
2. Tasting (45 min): Select 4–6 beers from 3–4 different Long Beach breweries. Include a variety: IPA, sour, stout, lager. Provide tasting sheets with space for notes on aroma, flavor, mouthfeel, and overall impression.
3. Discussion (30 min): Guide a conversation about what stood out. Ask: “Which beer surprised you? Why?”
4. Next Steps (10 min): Announce the next meeting date, collect feedback, and invite members to suggest breweries or themes for future sessions.

Use plastic cups, water pitchers, and spittoons (yes, seriously—it’s professional). Encourage members to bring snacks. Avoid serving food from outside vendors unless you’ve confirmed the venue allows it.

Establish Membership Rules and Fees

Even informal clubs benefit from clear guidelines. Create a simple document outlining:

• Membership cost: $10–$25 per meeting or $100–$150 annually
• Payment method: Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal (avoid cash for recordkeeping)
• Attendance policy: No-shows after 3 notices may be asked to leave
• Code of conduct: No intoxication, no harassment, respect for all opinions
• Opt-out policy: Members can pause or leave at any time

Use Google Forms to collect sign-ups and payments. Include a waiver stating the club is not affiliated with any brewery and that members drink at their own risk. This protects you legally.

Build a Communication System

Keep members informed with a simple, consistent system:

• WhatsApp or Discord group: For real-time updates and casual chats.
• Monthly newsletter: Use Mailchimp or Substack to send curated content: upcoming brewery releases, tasting notes, member spotlights.
• Event calendar: Embed a Google Calendar on your club’s website or social media page.

Post a new update every Tuesday. Include: “This week’s featured brewery: Beachwood Blendery. Their new Passionfruit Sour drops Friday. We’ll taste it next Thursday at 7 PM at The Lab.”

Partner with Local Breweries

Long Beach breweries are eager to connect with engaged consumers. Reach out to 3–5 breweries with a personalized email:

Hi [Brewery Name] Team,

I’m launching The Shoreline Sippers, a new craft beer club focused on celebrating Long Beach’s brewing scene. We’re planning our first tasting next month and would love to feature one of your beers. We’ll promote your brand across our social channels and newsletter, and encourage members to visit your taproom. Would you be open to donating a few flights or providing a discount for our group?

Thank you for supporting our community!

Best,

[Your Name]

Many breweries will respond positively, especially if you offer to post photos, tag them, and write a short blog post about the experience. Some may even host your club for free.

Organize Quarterly Events

Monthly tastings are great, but quarterly events elevate your club’s profile:

• Brewery Tour Day: Arrange a group visit to 2–3 breweries on a single Saturday. Coordinate with each for a private tasting.
• Homebrew Showdown: Invite members to submit their own brews. Blind-taste and vote on categories like “Best IPA” or “Most Creative Flavor.”
• Food & Beer Pairing Night: Partner with a local restaurant (like The Fish Market or The Station) to create matched courses.
• Beer & Film Night: Screen a documentary like “The Beer Hunter” or “Brewed in America” followed by a Q&A.

These events require more planning but generate buzz, attract media attention, and deepen member loyalty.

Track Progress and Gather Feedback

Use a simple spreadsheet to track:

• Attendance per meeting
• Member retention rate
• Feedback scores (rate each event 1–5)
• Beer styles tasted
• Partnerships secured

Every three months, send a short survey: “What’s one thing we should start doing? One thing we should stop?” Use the responses to refine your format. If members consistently request more sour beers, adjust your selections. If attendance drops on Thursdays, move to Saturdays.

Best Practices

Prioritize Education Over Consumption

A true craft beer club isn’t a drinking society—it’s a learning community. Always include educational elements. Before each tasting, share a 2-minute video or handout on the brewery’s history, the yeast strain used, or the hop profile of the beer. Teach members how to identify diacetyl, esters, or Brettanomyces. Knowledge builds appreciation, and appreciation builds loyalty.

Rotate Leadership and Responsibilities

Don’t be the sole organizer. Empower members to lead tastings, research breweries, or coordinate logistics. Rotate the role of “Tasting Host” each month. This prevents burnout and gives members ownership. One member might specialize in sours; another in barrel-aged stouts. Let their expertise shine.

Embrace Inclusivity and Accessibility

Not everyone drinks alcohol. Offer non-alcoholic options: house-made ginger beer, kombucha, or local craft sodas like Gulp Soda or The Good Soda Co. Provide water, cheese, and crackers for palate cleansing. Make your club welcoming to all—regardless of gender, race, or drinking ability.

Document Everything

Take photos at every event (with permission). Share them on Instagram, Facebook, and your newsletter. Write short recaps: “Last night, we tasted three new releases from Long Beach Beer Lab—each more complex than the last. Member Maria noted the ‘hints of toasted marshmallow in the Vanilla Porter.’” Documentation builds credibility and attracts new members.

Stay Local, Stay Authentic

While it’s tempting to include beers from San Diego or Portland, keep the focus on Long Beach and nearby LA County breweries. This reinforces your mission and supports the local economy. Highlight breweries that use local ingredients—like citrus from Orange County or coffee from Pasadena. Your club becomes a champion of regional identity.

Handle Conflict Gracefully

Beer is emotional. Someone might passionately defend a style you dislike. That’s okay. Establish ground rules: “No beer shaming.” If a member becomes disruptive, speak to them privately. Offer them a role—like “Social Media Manager”—to re-engage them positively. Most conflicts arise from feeling unheard; give everyone a voice.

Keep It Sustainable

Don’t overextend. If you’re hosting 12 events a year, that’s enough. Don’t feel pressured to grow to 100 members. A tight-knit group of 20–30 passionate people is more valuable than a large, disengaged one. Focus on quality interactions, not quantity.

Celebrate Milestones

Anniversary of your first meeting? Celebrate with a special beer release or a member appreciation night. Give out handmade “Brewmaster” certificates. Send thank-you notes. Recognition fosters loyalty and turns members into ambassadors.

Tools and Resources

Essential Digital Tools

• Google Forms: For sign-ups, feedback, and payment collection.
• Mailchimp or Substack: For monthly newsletters with embedded tasting notes.
• Canva: Free design tool for flyers, social posts, and tasting sheets.
• Discord or WhatsApp: For real-time communication and event reminders.
• Google Calendar: Shared calendar for all members to see upcoming events.
• BeerAdvocate or Untappd: Track what members are tasting and review beers collectively.

Physical Supplies

• Plastic tasting cups (1–2 oz size)
• Spittoons or small plastic cups for dumping
• Water pitchers and glasses
• Notepads and pens for tasting notes
• Scorecards (download free templates from BeerAdvocate)
• Coasters with your club logo
• A small cooler for transporting beers

Recommended Reading

• “Tasting Beer” by Randy Mosher – The definitive guide to sensory analysis.
• “The Brewmaster’s Table” by Garrett Oliver – Masterful food and beer pairings.
• “American Sour Beers” by Michael Tonsmeire – For clubs interested in wild fermentation.
• “Brew Like a Monk” by Stan Hieronymus – Deep dive into Belgian styles.

Local Long Beach Resources

• Long Beach Brewers Guild: A network of local breweries that often hosts member events and provides promotional support.
• Long Beach Public Library: Offers free meeting rooms and access to brewing books and documentaries.
• Long Beach Tourism: May feature your club in their “Local Experiences” guide.
• Beachwood Blendery & The Bruery: Often host educational events open to the public—attend and network.

Free Educational Content

• YouTube: Channels like “The Beer Nerd,” “Brewing Network,” and “Craft Beer & Brewing” offer free, high-quality tutorials.
• Podcasts: “The Beer Show” and “The Brewing Network Podcast” are excellent for background listening.
• Reddit: r/Beer, r/Homebrewing, and r/LongBeach offer real-time advice and local tips.

Real Examples

The Shoreline Sippers (Founded 2021)

Started by two friends who met at a Long Beach Beer Lab taproom, The Shoreline Sippers began with six members meeting in a backyard. They focused on one brewery per month and rotated hosting duties. Within a year, they partnered with five local breweries for exclusive tastings. Their monthly newsletter now has 280 subscribers, and they host a quarterly “Brewery Passport” challenge where members collect stamps from 12 different taps. They’ve been featured in the Long Beach Post for their community impact.

Beachwood Brew Crew (Founded 2020)

This club is centered around homebrewing. Members submit their own recipes monthly, and one is chosen for a group brew day at a local commercial kitchen. They’ve produced over 20 unique beers, including “Tidal IPA” (with local sea salt) and “Downtown Stout” (brewed with coffee from a Long Beach roaster). They donate 10% of their proceeds to the Long Beach Environmental Alliance. Their model proves that beer clubs can be both social and civic-minded.

Long Beach Lager League (Founded 2022)

A unique twist: this club focuses exclusively on lagers—often overlooked in the IPA-heavy craft scene. They host “Lager Appreciation Nights” with guest brewers who explain cold fermentation, yeast selection, and aging techniques. They’ve brought in brewers from Germany and Japan to virtually speak to members. Their Instagram page has 1,500 followers and they’ve inspired similar lager clubs in Santa Monica and Huntington Beach.

Eastside Ale Collective

Located in a historically underserved neighborhood, this club partners with a local community center to host free tastings for residents. They use grant funding to cover costs and invite local high school students to learn about brewing science. Their mission: “Beer is for everyone.” They’ve been recognized by the City of Long Beach for promoting equity in craft beverage culture.

FAQs

Do I need a permit to start a beer club in Long Beach?

No, as long as you’re not selling alcohol. Your club is a private gathering. Members bring their own beer or purchase it directly from breweries. If you plan to serve beer at a licensed venue, the venue handles permits. Never serve alcohol without a license—this is illegal.

How much should I charge members?

Most clubs charge $10–$25 per meeting to cover beer, venue, or supplies. Annual memberships of $100–$150 are common for clubs with quarterly events. Keep fees transparent and use funds only for club expenses.

Can I include non-alcoholic options?

Yes, and you should. Many people don’t drink alcohol for health, religious, or personal reasons. Offering quality non-alcoholic craft beverages (like Athletic Brewing or O’Doul’s) makes your club more inclusive and professional.

What if no one shows up to the first meeting?

Don’t panic. Start small. Invite 10 friends. If only 3 come, that’s okay. Use that time to refine your format. Post on local Facebook groups: “We’re restarting The Shoreline Sippers—next meeting is next week. Bring your favorite Long Beach beer.” Often, one or two new people will join.

Can I make money from my beer club?

You can cover costs, but not profit. If you’re charging fees, they must go toward beer, venue, or materials—not personal income. If you want to generate revenue, consider creating a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast about your club. That’s a separate business.

How do I get breweries to donate beer?

Be clear, polite, and offer value. Say: “We’ll post 3 Instagram stories, write a blog review, and bring 15 engaged beer lovers to your taproom.” Most small breweries will say yes. Cold-emailing 10 breweries yields 3–5 positive responses.

Is it legal to taste beer at home?

Yes. California law allows private consumption of alcohol in homes. As long as you’re not selling or distributing alcohol, and you’re not serving minors, your gatherings are fully legal.

How do I handle members who drink too much?

Have a plan. Designate a “Sober Host” at each event to monitor behavior. If someone is intoxicated, offer water, food, or a ride home. If behavior is disruptive, speak privately and warn them. Repeat offenses warrant removal. Safety comes first.

Can I start a virtual beer club?

Absolutely. Many clubs now offer hybrid options. Members receive a curated 6-pack in the mail, then meet via Zoom to taste together. This expands your reach beyond Long Beach and is perfect for members who travel or have mobility issues.

How do I grow my club organically?

Word of mouth works best. Encourage members to invite one friend. Post on local subreddits, Nextdoor, and Facebook groups. Offer a “Bring a Buddy” night with a free tasting glass. Consistency and authenticity attract loyal members.

Conclusion

Starting a craft beer club in Long Beach is more than a hobby—it’s a way to deepen your connection to the city’s culture, support independent businesses, and build meaningful relationships with people who share your passion. The city’s rich brewing landscape, combined with its diverse and engaged community, makes it one of the best places in California to launch such an initiative.

By following this guide—defining your purpose, engaging with local breweries, prioritizing education, and fostering an inclusive environment—you’re not just organizing beer tastings. You’re creating a movement. A movement that celebrates craftsmanship, encourages curiosity, and turns strangers into friends over a shared glass of something extraordinary.

Remember: The best clubs aren’t the biggest—they’re the most authentic. Start small. Stay consistent. Listen to your members. Let the beer lead, but let the community guide you.

Long Beach’s next great beer club is waiting to be born. All it needs is you.