Frequently Asked Questions
BeerAdvocate magazine

We're sure many of you have questions about BeerAdvocate magazine (BA mag). Although we can't answer all of them now, we'll use this page to answer some of the more common ones and update it as BA mag progresses.

I've got a question regarding my digital subscription.
Please refer to the Google Play support site under "Magazines" for assistance.

Why should I subscribe?
Because you like fresh beer content delivered to your mailbox each month and feel compelled to support our ongoing beer advocacy efforts and the craft beer industry as a whole.

When can I expect my first issue?
For US orders: please allow 2-4 weeks for your first copy to arrive.

When do issues ship each month?
Depending on scheduling, issues ship the end of each month. From there, it can take 2-20 business days to reach subscribers in the US, and longer for international orders. We're constantly working with USPS to improve the lag time, so please be patient.

What if my magazine never arrived?
Delays and errors can occur, and we're sorry for the inconvenience. Please contact us to report the issue. Please include your full-name, address, and Subscription ID in the email.

How do I change my mailing address?
Please use our Change of Address Form, and allow 4-8 weeks for the change to take effect. Please note that our magazine will not get forwarded by the post office, so it's important that you keep us updated.

What's my Subscription Id number?
Your Subscription Id # can be found on the label, just above your name and address. It's also listed on your BeerAdvocate profile page if you've associated it with your account. If you can't find it, please contact us with your BA Store order number, name, and address.

When does my subscription expire?
Your Subscription Expiration Date can be found on your label. Look for "EXP:MM/YYYY" above your name and address.

I renewed, so why hasn't my Subscription Expiration Date been updated?
It can take 30-60 days for this update to occur.

Why do I get my copy so late?
Rather than clogging our heads by thinking up content months in advance, we prefer to work on the edge in order to release content that's both timely and timeless. However, that's not the real reason why some of you get the mag "late." The biggest issue to date has been shipping via USPS Bulk Rate; we've all found that this can be rather slow. We're constantly looking at ways to improve this.

My issue arrived damaged. What's up with that?
Damaged issues do happen. Reasons can range from handing at the printers to USPS sorting/delivery handling issues. We apologize if this has happened to you. Please contact us to report the issue, including all of your relevant subscriber info.

Do you send sample issues?
No.

Do you sell BA mag at retail locations / newsstands?
No.

Do you sell back issues?
Yes. Checkout the BA Store and select Back Issues.

Do you offer bulk / discounted rates?
No.

Old FAQs

What's the deal with the free Samuel Adams glassware for Founding Subscribers?
We emailed all Founding Subscribers about this months ago, and it was discussed in our forums at great length. Unfortunately this offer is now over, and Boston Beer Company will not be shipping anymore out; please do not contact us.

Weren't you giving away a free DVD?
Yes, we were, thanks to herestobeer.com, but unfortunately as of September 17, 2007 this offer has ended.

What's a Founding Subscriber?
It was our original subscription offer before we even had a magazine, and a reward for those you believed in our idea; offer ended in December 2006. As long as Founding Subscribers renew their subscriptions in a timely manner, the special price of $19.95 per year will be honored for the life of BA mag or the life of the subscriber (whichever dies first). Note: this offer has expired, and does not include a free t-shirt or DVD; those were separate non-Founding Subscriber deals.

How can I tell if I'm a Founding Subscriber?
Your original receipt from us and PayPal will state if you are or not, and if you opted for the free t-shirt deal ... you're definitely not a Founding Subscriber.