It may be surprising at first, but there are few themes that have more followers in the world of collecting than beer-related items. As opposed to other themes where related items can be counted on the fingers of one hand, the main feature of beer collection is the wide variety of items that can be collected. For example, any of the dozens of items related to the marketing and production of beer can be collected. 

However, the real enthusiast tend to centre on one or many items and do not overlook any object that may come to hand, which could be the starting point of a new collection. The aim is to gather together all objects that are directly or indirectly related to this particular liquid gold, and the fascination that these colourful and often beautiful items hold for their followers.

The selection criteria are many and varied, as there is no single standardized method, rather, there as many as there are collectors. Some simply prefer to collect everything that comes to hand, while others collect according to the beer manufacturers. For this reason one of the problems that all aficionados face sooner or later is lack of space, as it is impossible to keep all these articles in a drawer or in a folder.

The main items that are collected by aficionados are:
1) Cans. Possibly the most popular items among beer collectors. They are usually collected empty although some prefer cans that have not yet been opened. Some brands even produce special collector's items.
2) Bottles. Also have a large number of followers and are usually collected empty.
3) Bottle tops. The classic beer bottle tops also have a sizeable list of admirers.
4) Beer mats. Some are true works of art, with all types of illustrations and colours to accompany the name of the beer in question.
5) Beer bottle labels. These are complicated to collect as the bottle needs to be in good condition for the label to be peeled off. On the other hand they are are easy to classify: a simply photo album suffices to collect them by date of manufacture or by country of origin.
6) Glasses. Of all types and sizes. In Anglo-Saxon and German countries, each beer brand is usually served in its corresponding glass.
7) Badges. The different beer brands tend to produce a certain number every year for marketing purposes.

The most common way to break into beer collection is to start gathering empty cans and bottles as you consume them. This is how the obsession starts, which will soon incorporate other items, such as those found on holiday, or glasses, bottle tops and labels given by family and friends. Later, markets, other collectors, specialised alcoholic stores and the Internet are the ideal places to seek new additions to a collection that is clearly never ending.

More information:
- Club de Coleccionismo Cervecero. Apdo. de Correos 1237. 46080 Valencia.
Club de Coleccionismo Cervecero. Capit�n Haya, 13 - 3�D. 28020 Madrid.