Like out-of-town friends, magazines pop by every so often to give you a colorful update on the latest happenings before taking up permanent residence on the shelf in the bathroom. Schedule a regular visitation with today's Groupon: for $9, you get a one-year subscription to Beer West magazine (a $20 value), starting with the Fall 2011 issue.

Beer West delivers handsomely illustrated quarterly updates on the state of suds in the Pacific Northwest. The magazine's editorial covers every aspect of the brew-sipping lifestyle, including mouthwatering microbrews, possible culinary pairings, regional spotlights, and beer-oriented travel writing. Recent features have included a profile of a beer-loving restaurateur, an informative piece exploring the benefits of clean tap lines, and a review of the Big Easy's colloquial sippables. Unlike Dickensian street urchins, the magazine's writing is literate and loving, with regular sections covering neighborhoods, chefs, and beery basics. A newly launched digital enhancement lets readers access additional content via their smartphones, bringing the pages to life without the aid of a lightning storm or underground laboratory.