Exploring International Beer Options: A Global Drinking Adventure

Beer enthusiasts are always on the lookout for new and exotic beers to try, and often, the rarer the better. The good news is that there are many ways to buy beers from other countries. However, there are some challenges, too. Shipping beer is often restricted or prohibited, and the rules vary from country to country. For example, beer is usually on the restricted or prohibited items list for individuals sending beer internationally. However, licensed companies can usually ship beer overseas, although it will be inspected by customs and may incur charges.

Shipping beer internationally

Legal Considerations:

Firstly, it is important to note that shipping alcohol, including beer, internationally is subject to various regulations and restrictions, which vary by country. These regulations apply to both businesses and individuals. While freight shipments of beer by licensed producers and retailers are generally legal in many countries, individuals should be aware that most courier companies include alcoholic drinks on their list of restricted or prohibited items.

For businesses, it is crucial to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations of both the exporting and importing countries or territories. Additionally, businesses must hold the appropriate alcohol licenses and enrol in specific alcohol shipping programs to be authorised for international shipping.

Choosing a Courier Service:

Not all courier companies will ship beer internationally. Some major companies, like DHL, FedEx, TNT, and UPS, do not ship packages that contain beer. It is essential to carefully review the rules and requirements of your chosen courier service, especially regarding international shipments of alcohol.

Packaging and Labelling:

When packing beer for international shipping, it is crucial to use appropriate packaging materials to ensure the safety of the bottles and comply with any specific packaging requirements of your chosen courier. Here are some general guidelines for packaging:

• Use sturdy corrugated cardboard boxes specifically designed for shipping.
• Pack each beer bottle in a hermetic plastic bag and add a layer of bubble wrap or foam sheets for extra cushioning.
• If sending a six-pack, cover the entire pack in several layers of bubble wrap.
• Fill any empty spaces in the box with filler materials, such as packing peanuts or bubble wrap.
• Seal the box securely with packaging tape, and label it with a shipping label and a "Fragile" sticker if shipping glass bottles.

Cost Considerations:

The cost of shipping beer internationally will depend on various factors, including the distance between the pickup and delivery destinations, the weight and size of the shipment, and the urgency of delivery. It is recommended to compare prices and services offered by different courier companies to find the most cost-effective option.

Tracking and Insurance:

When shipping beer internationally, consider using a courier service that provides tracking facilities to monitor your shipment at every step. This can help ensure that any issues, such as leakages or broken bottles, are promptly addressed. However, it is important to note that shipping insurance may not cover beer and other restricted items, so shipping them is usually at the sender's risk.

In conclusion, shipping beer internationally requires careful consideration of legal, logistical, and financial factors. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can navigate the complexities of international beer shipping and ensure your package reaches its destination safely and compliantly.

Online beer stores

There are many online beer stores that sell beers from other countries. Here is a list of some popular options:

CraftShack

CraftShack is an online marketplace that connects beer buyers with smaller, craft-centric bottleshops. It offers a wide range of unique craft beers, such as the El Segundo Broken Skull IPA and the Urban Roots Barrel Aged Coconut Almond Chocolate Moustache Imperial Stout. CraftShack provides flat-rate shipping to most states in the US but does not ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or US territories.

Untappd Shop

Untappd is a social media craft beer networking app that has recently launched its own e-commerce platform, the Untappd Shop. It offers over 250 beers, including exclusive bundles and limited-edition releases, in collaboration with top breweries. The shop currently ships to select states in the US.

Oznr

Oznr is a beer-ordering app that allows users to purchase new releases from their favourite breweries digitally. Breweries can build excitement through pre-sales, waitlists, and raffles. Oznr also offers the option to sign up for brewery bottle societies and membership clubs. The app is available in select cities across the US, with some breweries offering direct-to-door shipping.

Half Time Beverage

Half Time is a virtual bottleshop based in New York, offering a large selection of craft beer, cider, and mead. Customers can order single cans or cases, with shipping available to select states in the US. Half Time also offers Beer & Cider of the Month Clubs for those looking to try curated selections.

Tavour

Tavour is a subscription-based service that allows customers to fill up a box of beers over time before shipping it out. The offerings rotate constantly, providing a great option for experimentation. Tavour ships to most states in the contiguous US.

BeerAdvocate

BeerAdvocate is a website where beer enthusiasts can rate and review their favourite beers. It also provides a list of popular virtual beer stores, including beergeek.biz, which offers a massive worldwide selection, and johnsgrocery.com, featuring over 700 beers from 30 countries.

GotoLiquorStore

GotoLiquorStore is an online liquor store that partners with local stores to fulfil orders. It offers a range of imported beers but requires users to enter their address to check product pricing and availability in their area.

Total Wine & More

Total Wine & More is an online store offering a variety of import beers, including Heineken, Corona, Stella Artois, and Guinness.

Please note that most online beer stores have age restrictions and require an adult signature upon delivery. Shipping restrictions and rates may also apply, so it is essential to check the specific policies of each website before placing an order.

Shipping restrictions

Country-Level Regulations:

Different countries have different rules and regulations regarding the shipment of alcohol. For instance, the United States Postal Service (USPS) does not allow the shipment of "intoxicating liquors" above 0.5% alcohol under almost any circumstance. However, other carriers like FedEx and UPS will ship alcohol, but only from licensed manufacturers, sellers, distributors, or importers.

State and Local Laws:

Within the US, each state has its own set of regulations regarding the sale and shipment of alcoholic beverages due to the powers granted to them by the 21st Amendment. Some states may prohibit direct shipping or importation of beer, while others may require permits or place limits on the amount that can be shipped. Even within a state, local laws and local "dry" communities may further restrict alcohol shipments.

Age Verification and Labelling:

Regardless of the carrier, age verification is typically required for alcohol shipments. Packages must be clearly labelled to indicate that they contain alcohol and that a signature from a person of legal drinking age (usually 21 or older) is needed for delivery.

International Shipping:

Shipping alcohol internationally is even more complex. It is crucial to ensure that the product can be legally shipped to the destination country without a permit. Failure to comply with import rules can result in the product being seized, quarantined, or destroyed. Navigating state and federal export rules, as well as the import rules of the destination country, is essential.

Licensed Retailers and Distributors:

It is generally recommended to purchase alcohol from reputable dealers or licensed retailers and distributors who are well-versed in the relevant shipping laws and regulations. They can help ensure that your beer of choice can be legally shipped to your location and guide you through any necessary paperwork or taxes.

Shipping rates

When it comes to shipping rates for beer, several factors come into play, and they vary depending on the courier service chosen. The price is influenced by factors such as the distance between the pick-up and delivery destinations, the weight and size of the package, the urgency of delivery, and the type of transport service selected.

For instance, shipping a 10-pound package (15" x 12" x 11") from Sydney to Rhode Island using FedEx International Economy can cost around $263, whereas the same package shipped via USPS would be approximately $78.30. The significant price difference is due to the level of service provided, with FedEx offering a more comprehensive and reliable service, including dedicated FedEx employees and a superior tracking system.

UPS, another popular courier service, has recently expanded its international alcohol shipping service. They offer three unique service levels to meet different shipment needs: UPS Worldwide Express Plus for early morning delivery, UPS Express for midday delivery, and UPS Express Saver for end-of-day delivery. UPS requires a contract stating that the shipper will ship alcohol and mandates the selection of "Adult Signature" as the delivery confirmation option.

When shipping beer, it's essential to consider the regulations and restrictions of both the pick-up and delivery countries. Alcoholic beverages are typically restricted or prohibited items, and most courier companies will not ship them internationally. Some companies, like DHL, FedEx, TNT, and UPS, will not ship packages containing beer.

To save money, it is recommended to buy multiple beers at once instead of purchasing single bottles or cans. Comparing prices between different websites is also advisable to find the best deal.

Beer trading

There are several reasons why beer enthusiasts might want to trade beer. Trading allows people to try beers without having to travel or finally get their hands on a rare, elusive (whale) beer. It also helps spread the word about favourite local brewers and can help people make new friends.

There are, however, some challenges to trading beer. One user on Reddit commented that they found it stressful to receive a new package of beer because they would then have to find something notable to return and spend a lot of money on shipping. Another user commented that they never found a steady group to trade with and that everyone they tried to trade with flaked out.

There are also some legal considerations when it comes to beer trading. For example, unlicensed reselling is illegal in the US, and there are age restrictions on buying and consuming alcohol.

Despite these challenges and legal considerations, beer trading remains a popular activity for many beer enthusiasts. There are several platforms and groups dedicated to beer trading, including BeerAdvocate, Facebook groups, Instagram, and specialised websites.

Frequently asked questions