Foreign Beer Buying Guide: Where And How?

There are several options available for purchasing foreign beer. Some online retailers, such as Craftshack, Drizly, and BevMo, offer delivery services for imported beer within certain states in the US. Additionally, local liquor or bottle shops may carry foreign beer, and larger retailers like Total Wine & More may have a wider selection of import beer available for purchase. For those seeking a specific foreign beer, it may be worth exploring beer trading groups on Facebook or reaching out to beer distributors that serve your local market.

Online retailers delivering foreign beer

If you're looking to buy foreign beer online, there are several retailers that can deliver imported beer right to your doorstep. Here are some reliable options:

Beers of Europe

Beers of Europe claims to be Britain's biggest online beer shop, offering a vast selection of 1,700 beers from around the world, along with a wide range of spirits and liquors. They provide delivery services, bringing your chosen beverages straight to your door. With free delivery on orders over £100, they stock a variety of beers, including well-known brands such as Lowenbrau Original and Samuel Smiths Oatmeal Stout.

GotoLiquorStore

GotoLiquorStore is an online retailer that partners with local stores to fulfil orders for imported beer. They offer a user-friendly mobile app for a seamless purchasing experience. However, to view product pricing and availability, you'll need to provide your address details.

Total Wine & More

Total Wine & More is an online store that offers a wide range of imported beers, including well-known brands such as Heineken, Corona, and Stella Artois. They provide convenient options for customers, including in-store pickup and home delivery services.

ABCFWS

ABCFWS is an online retailer that has partnered with Instacart to offer same-day delivery for customers who want their imported beer promptly. They also provide standard ground shipping and free store pickup options. However, delivery availability may vary depending on your location.

When purchasing alcohol online, it's important to remember that most websites will require you to verify your age and provide an address to ensure they can deliver to your area.

Beer trading groups

The act of bartering is not new, but with the increase in breweries, beer styles, and options, the practice of trading beer has skyrocketed. Websites such as Beer Advocate and RateBeer have facilitated trading since the late 90s, and Reddit was also a prominent hotspot until it updated its content policy to forbid transactions involving alcohol.

The true catalyst for the beer trading scene has been the rise of social media. Facebook groups devoted to trading beer are abundant, despite it being a violation of Facebook's Terms of Service. Groups like "Craft Beer Trading Society", "BEER TRADE 4 YOU", and "Beer Trading 101" have thousands of members, with hundreds of posts for trades each month. There are also regional groups, such as "Beer Trade Chicago & Burbs" and "Oklahoma Beer Trader".

The complexity of shipping beer has led some traders to opt for in-person trading. Apps like 4TradeCraft approach trading in the same style as dating apps, matching beers from your cellar with those in your geographic area. This allows traders to get to know people interested in beer and appreciate the social aspect of the hobby.

Regardless of the method, certain etiquette is expected when swapping brews. For starters, it's important to include "ISO" (in search of) and specify the beer you're looking for, or at least beers from a certain region. Honesty and transparency about the details of the beer are crucial, and proper packaging and timely shipping are essential.

While most people follow the rules, some groups have private and invite-only systems in place to ensure fair trading. Overall, beer trading groups offer a unique opportunity to make new friends, try new beers, and be part of a vibrant community.

Local liquor stores

If you're looking to buy foreign beer from a local liquor store, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you can visit a specialised beer retailer in your area. These stores often have a wide selection of imported beers from various countries and can offer guidance and recommendations based on your preferences. Websites like GotoLiquorStore can help you find local stores and their product availability by entering your address.

Another option is to check your local liquor stores for any import or specialty beer sections. Many liquor stores have dedicated sections for imported beers, often labelled as "Import Beer" or "International Beer". These sections typically feature well-known imported brands such as Heineken, Corona, Stella Artois, and Guinness. You can browse through the selection and look for beers from specific countries or regions that interest you.

Some local liquor stores may also offer mix-and-match packs or variety packs of imported beers. These packs allow you to try different beers from various countries without committing to a full case. Keep an eye out for seasonal or limited-edition releases, as well as gluten-free options, which are often available alongside the regular imports.

Additionally, some stores may have knowledgeable staff who can guide you towards new imports or craft beers that might suit your taste. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations or inquire about their selection of foreign beers. If you're looking for a specific beer, you can also call ahead to check if they have it in stock or if they can special order it for you.

By exploring the options at your local liquor stores, you can discover a diverse range of foreign beers and find new favourites from around the world.

Beer distributors

If you're looking to buy foreign beer, there are several options available to you, including online retailers and local distributors. Here is some information on beer distributors:

Online Retailers

Online retailers provide a convenient way to purchase foreign beer from the comfort of your home. Websites such as Total Wine & More, Go to Liquor Store, and Half Time offer a wide selection of imported beers that can be delivered directly to your doorstep. These websites often provide detailed descriptions of the beers they offer, making it easier for you to explore different options and discover new favourites. Simply create an account, verify your age, and enter your address to browse the available products and pricing in your area.

Local Distributors

If you prefer to support local businesses or are looking for a more personalised experience, consider visiting local beer distributors in your area. For example, International Wines & Craft Beer is a family-owned wholesale beverage distributor based in Birmingham, Alabama. They have been serving the state of Alabama and acting as a broker and wholesaler in Mississippi since 1974. They offer a vast selection of fine wines and craft beers, ensuring temperature control throughout the product's lifetime. By prioritising relationships with customers, employees, and suppliers, they provide a dedicated and tailored experience.

Variety of Beers

When exploring beer distributors, you'll find a diverse range of foreign beers to choose from. Whether you're a fan of lagers, pale ales, stouts, or pilsners, there's something for every taste. Some popular imported beers include Heineken, Corona, Stella Artois, Guinness, and Peroni Nastro Azzurro. You can often find these beers in a variety of formats, such as bottles and cans, and even gift sets, perfect for treating yourself or a loved one.

Legal Requirements

It is important to remember that purchasing alcohol, including foreign beer, is subject to legal requirements. Most websites and distributors will require you to be of legal drinking age, which is typically 21 or older in the United States. By ensuring that you meet the age requirements, you can responsibly enjoy the wide variety of foreign beers available through online retailers and local distributors.

International markets

The global beer market is a diverse and dynamic industry, with a market size valued at USD 821.39 billion in 2023 and projected to grow to USD 1,167.47 billion by 2032. Europe dominated the market in 2023 with a 33.77% share, largely driven by the cultural significance of beer in the region. North America, led by the United States, is the second-largest market, with a strong presence of craft breweries and a growing demand for low-ABV drinks.

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing market, driven by increasing alcohol consumption in countries like India, China, and Australia. The region is expected to account for 53% of the growth between 2014 and 2025, with a growing preference for premium and westernized beer-drinking trends. South America is also experiencing rapid growth, with companies such as AB InBev adopting customer-centric strategies and introducing innovative products.

The international beer market is highly consolidated, with a strong presence of key players such as Anheuser-Busch InBev, Heineken, China Resources Snow Breweries, Carlsberg, and Molson Coors. These companies have well-established distribution networks and a diverse range of popular beer brands. The market is also influenced by local and regional breweries that cater to specific taste preferences and cultural norms.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the industry, with government restrictions affecting alcohol consumption patterns. While on-trade sales in bars and restaurants declined, off-trade sales through e-commerce and retail stores rose significantly. The pandemic also accelerated the growth of alcohol-based e-commerce channels, with consumers increasingly adding beer to their online shopping lists.

Overall, the international beer market is experiencing growth due to changing consumer preferences, increasing disposable income, and the growing popularity of craft beer and low-alcohol options. The market is also shaped by local special circumstances, such as cultural norms and regulatory environments, as well as underlying macroeconomic factors, including economic growth and demographic trends.

Frequently asked questions