Buying Local Beer: A Guide To Craft Brews

Buying local beer has become increasingly accessible with the rise of online retailers and delivery services. Whether you're after a quick local delivery or something more niche that you can't find in your local store, there are now a plethora of options to choose from. From subscription services to online retailers, it's now easier than ever to get your beer of choice delivered straight to your door.

Local delivery services

Instacart

Instacart is an online platform that connects you with a personal shopper in your area who will buy and deliver your order. The platform offers a wide range of beer, wine, and liquor options, as well as extras like mixers and soda. You can track your order and communicate with your shopper through the Instacart app or website. The cost of delivery starts at $3.99 for same-day orders over $35, with additional fees for one-hour deliveries, club store deliveries, and orders under $35.

Wines & Wares

Wines & Wares offers local delivery in Jacksonville, Richlands, Swansboro, Sneads Ferry, Topsail Island, and all of Onslow County, North Carolina. They charge $10 for the first 10 miles and $1.50 for each additional mile. The recipient must be 21 years or older and available by phone prior to delivery.

Craftshack

Craftshack is an online store that offers a wide range of craft beers, including new arrivals, sours, IPAs, and more. They also offer various gift boxes, such as the Hazy IPA Gift Box Set and the West Coast Brewery Craft Beer Gift Box Set. Craftshack delivers nationwide, although shipping insurance is available for an extra cost.

Online retailers

When you have time to spare, or you're after something you can't find locally, online retailers are a great option for buying local beer. While most bigger online retailers occasionally struggle to meet the demand for alcohol delivery, a few have managed to consistently fill orders on time.

FreshDirect is a good option if you're looking for a basic case of domestic beer, with a $5.99 delivery fee.

Craft City is at the other end of the spectrum, with smaller brewery labels making up most of its extensive inventory of over 100 beers. You'll have to pay FedEx ground shipping fees and a $3 "Adult Signature Delivery Fee".

Craft Shack is ideal if you're looking for the latest launches from craft breweries. They have a small team of beer experts who work with small bottle shops to fulfil orders. Shipping costs range from $19.99 to $29.99, depending on your location and order size.

The Best Damn Beer Shop is a San Diego-based retailer, meaning locals can order online and pick up their beer on the same day. They ship to 24 states, with a minimum order of $40 and six bottles.

Half Time is a virtual bottle shop offering one of the largest selections of beer and cider. You can order as little as a single can, or a whole case, with shipping available to 30 states and select zip codes.

Subscription-based clubs:

If you want to try something new, or get a steady supply of craft beers delivered, subscription-based clubs are a great option.

Beer of the Month Club will cost you $29.95 per month (plus $15 for shipping), and you'll get four different beers from two different microbreweries.

Tavour is an app-based service that releases two new beers per day, which you can claim and add to a custom box. Shipping is $15, no matter how many beers you buy.

Craft Beer Kings lets you choose your favourite style of beer and sends you a case of 12 pint-sized cans for $99 a month. They ship to most of the contiguous U.S.

Subscription-based clubs

The Original Craft Beer Club

Considered the best beer club overall by CNET and Food & Wine, The Original Craft Beer Club offers a monthly or quarterly subscription with shipments from two different craft breweries. Each delivery contains four different styles from the selected breweries, with 12 or 24 beers in total. The club provides detailed notes and food pairing ideas, and offers free shipping within the contiguous US. The subscription costs $47.95 per month for 12 beers, or $95.90 per month for 24.

Beer Drop

Beer Drop is a customizable subscription service that allows you to select your five favourite styles, and then uses an algorithm to curate shipments based on your preferences. You can choose between six, eight, or ten cans per month, with prices starting at $33. While shipping is not included, Beer Drop offers the option to swap out beers before shipping for its Plus and Ultimate membership tiers.

The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club

The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club is ideal for gifting, with a focus on hyper-regional and "lightly distributed" beers from microbreweries across the country. The subscription offers exclusive beers brewed especially for club members. Each delivery includes brewery profiles and tasting notes. You can choose from various club options, including the Rare Beer Club, which features limited-release artisanal beers. Prices start at $35.95 per month, plus shipping.

The Hop-Heads Beer Club

This club is perfect for those who love their hops, offering a monthly delivery of three different hops-centric beers, with four of each. While the selection mainly features IPAs, it also includes hoppy pale ales and red ales. The subscription starts at $42 per month, plus $16 for shipping.

The Rare Beer Club

If you're a true beer connoisseur, The Rare Beer Club offers a highly selective experience with only two 750ml bottles of craft beer delivered each month. The beers are carefully chosen, often using rare production techniques and ingredients, and sourced from up-and-coming breweries worldwide. You can choose from different buying options, starting at $44 per month, plus $15 for shipping, for two bottles.

Brewvana by City Brew Tours

Brewvana by City Brew Tours offers a unique, outside-the-box brewing experience. Each month, they highlight a single beer-producing region, showcasing eight different beers from that area. The subscription includes interactive live streams and a drink-along podcast to enhance the tasting experience. The cost is $70 per month for a six-month prepaid subscription, $75 per month for a three-month subscription, or $80 for a standard monthly plan. Shipping is a flat rate of $5 across all plans.

Craft beer delivery

There are many craft beer delivery services that will bring beer straight to your door. CraftShack, Craft City, and Craft Beer Kings all offer speedy delivery, a wide selection of craft beers, and gift boxes. Craft Beer Kings also offers free shipping on all orders and a monthly beer club, where fresh, hand-picked beers are delivered to you.

Tavour is another craft beer delivery service that provides unique beers that you can't get locally. Their selection is constantly evolving, with new beers from top breweries across the country being added daily.

These services allow you to fill your fridge with a variety of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, sours, and more, without having to leave your home.

Local breweries

In Trenton, New Jersey, for example, there are several breweries to choose from, including Lautenbacher Brewing, River Horse Brewing Company, and Bitchin' Kitten Brewery. Lautenbacher Brewing has been in the business since 1998 and is passionate about the art and science of brewing. River Horse Brewing Company is one of the most established craft breweries in the state. And Bitchin' Kitten Brewery is a relatively new and upcoming spot.

When visiting a local brewery, you can often purchase beer to take home with you, such as growlers, cans, or bottles. Some breweries may also offer special releases or limited editions that you can't find anywhere else. Additionally, many breweries host events, such as live music, trivia nights, or beer releases, which can be a fun way to support local businesses and discover new beers.

If you're looking to buy local beer, visiting local breweries is a great option. Not only do you get to try before you buy, but you also get to support local businesses and learn about the brewing process. So, the next time you're craving a cold one, consider paying a visit to your nearby brewery!

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