Best Places To Buy Off-Duty Beer

If you're looking to buy off-duty beer, you're in luck! There are several options available to you, depending on your location and preferences. One option is to visit a duty-free store, which offers a wide range of liquor options, including beer, at discounted prices. These stores can be found at major airports and border crossings, such as the Peace Bridge Duty Free, which caters to both Canadians and Americans travelling between the two countries. Another option is to purchase beer online from websites such as Duty Free Americas, which offers a variety of spirits and liquors, including beer, that can be conveniently delivered to your doorstep. Additionally, some local breweries or beer retailers may also offer off-duty beer options, so it's worth checking their websites or reaching out directly to inquire about their selection.

Buying off-duty beer at the airport

If you're looking to buy some beer to enjoy on your travels or to gift when you arrive, you may be considering purchasing off-duty beer at the airport. Here's a guide to help you navigate the process and make the most of your airport beer-buying experience:

Timing is Everything

It's important to consider the timing of your purchase. If you're at the beginning of a multi-stop journey, buying beer at the airport may not be the best idea. Alcohol restrictions at subsequent carry-on checkpoints could result in your precious cargo being confiscated. However, if you wait until your return trip, you may find limited options or have no room left in your luggage. Assess your departure area and luggage situation to make an informed decision.

Location, Location, Location:

Don't just think about the airport; consider the region you're travelling to. Research the local specialties to avoid bringing a generic or mediocre brand to a place known for its superior alternatives. Buying beer at your destination airport may be ideal if you're travelling to a remote area or a place where alcohol is expensive or prohibited. Remember to keep the bottle sealed for seamless transportation.

Steer Clear of Generic Brands:

When travelling, it's best to avoid generic alcohol brands. There's a whole world of unique beverages to discover, so why stick to your usual repertoire? Mass-produced bottles are often cheaper at your local liquor store, and airport markups can be steep. Save your money for experiences at your destination or that special Instagram-worthy cocktail.

Check Online Availability:

Before making a purchase, check the availability of your desired beer online. There's no need to pay a premium for something you could have bought at your corner store. If you're not a fan of panicked web searching while standing in the aisles, some airport retail stores list their inventory online for easy comparison shopping.

Look Out for Retail-Specific Bottles:

Some alcohol brands, especially whiskey or spirit makers, offer pretty bottles that are exclusive to airport retail stores. These bottles are often resized to meet duty-free specifications or designed to grab the attention of casual shoppers. Keep an eye out for these exclusives, as they can make for a unique purchase or souvenir.

Practical Considerations:

When choosing your beer, don't be swayed by fancy packaging. Look for sturdy, short-necked bottles that will be easier to transport. Ask the clerk for bubble wrap or extra paper to protect your purchase, or even an extra airplane blanket or hoodie for padding. Remember, you don't want to arrive home to a broken bottle and alcohol-soaked luggage!

Buying off-duty beer when travelling between the US and Canada

When travelling between the US and Canada, there are different rules for the amount of alcohol you can bring back without paying duty.

US to Canada

Canadian residents travelling to the US can bring back the following amounts of alcohol without paying duty:

• 1 litre of alcohol
• 1 carton of cigarettes
• 50 cigars
• $100 US in gifts, which may include 100 cigars

If you have been out of Canada for more than 48 hours, you can bring back 1 bottle or 1 case of beer duty-free. Any additional bottles are subject to duty. If you have been out of Canada for less than 48 hours, all alcohol and beer is subject to duty.

Canada to US

If you are returning from Canada to the US, you can bring back 1 litre of an alcoholic beverage for personal use duty-free if you are at least 21 years old, it is intended exclusively for your personal use and not for sale, and it does not violate the laws of the state in which you arrive.

Federal and state regulations allow you to bring back one litre of an alcoholic beverage for personal use duty-free. However, states may allow you to bring back more than one litre, but you will have to pay any applicable Customs duty and IRT.

Personal Exemptions

It is important to note that duty-free shop articles are only free of duty in the country in which the shop is located. Therefore, if your purchased articles exceed your personal exemption/allowance, they will be subject to duty upon entering your destination country.

When returning to Canada, you can claim goods worth up to CAN$200 if you have been away for 24-48 hours, and goods worth up to CAN$800 if you have been away for 48 hours or more, without paying duty and taxes. However, tobacco and alcoholic beverages are not included in this exemption.

When returning to the US, you are eligible for a $800 duty-free personal exemption every 31 days if you have remained outside the US for at least 48 hours. This exemption includes not more than 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars.

Online stores for off-duty beer

If you're looking to buy off-duty beer online, there are a few options available to you, depending on your location and travel plans. Here are some online stores to consider:

Duty-Free Americas

Duty-Free Americas is a global brand that operates in over 200 locations at major airports and borders internationally. They offer a wide range of products, including liquor, which can be purchased online. Their website allows you to choose your store location, and they have a presence in Panama and other countries. The duty-free program offers significant savings on brands compared to regular retailers, and you can find a variety of unique products.

Peace Bridge Duty-Free

The Peace Bridge Duty-Free shop is located at the Canada-US border and caters to both Canadians and Americans. You can shop online before crossing the border and take advantage of the duty-free allowances for alcohol. For Canadians travelling into the US, you can bring 1 litre of alcohol (must be 21 years old), and for Americans returning to the US, you can bring up to $800 USD worth of goods, including 1 litre of alcohol.

Airport Duty-Free Stores

Many airports have duty-free liquor stores where you can purchase beer and other alcoholic beverages. However, it is important to consider the timing of your purchase, especially if you have a multi-stop journey, as some countries have carry-on alcohol restrictions. Additionally, look for retail-specific bottles, such as those produced exclusively for travel retail by brands like Johnnie Walker, which can be found at the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

BeerMenus

Although not exclusively an online store, BeerMenus is a platform that allows you to search for specific beers and find nearby places that sell them. You can also use it to discover new beers and explore different options. It is worth checking if BeerMenus is available in your location and if it can help you find off-duty beer options.

Remember to always follow the local regulations and restrictions for purchasing and transporting alcohol, as these may vary depending on your location and travel plans.

Off-duty beer at Duty Free Americas

Duty Free Americas is a global brand that operates over 250 duty/tax-free stores in the United States and at major international airports, seaports, and borders. The brand offers a wide range of products, including fragrances, cosmetics, watches, gifts, jewellery, liquor, tobacco, and travel-related merchandise from luxury brands.

When it comes to purchasing off-duty beer at Duty Free Americas, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you are departing from the United States, usually for more than 48 hours. Additionally, you must take the purchased items with you to another country, as per US law. Most countries have restrictions on the quantity of duty-free merchandise allowed, so be sure to check the allowances for your destination country.

Duty Free Americas offers an innovative online pre-order service, allowing you to shop for your favourite duty-free products, including liquor, up to seven days before your departure. This service is available at participating duty-free stores, and your orders will be hand-delivered to you at your departure gate.

Keep in mind that duty charges on liquor purchases vary depending on the country of origin and alcohol content. However, even with duty charges, you can still expect substantial savings on your purchases. For example, a case of 24 beers typically incurs a small duty charge of around $1.25.

Off-duty beer brands and varieties

When it comes to off-duty beer, there are plenty of brands and varieties to choose from. Whether you're looking for a mass-market option or something more unique, you'll be able to find a beer that suits your taste and budget. Here are some of the top options to consider:

Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR): This affordable beer is a favourite among many. It's well-balanced, refreshing, and smooth, with a blend of grainy, biscuity, sweet, and malty flavours offset by bitter hops.

Coors Light: If you're looking for a light beer, Coors Light is a great choice. It's crisp, refreshing, and easy to drink, with a mild corn flavour and delicate sweetness.

Budweiser: Budweiser, also known as the "King of Beers," is a classic, easy-drinking, light, and slightly biscuity beer. It's a good option for quenching your thirst and pairs well with a variety of occasions.

Miller High Life: Nicknamed the "Champagne of Beers," Miller High Life offers a satisfying malty brew with a touch of bitter hops and increased carbonation, giving it a champagne-like feel.

Leinenkugel's Original Ale: This satisfying lager from Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company has a wheat taste with some hoppy bitterness at the finish. While it may not be the first choice for a hot day, it's a complex and interesting option at a lower price point.

Chivas Extra 13: If you're looking for something stronger, Chivas Extra 13 is an exceptionally sweet whisky that adds a new layer of flavour to the luxurious Chivas house style. It's the perfect choice if you have a sweet tooth.

Don Julio 1942: This tequila is a must-try for its popularity and craftsmanship. It's carefully distilled and aged in American oak barrels to ensure a smooth and deep character.

Guinness Non-Alcoholic Stout: For those who want to cut back on alcohol, Guinness offers a non-alcoholic stout with less than 0.5% ABV. You can still enjoy the classic Guinness taste without the alcohol content.

Heineken 0.0: Heineken also offers a non-alcoholic option with their Heineken 0.0, brewed with the same care and attention as their original beer.

4204 Main Street Off Duty: This pale lager, brewed by 4204 Main Street Brewing Company, has an ABV of 4.2% and approximately 100 calories.

These are just a few examples of the many off-duty beer brands and varieties available. Whether you're looking for a mass-market option, a unique craft beer, or a non-alcoholic choice, there's something to suit every taste and preference.

Frequently asked questions