Best Beer-Buying Options In Delaware

If you're looking to buy beer in Delaware, you'll need to be aware of the state's alcohol laws. The Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner (OABCC) controls every aspect of alcohol in the state, including manufacturing, licensing, selling, consumption, producing, distributing, and importing.

In Delaware, the legal drinking age is 21, and it is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under this age. It is also illegal for those under 21 to buy alcohol, although there is no specific state law prohibiting this. Those under 21 may, however, drink alcohol with members of the same family, as long as one of these members provides the alcohol and it is consumed in a private home.

Beer can be purchased from liquor stores, which are allowed to sell alcohol from 9 am to 1 am Monday to Saturday, and from 12 pm to 8 pm on Sundays. Some big-name stores that sell alcohol in Delaware include Target and CVS, but Walmart does not.

One of the largest beverage superstores in Delaware is Tri-State Liquors, which stocks 20,000 cases of imported and domestic beer, as well as wine, liquor, and more.

Beer delivery services

Tavour

A Seattle-based company that sends customers an email with new beers to add to their open order. Tavour offers a flat shipping rate of $14.90, with tax variations based on location. However, they only ship to a limited number of states and follow a schedule instead of on-demand delivery.

The Beer Connect

This platform acts as a middleman between breweries and customers, allowing individuals from at least 25 states to receive craft beer shipments directly from the breweries. Shipping costs will vary by brewer, and you can expect standard rates of around $25 to $35, increasing with order size.

CraftShack

CraftShack offers a wide selection of beverages and a user-friendly website with filters to help you find new beers that match your preferences. They require a $35 minimum order and charge at least $20 for shipping. CraftShack delivers to most U.S. states, excluding a few.

Best Damn Beer Shop (BDBS)

Based in San Diego, BDBS has both online and physical stores. They claim to make no profit from shipping, so their rates may be lower than competitors, but shipping costs are still significant due to the weight and fragility of beer bottles. BDBS has a $40 minimum order requirement and ships to 29 states/districts.

Craft City

With over 2,000 beers available for ordering, Craft City offers a vast selection to choose from. They provide various shipping options, including ground delivery and faster methods for sensitive products. However, they do not ship to certain states, including Delaware.

Total Wine & More

While Total Wine & More is known for its wine selection, they also offer more than 2,500 beers. They do not ship beer, but customers can order online and pick up in-store if they live near one of their 193 locations across 22 states, including Delaware.

It's important to note that direct shipment of alcohol is regulated at the state level, so it's essential to check the specific laws and restrictions for your state before placing an order.

Online beer shops

Buying beer online is a convenient way to get your favourite beverage delivered straight to your doorstep. There are several online beer shops to choose from, each offering a unique selection of beers. Here are some popular options:

Tavour

Based in Seattle, Tavour offers a unique service where they send you an email almost every day with new beers that you can add to an open order. After you've made your selections, you can ask Tavour to ship your order, and they will deliver all the beers you picked. They also have an Android and iOS app where you can view their daily deals. Tavour's shipping cost is a flat rate of $14.90, with tax variations based on your location. However, they only ship to a limited number of states, so be sure to check their website for the latest information.

The Beer Connect

The Beer Connect is a unique platform that doesn't stock beer itself but acts as a middleman between breweries and customers. If you live in one of the 25 states that allow direct craft beer shipments from breweries, you can choose from hundreds of different beers on their website. Shipping costs will vary by the brewer, with standard rates around $25 to $35 and increasing with the size of your order.

CraftShack

CraftShack offers a wide selection of beverages and a wide distribution area. Their website features handy filters that make it easy to browse for new beers in the styles you like. However, their shipping costs can be high, with a $35 minimum order requirement and an additional $20 for shipping. They ship to most U.S. states, excluding AK, AR, KY, MS, and UT.

Best Damn Beer Shop (BDBS)

Based in San Diego, BDBS offers both online and in-store shopping. They ship to 29 states and have a $40 minimum order requirement. You must order at least six bottles, and orders can only be placed in multiples of six or 12 bottles. Their shipping costs are claimed to be lower than competitors, but they may still be expensive due to the nature of shipping beer.

Beyond Beer

Beyond Beer is a craft beer online shop based in Hamburg, Germany. They offer a carefully curated selection of German and international craft beers, including non-alcoholic options. Beyond Beer provides detailed descriptions of each beer, along with food pairing recommendations, to help you make the perfect choice. Their website also features exclusive beer packages, vouchers, and a beer subscription service.

BierStars.de

BierStars.de is an online Bavarian beer shop that offers a wide range of Bavarian beer specialties. According to the Bavarian purity requirement established in 1516, only water, hops, and malt are used in the brewing process, ensuring high-quality standards. The website provides an extensive selection of beers for various occasions, whether you're looking for a refreshing drink after a long day or something unique to serve at your barbecue.

Supermarkets

If you're looking to buy beer from a supermarket in Delaware, there are a few options to choose from.

Walmart

Walmart offers a wide range of beer options, including domestic and imported lager, ale, and stout. Some of the brands they stock include Budweiser, Coors, Corona, Heineken, Michelob, and Stella Artois. They also offer a variety of hard seltzers, such as White Claw, Truly, and Bud Light.

Sam's Club

Sam's Club is another option for purchasing beer in bulk. They offer a range of beers, including light beer, flavored beer, domestic beer, imported beer, and craft beer. They also have seasonal options, such as summer brews and winter ales, as well as gluten-free ciders.

Total Wine & More

Total Wine & More has a large selection of beer, wine, and spirits. While they don't ship beer, they do offer online ordering and in-store pickup at their Wilmington, DE, location in the Milltown Shopping Center.

It's important to note that alcohol laws vary by state, and some states have restrictions on the direct shipment of alcohol. Be sure to check the specific laws and regulations in Delaware before purchasing beer online or through a supermarket.

Local breweries

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery: Ranked as one of the best breweries in Delaware by Tripadvisor, Dogfish Head offers fun brewery tours and great beer. It's a perfect spot for beer enthusiasts.

Revelation Craft Brewing Company: With a diverse beer menu, convenient location, and friendly service, Revelation Craft Brewing Company is a top choice for craft beer lovers. They also offer delicious wings and wood-fired pizza.

Fordham Brewing Co: Fordham Brewing is known for its community-oriented staff and wholesome atmosphere. It's a great place to enjoy a drink and socialize with the locals.

Mispillion River Brewing: This brewery is acclaimed for its friendly and knowledgeable staff, as well as its diverse selection of IPAs and other craft beers.

Liquid Alchemy Beverages: Liquid Alchemy is a unique establishment that blends the boundaries between a cider house and a meadery. They offer a wide range of ciders and meads, from dry to sweet, and even feature locally sourced honey.

Blue Earl Brewing Company: Blue Earl is worth the trip for its friendly staff and great beer. They also host various events, such as local music festivals and Saturday jam sessions.

These breweries offer something for everyone, from diverse beer selections to fun events and a welcoming atmosphere. Be sure to check them out and immerse yourself in the local beer culture of Delaware!

Beer apps

There are several apps that can be used to buy beer in Germany. One such app is Lieferando, which allows users to order food and groceries from over 37,000 restaurants, supermarkets, and convenience stores. This includes beer, wine, and spirits, which can be ordered and delivered to your door within 30-45 minutes.

Another option is the REWE app, which is the top-ranked food and drink app on Android in Germany. This app also offers grocery delivery, including beer, wine, and spirits.

For those specifically looking for alcohol delivery, the Drizly app is a widely available option in the US. It allows users to shop from liquor stores in their area and have their order delivered in 60 minutes or less. Minibar is another US-based app that works with local spirit retailers to deliver orders within a few days. It also has an event planner feature that helps users determine how much alcohol to buy based on the number of guests, the duration of the event, and the types of drinks being served.

Craft beer lovers can try the CraftShack app, which offers a wide selection of craft beers, hard seltzers, ciders, and spirits. It has a $35 minimum order and requires users to pay at least $20 for shipping. However, it does not ship to all US states.

For those in Germany who are looking for an app to help them discover new beers, Untappd may be a good option. This app, which is ranked among the top food and drink apps in the country, allows users to find and rate different beers.

Frequently asked questions