Best Beer Buying And Shipping Guide

Buying beer online is a convenient way to get your hands on your favourite tipple without leaving the house. However, there are some challenges to be aware of, such as shipping costs, which can be high due to the weight and fragility of beer bottles, and shipping restrictions, as some states do not allow beer to be shipped directly to consumers. Nevertheless, there are many websites that offer beer delivery services, including CraftShack, Untappd Shop, Oznr, Half Time, Tavour, Craft Beer Kings, Best Damn Beer Shop, Craft City, Beer Geek, Bottle Trek, Hi Time Wine, John's Grocery, Liquid Solutions, The Belgian Beer Shop, Sam's Wine, and The Belgian Shop. These sites offer a wide range of beers, from craft brews to Belgian imports, and some even provide subscription services or allow you to create your own beer bundles. So, if you're looking to try something new or stock up on an old favourite, buying beer online might just be the perfect solution.

Online beer shopping

There are many online options for purchasing beer, whether you're after a craft beer, an IPA, or a stout.

Craftshack

Craftshack offers a wide range of beer, wine, and spirits. They have a variety of beer types, including IPA, sour beer, stout, lager, and non-alcoholic beer. Craftshack also offers cocktail kits, snack boxes, and gift cards. They deliver across the US, although shipping regulations vary by state.

Pure Project

Pure Project offers a selection of craft beers, including blonde ale, murky IPA, barrel-aged imperial stout, and saison. They ship within California only, with beer shipping taking place on Thursdays via next-day delivery.

Trillium Brewing Co.

Trillium Brewing Co. offers beer and soak seltzer for delivery across the US. They ship via UPS Ground, with tracking details provided via email. Their website includes a page dedicated to beers shipping to Ohio.

GotoLiquorStore

GotoLiquorStore offers beer, wine, and liquor delivery from local stores. To view product pricing and availability, you need to enter your address.

Half Time

Half Time claims to have the "largest selection of beer in the country" and offers craft beer and cider gifts, including beer baskets and packs. They ship across the US, although the legal drinking age must be met.

Tavour

Tavour is a US-based app that allows you to order different brand single beers from one site.

Total Wine

Total Wine has a huge selection of beers, including local beers. They have stores in Wisconsin and other states.

When ordering alcohol online, remember to check the shipping regulations for your state, as these vary across the US.

Beer delivery costs

Tavour:

Tavour is a popular platform for beer enthusiasts, offering a unique subscription-based model. They charge a flat rate of $14.90 for shipping, with potential tax variances based on the customer's location. As of November 2018, Tavour shipped to 19 states and follows a schedule for deliveries.

The Beer Connect:

The Beer Connect acts as a middleman between breweries and customers. Shipping costs will vary depending on the brewer, with standard rates ranging from $25 to $35 and increasing with the size of the order. At least 25 states allow direct craft beer shipments from breweries, and the selection of beers available depends on the customer's state and the brewery's location.

CraftShack:

CraftShack offers a wide selection of beverages and distributes to most US states except for a few, including Alaska, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Utah. They have a $35 minimum order requirement, and shipping costs can be around $20 or more.

Best Damn Beer Shop (BDBS):

BDBS is based in San Diego and has two physical stores. They ship to 29 states with a $40 minimum order requirement and a minimum order of six bottles, which must be ordered in multiples of six or 12. While BDBS claims to make no profit from shipping, the cost of shipping beer can still be relatively high.

Craft City:

Craft City boasts a vast selection of over 2,000 beers available for ordering. They offer multiple shipping options, including ground shipping and faster delivery methods for sensitive products. Craft City does not ship to certain states, including Arkansas, Delaware, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Dakota, Texas, and Utah.

The Beer Store:

The Beer Store adds a nominal fuel surcharge to all deliveries, which is calculated based on fuel prices and is not affected by order size, location, or delivery terms. They also waive the fee if they need to revisit a location to correct an order.

It's important to note that the information provided may be subject to change over time, and it's always a good idea to check the latest details on the specific platform or service's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding beer delivery costs.

Shipping restrictions

Shipping beer can be a complex process due to the varying laws and regulations that govern the shipment of alcoholic beverages. Before shipping any beer, it is crucial to understand the restrictions imposed by different states, carriers, and local government entities. Here is a detailed overview of the shipping restrictions you need to know:

State Regulations:

• In-State Shipping: When shipping beer within the same state, you only need to comply with the regulations of that particular state. However, local laws can vary, and some counties or cities may have their own set of rules. It is essential to familiarize yourself with any applicable state or local laws before proceeding.
• Out-of-State Shipping: Shipping beer across state lines significantly increases complexity. You must consider the regulations of both the shipping state and the receiving state. Some states, like Mississippi, do not allow the receipt of wine shipments from other states, making it illegal to ship wine to those states. Always check the regulations of both the origin and destination states before attempting out-of-state shipping.
• Prohibited States: Only two states, Mississippi and Utah, have blanket bans on mailing alcohol directly to consumers. If you reside in one of these states, you cannot have alcoholic beverages shipped directly to your doorstep.
• State-by-State Variations: Each state has its own set of regulations regarding the shipment of beer, ranging from relatively relaxed to highly restrictive. It is essential to consult the specific rules for the states involved in the transaction.

Carrier Restrictions:

• USPS: The United States Postal Service does not allow the shipment of alcoholic beverages above 0.5% alcohol under any circumstances. Even reusing packaging with alcohol-related branding is prohibited.
• UPS: UPS will ship wine, beer, and spirits but requires specialized carriage contracts for each type of alcohol. You must hold the appropriate government licenses for shipping and comply with UPS's extensive requirements and restrictions.
• FedEx: FedEx accepts direct-to-consumer and licensee-to-licensee alcohol shipments where permitted by law. They only work with licensed alcohol shippers who have been approved by FedEx and have a single process for becoming an approved shipper.

Additional Considerations:

• Shipping Costs: Shipping beer can be expensive due to the weight and fragility of the bottles. Ground shipping typically costs around $20 to $35, and all deliveries require the signature of an adult aged 21 or older.
• Notification and Surcharge: When using carriers like UPS and FedEx, you must advise them that the package contains alcohol, and a surcharge will be applied to the shipment.
• Local Delivery Options: Consider using alcohol e-commerce sites like Drizly or Minibar, which offer local delivery options, enabling you to send beer or wine from local retailers to friends and family in the same area.

Shipping rates

Shipping Costs

Shipping beer can be expensive due to the weight and fragility of beer bottles. Ground shipping costs typically range from $20 to $35, and this option may not be suitable for sensitive products. Faster delivery options are available for an additional cost.

Shipping Restrictions

Shipping restrictions vary by state, and some states, such as Alabama, Arkansas, and Utah, do not allow direct shipment of beer to consumers. Other states have specific restrictions on the quantity of beer that can be shipped and the frequency of shipments.

Shipping Services

Several shipping services offer beer shipping, including UPS, FedEx, DHL, and USPS, each with its own regulations and restrictions. UPS, for example, requires shippers to have a valid license and enter into a contract for beer shipping.

Online Platforms

Online platforms like CraftShack, Tavour, and The Beer Connect also offer beer shipping, with varying delivery costs and restrictions. CraftShack has a flat-rate shipping fee of $35, while Tavour offers a $14.90 flat rate with tax variations based on location. The Beer Connect acts as a middleman between breweries and customers, with shipping costs depending on the brewer.

International Shipping

International shipping of beer is possible, but it is essential to check the customs laws of the destination country, as some ingredients and products may not be allowed. Shipping costs will vary based on weight, volume, and destination.

Beer delivery services

There are many beer delivery services that have sprung up in recent years, allowing beer enthusiasts to sample craft beers from across the country without leaving their homes. Here are some of the most notable services:

CraftShack

CraftShack is an online marketplace that connects beer buyers with smaller, craft-centric bottleshops. It has a wide selection of beverages, including beer, liquor, wine, and more. CraftShack has a team of beer enthusiasts who work directly with small bottleshops to fulfil orders. The website features handy filters that make it easy to browse for new beers in different styles. CraftShack offers speedy delivery to most states in the US, although shipping costs can be high, with a minimum order of $35 and additional shipping costs of around $20.

Tavour

Tavour is a subscription-based beer delivery service that offers a unique selection of craft beers from the country's top breweries. The Tavour app notifies users of new beers available to add to their open order. After a period of time, users can request their order to be shipped, with a flat shipping rate of $14.90. Tavour currently ships to most states in the US, although it is worth checking their website for the most up-to-date information.

The Beer Connect

The Beer Connect is a middleman service that connects customers directly with breweries. It offers a wide variety of craft beers, with the selection depending on the user's state and the state of the brewery. Shipping costs vary by the brewer but generally range from $25 to $35. The Beer Connect currently services at least 25 states.

Best Damn Beer Shop (BDBS)

Based in San Diego, BDBS offers a wide selection of craft beers, including exciting options from the West Coast. They ship to 29 states and offer in-store pickup or same-day delivery for San Diego locals. BDBS claims to make no profit from shipping, so costs may be lower than competitors, but shipping beer is still expensive. There is a minimum order of $40 and six bottles, with orders placed in multiples of six or twelve bottles.

Brewvana

Brewvana is an online beer box and homebrew supply retailer that curates craft beer selections from across America. Their Brews Less Travelled Beer Club is a travelling beer box subscription that visits a new American city each month, offering a unique selection of local brews. Brewvana also offers holiday-themed beer boxes for special occasions. Brewvana ships to most states in the US, although there are some restrictions.

Frequently asked questions