Best Places To Buy And Trade Beers

Beer enthusiasts have been trading beers since the late 90s, and the hobby has only grown since. Beer trading is a way to try beers without travelling, or to get your hands on rare, elusive beers. Websites such as BeerXchange, Beer Advocate, RateBeer, and BeerConnoisseur, as well as Facebook groups and Instagram, are all places where beer lovers can connect and trade. Beer trading has its own language, with abbreviations like ISO (in search of), FT (for trade), and BBA (bourbon barrel-aged). While it's a fun and communal way to taste and enjoy beer, there are some legal and ethical challenges to be aware of, such as shipping restrictions and quality control.

Beer trading online

The world of craft beer is thriving beneath the surface, with a growing subculture of beer trading. The concept is simple: you trade a beer you have for one you want, or one that isn't readily available in your area. However, there is more to this popular hobby than meets the eye, including learning the language and etiquette, and navigating legal and ethical challenges.

The History of Beer Trading

The act of bartering is not new, but as the number of breweries, beer styles, and options has increased, the practice of trading beer has skyrocketed. Websites such as Beer Advocate, RateBeer, and Reddit have facilitated beer trades since the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, the rise of social media and apps has fuelled this fire, with Facebook groups and platforms like BeerXchange and The Beer Exchange dedicated to trading beer.

The Beer Trading Process

The process of beer trading is straightforward. You can browse for beers or breweries using platforms like BeerXchange, which utilises Untappd, or scroll through Instagram to find users with beers you want to try. You can then reach out to the other party to initiate a trade. It's important to note the legal complexities of shipping beer, as it is illegal to ship via the United States Postal Service (USPS), and against policy for UPS and FedEx to send alcohol without a license. However, people often circumvent this by stating the contents as something else. Alternatively, in-person trading is an option, which some apps like 4TradeCraft encourage to foster local connections and friendships.

Determining Beer Value

The value of a beer in the secondary market is subjective and based on demand and availability. Typically, beers that are limited releases from small breweries, restricted to a small geographic area, or barrel-aged and aged for a while, tend to be more valuable. These beers are often referred to as "whales" and include sought-after brews like Cigar City Brewing's Hunahpu's Imperial Stout (Huna) and Russian River's Pliny The Younger (PtY).

Benefits and Challenges for the Industry

Beer trading has a positive impact on the industry, providing a fun and communal way for people to taste and enjoy beer. It helps amplify and spread the word about smaller brewers and their beers to a wider audience. However, there are potential drawbacks, such as traders spending less time and money at local breweries and potentially impacting local sales if traders buy up reserves for trading. Additionally, quality control becomes challenging once the beer is in the hands of the consumer, as brewers cannot ensure proper storage and cellaring practices.

Tips for Successful Beer Trading

Before jumping into beer trading, it's essential to familiarise yourself with the etiquette and language of the community. Be considerate and honest, and ensure proper packaging and timely shipping. It's also important to track your trades and use feedback systems to build a reputation and hold traders accountable.

Beer trading in person

Beer trading has been a part of the online community since the late 1990s, with Beer Advocate and RateBeer being two of the earliest platforms for beer enthusiasts to connect and swap their brews. However, the rise of social media and dedicated apps has brought about a new wave of in-person beer trading.

In-person beer trading is a great way to meet fellow beer enthusiasts in your area and build "beer friendships for life". Apps like 4TradeCraft, founded by Sylvia Benavidez, use a Tinder-style approach to match beers in your cellar with those in your geographic area. This way, you can discover new beers without having to travel far from home and also get to know people nearby who share your passion for craft beer.

When it comes to determining the value of a beer in an in-person trade, the secondary market value is largely dictated by supply and demand. Beers that are typically traded are limited releases from small breweries, vintage beers, and barrel-aged beers that have been aged. These beers often have a higher value in trades due to their limited availability or the time and effort invested in ageing them.

Some of the most sought-after beers in trading forums and groups include Imperial Stouts, such as Cigar City Brewing's Hunahpu's Imperial Stout (Huna) and Founders Brewing's Kentucky Breakfast Stout (KBS). Other popular options include Russian River's Pliny The Younger (PtY), a highly acclaimed triple IPA, and The Alchemist's Heady Topper (HT), which is known for its complex flavour profile.

In-person beer trading allows you to bypass the legal complexities and logistical challenges of shipping beer. By meeting up with local traders, you can avoid the hassle of navigating shipping restrictions and the risk of your beer being damaged or compromised during transit.

When participating in in-person beer trading, it's important to follow proper etiquette and be respectful to your fellow traders. Be clear about what you have to offer and what you're looking for in a trade. Building a good reputation within the trading community can lead to more successful trades and lasting connections with fellow beer enthusiasts.

Beer trading language and etiquette

The language of beer trading can be confusing to newcomers, but it's important to get to grips with the basic terms and abbreviations before you start. The most important ones to know are "ISO" ("In Search Of") and "FT" ("For Trade"). It's also common for beer names to be abbreviated, so don't be afraid to ask if you're unsure what a particular abbreviation means.

There are also a number of other acronyms and terms that you'll come across, including:

• $4$: Dollar for dollar
• BBA: Bourbon barrel-aged
• 2:1 or 3:1: Trading one beer that’s worth two or three beers in return
• Loon: Brasserie Cantillon
• BIF: Beer it forward, where a group of people send beer to one specific person
• NBO: New beer it forward opportunity
• LIF: Lottery it forward, where a lottery is created to win a beer
• Extras: Extra beer or beer-related items put into a trade (e.g. coasters, key chains)
• Whale: A rare, hard-to-find beer
• Closed: A trade that has been completed and is no longer accepting offers

In terms of etiquette, it's important to remember that beer trading is a community-based activity and that you should treat other traders with respect. Don't be greedy, and try to include extras like local beers or beer-related items to surprise and delight your trading partner. It's also a good idea to give credit to good traders on beer trader outlets, as this will help to build your reputation in the community.

Before initiating a trade, it's a good idea to get to know the community and its guidelines. Start with an in-person trade to test the waters, and use an app like The Beer Exchange App or CellarHQ to inventory everything in your collection and see what you have available for trade. It's also a good idea to catalogue your beer cellar so that you know what you have to offer.

When it comes to shipping, things can get a little tricky. It's illegal to ship beer via the United States Postal Service (USPS), and it's against UPS and FedEx policy to send alcohol without a license. However, many people get around this by simply stating that the package contains something else. If you do choose to ship beer, be prepared to spend about 25% of the total value on shipping, and make sure to package your beer well to avoid breakage in transit.

Shipping and packing beer

Shipping beer safely and securely is a complex process with many considerations. Firstly, it is important to note that it is illegal to ship beer via the United States Postal Service (USPS). UPS and FedEx do not prohibit the shipping of alcohol, but they require shippers to have a license for such shipments.

When packing beer for shipping, the primary goal is to keep the contents secure and fresh. The use of lightweight materials that stabilise temperatures and protect the contents is essential. Insulated foam, pre-molded polystyrene, or moulded fibre inserts are all suitable options. The packaging must be strong enough to withstand bumps and drops and keep the beer at a consistent temperature.

When shipping beer bottles, it is crucial to secure the caps to prevent leaks. Wrapping the bottles in plastic and then adding padding helps prevent scratches, dents, and breakage. For cans, using moulded fibre, polystyrene box inserts, bubble wrap, or even newspaper can provide adequate protection. It is important to minimise empty space in the box to prevent the contents from shifting during transport.

The optimal temperature for shipping beer is between 37 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Shipping beer in a climate-controlled environment is essential to prevent spoilage or freezing, which can lead to can or bottle bursts.

Pallets are commonly used to ship beer, with plastic pallets gaining popularity due to their durability and resistance to absorbing spilled liquids. Wood pallets, on the other hand, are prone to mould and mildew growth. A typical pallet can hold a specified number of kegs, and the weight of the pallet and beer must be considered to avoid overloading the truck.

When shipping a case of beer, the weight is a factor, and shippers typically limit the number of cases per pallet to avoid overloading.

Shipping beer also requires adhering to various federal and state regulations. A valid business license, manufacturer or dealer's license, and a shipping license are necessary to demonstrate compliance with the law. Additionally, all beer shipments require a signature from an adult over 21 years of age upon delivery.

In conclusion, shipping and packing beer involve careful planning and attention to detail. By using appropriate packaging materials, maintaining optimal temperatures, utilising pallets, and complying with legal requirements, businesses can safely transport beer while ensuring its quality and freshness.

Beer trading communities

Beer trading has become a popular hobby for many, with a thriving online subculture. The concept is simple: you trade a beer you have for one you want, or one that might not be readily available in your area. This has led to the rise of several beer trading communities, both online and offline.

BeerXchange

BeerXchange is a platform that allows users to search for any beer or brewery using Untappd. It enables users to exchange local, rare, sought-after, or out-of-distribution beers. It also offers resources such as packing and shipping tips for trading beer.

BeerAdvocate

BeerAdvocate has been facilitating beer trading since the late 1990s and has grown into one of the largest and most trusted online beer trading communities. It provides a platform for users to try beers from different regions without travelling and connect with other beer enthusiasts. BeerAdvocate also offers features such as a beer trading dashboard, community forums, and a feedback system to maintain an honest and friendly community.

RateBeer

RateBeer is another longstanding community for beer enthusiasts, offering a database and ratings system for beers from around the world. While the discussion community has diminished over the years, RateBeer remains a reliable platform for accurate information and successful trades with generous traders.

Facebook Groups

Facebook has numerous public and private groups dedicated to beer trading, such as "The Craft Beer Trading Society", "BEER TRADE 4 YOU", "Beer Trading 101", and regional groups like "Beer Trade Chicago & Burbs" and "Oklahoma Beer Trader". These groups provide opportunities for traders to connect and exchange beers within their communities or across the country.

The Beer Exchange

The Beer Exchange is an app and social network founded by Mark Iafrate, with tens of thousands of registered users. It allows people to trade beers and connect with others who share a passion for trying new beers.

4TradeCraft

4TradeCraft is an app that takes a unique approach to beer trading, modelled after dating apps like Tinder. It matches beers from your cellar with those in your geographic area, facilitating in-person trading and helping you build "beer friendships" with people nearby.

Frequently asked questions