Shipping Bottles of Beer

[matt]

My first batch of all grain will be ready for consumption next week and I am wanting to ship some bottles to the BN and to a couple of friends. My question is, who should I use to ship? What can I do to avoid problems? I know not to use USPS, but other than that I'm not sure where to go. UPS, FedEx, DHL? What are you guys experiance with shipping beer?

[Push Eject]

There are already some great threads on this and an article in Zymurgy a couple months ago (I think it was the Colonial Beers issue).

Nonetheless, here is my 2 cents:

If you can get a bottle shipper (BevMo sells 'em) they are great. Here is one link to a possibility.

You could also tape bubble wrap around each bottle instead. Either way, put everything in a trashbag and tie it closed.

Place any paper (letter, competition form, etc...) into a sealed Ziploc bag.

Ship UPS or FedEx. Declare it as "Yeast Samples for Evaluation" (they are catching onto that one, though, or "Collectible Bottles" or "Colored Glassware"...

Better yet, open an account at UPS online and you can print your own shipping labels.

Cheers,
Push Eject

[Speyedr]

I use USPS ALL the time. I have not used anyone else and have had no problems. There threads on this subject already, but I'll sum it up and say pack well, bubble wrap etc. Wrap each bottle in a bag in case one breaks on the way. IF they ask what's in the box, tell them "Live Yeast Cultures" and leave it at that. They have never asked me.

Good Luck, and tell Justin NOT to lager it unless it's supposed to be lagered. Also, don't send him anything that is supposed to be consumed "fresh", like say a WIT, 'cause he'll sit on it even longer and serve it to a beer judge two months later in order to emasculate you before the entire TBN community....

I won a Blue Ribbon for that Beer... A BLUE RIBBON!

[Push Eject]

I use USPS ALL the time.

I want to point out that this is a felony. They probably won't prosecute, but why bother when there are other options.

Just my thoughts.

Push Eject

[Speyedr]

I use USPS ALL the time.

I want to point out that this is a felony. They probably won't prosecute, but why bother when there are other options.

Just my thoughts.

Push Eject

I'd like to point out that I had NO IDEA this was a felony until you pointed it out. Now I know ignorance of the law is no excuse, but I was BLISSFULLY ignorant of this fact until you told me. Now my high ethical standards force me to re-evaluate my processes.

If I were James Bond and you were a hot little piece of ass sitting next to me, I would STILL Push Eject for that one... MAN, some people...

[matt]

Great advice, guys. I think I will use the, "Active Yeast Cultures"

[Bugeater]

Perhaps you should direct your question to Dr. Scott. Ask him how he shipped his beer for the Secret Santa. (still waiting) Anyway, I ship "collectable beer bottles". The local UPS counter is used to me shipping art pottery all the time, so they don't question it.

Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company

[Dr Scott]

Perhaps you should direct your question to Dr. Scott. Ask him how he shipped his beer for the Secret Santa. (still waiting) Anyway, I ship "collectable beer bottles". The local UPS counter is used to me shipping art pottery all the time, so they don't question it.

Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company

Well... When I'm damn good and ready to ship beer, I ship UPS

Dr Scott