[mugwort]

It is a bit sad that there seems no technically legit way to ship home-made alcohol in the United States.  This means that each time we do so, we are prepared to lie about it.

Like esheppy, I'd like to know of a way to ship homebrew without having to tell a lie.  This brings to mind something that's easy to forget.  It really wasn't that long ago that homebrewing was illegal in the US.

I don't know if that realization should make me feel grateful or pissed off.  Appreciation of the merits of homebrewing has come a long way in public consciousness, but unfortunately we still have to ship in secret.

[Hokerer]

It is a bit sad that there seems no technically legit way to ship home-made alcohol in the United States.  This means that each time we do so, we are prepared to lie about it.

Like esheppy, I'd like to know of a way to ship homebrew without having to tell a lie.  This brings to mind something that's easy to forget.  It really wasn't that long ago that homebrewing was illegal in the US.

No, like folks have already said, just set yourself up a free account at UPS or FedEx and create your own shipment and shipping label.  Then just take it to one of their dropoffs.  Nowhere during the shipment creation process does it ask you what you're shipping.  Nor have, in all the times I've dropped shipments off, anyone asked what I'm shipping.  So absolutely no need to lie about anything.

[Jimmy K]

It is a bit sad that there seems no technically legit way to ship home-made alcohol in the United States.  This means that each time we do so, we are prepared to lie about it.

Like esheppy, I'd like to know of a way to ship homebrew without having to tell a lie.  This brings to mind something that's easy to forget.  It really wasn't that long ago that homebrewing was illegal in the US.

No, like folks have already said, just set yourself up a free account at UPS or FedEx and create your own shipment and shipping label.  Then just take it to one of their dropoffs.  Nowhere during the shipment creation process does it ask you what you're shipping.  Nor have, in all the times I've dropped shipments off, anyone asked what I'm shipping.  So absolutely no need to lie about anything.

Exactly. They're only asking because the computer prompts them to. The online label creator does not.

[GolfBum]

I have the luxury of having a shipping department at work. Not only do I know the guy shipping my brew but it  also costs a lot less because we ship so much.

I have been to a UPS store and they asked if there was anything liquid in the box, I just say no and they don't care. Just make sure to wrap the bottles with newspaper, put newspaper between the bottles. I add a garbage bag to keep the liquids in if they break. Never had that happen but can't be too careful.

Either way don't sweat it. It will get to where you want it to go, with no issues.

[jwaldner]

It is a bit sad that there seems no technically legit way to ship home-made alcohol in the United States.  This means that each time we do so, we are prepared to lie about it.

Like esheppy, I'd like to know of a way to ship homebrew without having to tell a lie.  This brings to mind something that's easy to forget.  It really wasn't that long ago that homebrewing was illegal in the US.

I don't know if that realization should make me feel grateful or pissed off.  Appreciation of the merits of homebrewing has come a long way in public consciousness, but unfortunately we still have to ship in secret.

I concur! I was just asked this yesterday by a FedEx employee and was turned away. There should a legal way to ship beer to competitions without having to compromise your morals. How do we get the AHA to work on this issue and get FedEx/UPS to permit shipping for analysis at homebrew competitions?

[a10t2]

How do we get the AHA to work on this issue and get FedEx/UPS to permit shipping for analysis at homebrew competitions?

They are, although I'm sure a phone call couldn't hurt.

[kramerog]

Since it isn't clear that you can legally transport homebrew in certain, perhaps many states (ahem Illinois), I'm not sure why Fed Ex or UPS would want to knowingly transport homebrew.  Let's focus on making transportation of homebrew legal first.

[Jimmy K]

Since it isn't clear that you can transport homebrew in certain, perhaps many states (ahem Illinois), I'm not sure why Fed Ex or UPS would want to knowingly transport homebrew.  Let's focus on making transportation of homebrew legal first.

Good point.

[Hokerer]

Since it isn't clear that you can legally transport homebrew in certain, perhaps many states (ahem Illinois), I'm not sure why Fed Ex or UPS would want to knowingly transport homebrew.  Let's focus on making transportation of homebrew legal first.

Which begs a kind of interesting question.  It's really hard to find authoritative information but it appears as though it is technically illegal to bring into (technically "import") Pennsylvania any quantity of alcohol.  Now, everybody does it and nobody gets in trouble for it but you have to wonder, with the AHA conference being is big as it is, could that make any ears perk up?  Has the AHA addressed the legality of all the clubs that'll be bringing homebrew into the state?

[denny]

How do we get the AHA to work on this issue and get FedEx/UPS to permit shipping for analysis at homebrew competitions?

It has been being worked on for many years....since before I was on the GC.  Basically, FedEX, UPS and DHC have decided there isn't enough money in it to make it worth their while.  There have been legislative efforts underway to get the USPS rules changed, byut getting those laws altered takes a long time.  In short, don't assume the AHA isn't working on this.

[denny]

Has the AHA addressed the legality of all the clubs that'll be bringing homebrew into the state?

I would have to imagine so.  Being able to transport homebrew in WA held up having the conference there until the law was changed.  I can't imagine that it would be different in PA.

[Jimmy K]

Has the AHA addressed the legality of all the clubs that'll be bringing homebrew into the state?

Legal rules is something mentioned on the page regarding "so you want ::insert your city:: to host a convention" though I can't remember where that page is.

[tschmidlin]

It is a bit sad that there seems no technically legit way to ship home-made alcohol in the United States.  This means that each time we do so, we are prepared to lie about it.

Like esheppy, I'd like to know of a way to ship homebrew without having to tell a lie.  This brings to mind something that's easy to forget.  It really wasn't that long ago that homebrewing was illegal in the US.

I don't know if that realization should make me feel grateful or pissed off.  Appreciation of the merits of homebrewing has come a long way in public consciousness, but unfortunately we still have to ship in secret.

I concur! I was just asked this yesterday by a FedEx employee and was turned away. There should a legal way to ship beer to competitions without having to compromise your morals. How do we get the AHA to work on this issue and get FedEx/UPS to permit shipping for analysis at homebrew competitions?

Don't ship beer, ship "yeast samples for analysis".  Unless you filter out your yeast, that is 100% true, if misleading.  Ship Fedex or UPS, it's just against their policies.  Shipping USPS is against the law.

[Jimmy K]

From the NHC 2014 thread
 

Grand Rapids beat out several cities for the event, including Austin, Texas, which was knocked out by strict liquor-control laws that prevented further consideration.

Looks like the Texans have some work to do.

So a definate maybe.

[denny]

Don't ship beer, ship "yeast samples for analysis".  Unless you filter out your yeast, that is 100% true, if misleading.  Ship Fedex or UPS, it's just against their policies.  Shipping USPS is against the law.

I've heard that a lot of places are onto that.  I simply say it's "gifts" becasue, after all, beer is a gift...right?