Shipping Beer

[Grumpydev]

I've got quite a few non-local friends who would like to try my beers, has anyone got any experience (good or bad) of posting a few bottles?

My main concerns would be damage/smashed bottles (no idea how to package it safely really), cost (more packaging == more cost, so would need to be a balancing act), and what effect it would have on the sediment layer in the bottles and whether it would re-settle.

At some point I'd like to send some to friends in the US, but that's a whole different can of worms.

[Aaron]

I've done this. I wrapped each bottle individually in bubble wrap and placed 6 bottles in a box (packed tightly together), with some sheets of cardboard around them to cushion any blows. All bottles survived.

I would suggest a level of dishonesty about the contents could be in order or the courier/post office might not accept it.

[Grumpydev]

Cheers Aaron - any idea how much it cost to post?

[Fil]

perhaps use pet bottles, both lighter and way less risk of damage/leaks..

[adman1966]

First, used pet bottles as they won't break and are lighter, therefore cheaper.
Second, pack in a box rather than a tube, again this will be cheaper as the length bumps up the price.
Then check online for any courier service currently doing special offers, they do from time to time.

[Grumpydev]

Lol, I have loads of PET bottles in the house and never even considered them, although I guess that means I'll have to decide how many I'm "shipping" before I bottle.

[beerbeerbeer]

You can post beer by royal mail if its less than 5% abv (from memory) - so you can be honest. I did it a while back - wrapped in bubble wrap and all was ok.