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Munich beer sales

I'll be in Munich in April and was wondering how available is the beer (either in bottles or kegs) from the 6 major beer distributors? Do the respective breweries sell their beer outright or must one go through a retail outlet such as grocery/liquor store? I do know that the Augustiner Bräu Kloster Mülln brewery/beer hall in Salzburg sells bottles and kegs. I would love to bring back some Augustiner brew. Thanks for any response.

Posted by
12040 posts

Every Rewe supermarket has a drink section. Other than the restaurants, beer halls and biergartens owned by the brewers, they don't sell directly to the public.

Posted by
111 posts

Tom A couple of thoughts... 1) Your ability to bring back liquids may be a problem. I'd check security, no way will you get to carry on the plane and placing beer in luggage can create another set of issues.
2) Your local Santa Rosa liquor store might very well sell all brews you want to bring back. BTW I can't help but think the local Munich grocery does not sell carry out. I've been to Munich and Salzburg wish I could be going too!

Posted by
4406 posts

You can definitely buy bottles at Andechs ;-) I don't know if it's available from their Munich restaurant location. BUT, since I think you're looking to resell it, perhaps - I can't help with that. (I definitely could see us buying a keg of Augustiners/Salzburg!)

Posted by
296 posts

You can in fact bring beer in cases into the US as long as you're not doing so for commercial purposes such as resale. If that was the case additional licenses are required. As for a keg? Haven't tried that one but who knows? Each state customs are different. So check with yours before buying.

Posted by
873 posts

Most of the beers from the the "Sechs Richtige" are readily available in the U.S. I don't know if craft beer shops are a PNW thing, but we have several such stores within Seattle and they stock a very wide selection of German imports. I realize that doesn't help you with regards to bringing beer home, but it's something to think about before you go through the trouble of transporting it yourself.

Posted by
3 posts

I was entertaining the keg (6.6 gallon) idea?? We travel a couple times a year to Europe . The other half is a commercial pilot with one of our larger airlines and we've never had problems bringing wine back into the states. Her wine that is. She usually stores it "in cabin." A couple of cases usually with no problem and always s it. Yes, the customs people ask if it's for resale (which it isn't) but if one does this "importing" of alcohol on a regular basis then owning a liquor license is mandatory as are various fees. I just have had this idea in my head for a while now. I contacted customs and they really don't give you a yes/no answer regarding a keg. Other than one has to pay the airline a cargo fee and the pick up area is restricted. There are many beer distributers in the US that import kegs from various brew masters. But Augustiner is NOT one of them. No kegs to the US, I do know for a fact. Thanks for your input. And yes, I think the neighbors would like it too.

Posted by
3 posts

Thanks Anna and I'm aware of these domestic import shops but when you're in one of their beer halls your first thoughts are: bring some of this stuff home. It's that tasty and enjoyable. After all, there aren't 5K people sitting in a beer garden on a Sunday morning outside of Munich Germany for nothing.

Posted by
12172 posts

Two issues, both can be overcome. First, getting it home safely (forget cheaply). Probably best packing it with you as additional luggage. Since beer is mostly water, it's going to be heavy (and expensive to ship) and fragile. Since you are investing, make sure to use some good bubble-wrap inside a hard shell to get it home in one piece. Second, customs. Declare it, your first couple of liters (assuming you are with spouse) will be free - after that I think it's a 3% duty as long as the customs officer doesn't think it's for resale. If he does, it can get expensive. Always disclose what you have, you only get in trouble for failing to disclose your items (unless it's narcotics or something obviously illegal). Beer shouldn't be something you have to forfeit (as meats and non-pasteurized cheeses are). Usually the cost and hassle means I only bring home the memories of nice beers. If your willing to deal with those, you can be the envy of your friends (at least till the beer runs out).

Posted by
296 posts

When a person imports beverage alcohol products into the United States on a one-time basis for personal use, the above requirements (other than the payment of Federal excise tax and any applicable duties to U.S. Customs and Border Protection) do not apply. In exceptional cases, individuals who import beverage alcohol products for personal use on a repetitive or continuous basis may be required to obtain an importer's basic permit and possess a COLA for these imported shipments. As a practical matter, it is usually at the discretion of the CBP District Director at the port of entry to make the decision of whether or not a particular importation is, in fact, for personal use only. In certain unusual circumstances, TTB may exercise joint jurisdiction with CBP in making this determination. If CBP and/or TTB decide that imported alcohol is for personal use, an importer's basic permit is not required, nor is it necessary to obtain a COLA; however, all federal, state and local taxes must be paid. In addition, other state, local or CBP requirements may apply. It should be noted that some states prohibit the direct shipment of beverage alcohol products to individuals. Anyone interested in importing alcohol for personal use should contact their state liquor control agency. A list of State Liquor Control Boards is available on our web site at http://www.ttb.gov/wine/control_board.shtml. Finally, the determination whether or not a shipment is for personal or commercial use cannot be decided solely on the size of the shipment but must be determined on a c

Posted by
873 posts

I agree with James. Drinking a bottle of beer at home is never going to be the same as drinking the same beer in a German beer hall, whether that bottle was transported by you or by a cargo ship. But that's just me. Good luck with your beerdrinking endeavours!

Posted by
193 posts

I agree with Anna. Enjoy it over there. You can buy it here...and then remember how much better it tasted when you were there.

Posted by
4406 posts

I DARE say that my Straffe Hendrik is DARN tasty in the confines of my home 8^D And I'd consider doing something drastic for a keg of Märzen from Salzburg's Augustiner Bräu- although, of course, the best scenario is to actually BE there. Sometimes the atmosphere enhances the food and drink; sometimes the food and drink enhance the atmosphere... Hey, Tom - I'M your neighbor. Just sayin'.

Posted by
873 posts

Reg, that is what I do on a weekly basis :) Well, that, and wishing I could find Kozel anywhere over here!

Posted by
296 posts

Anna, ever slam a few of these down, Weihenstephaner Korbinian? If you have you probably don't remember it??? Beeradvocate.com gives it A- ratings.

Posted by
296 posts

Matter of fact this web sites #1 rated beer is made in Tom's back yard, Pliny The Younger. What a coincidence.