What are the rules concerning shipment of beer via post?

I'm soon to leave the loving land of NY for the warm bosom of Austin, TX. And according to the blokes at the Yuengling Brewery when I went on the tour last week, they don't have plans to ever distribute that far.

This is a tragedy, especially since I've recently become a fan of their Porter, too.

Anyways, is there any service I could use to have custom shipments of beer brought in from various places, and if not, are there any laws gainst private citizens of legal age shipping of ethanol-infused beverages to each other?

Any and all help is appreciated.

There is no one set of rules.

It's state by state.

Some states allow for direct shipment of alcoholic beverages from producer to consumer, and some don't. Generally, the laws about shipping beer into a state apply across the board, down to private citizens.

In any quantity, you're not likely to get an ongoing supply of Yuengling. I still wish I had good access to New Glarus beer.

Also, USPS does not ship alcohol. FedEx and UPS and etc. will, with notice and only to states that allow it. But there's also a lot to be said for a large fedex box full of bubble-wrapped longnecks... no rattling...

But do not do anything illegal.

In Response to zamphir (#28853):

Ongoing isn't necessary. But once or twice a year would be superkeen.

Then again, plane tickets are pretty cheap... maybe I'll just return for bee... to see my family, I mean.

You would really ship Yuengling's swill plus? Come on, with the exception of a few trips out west, I've been dry of Deschutes [deschutesbrewery.com] for 6 years, now, and that is a crime. Mirror Pond is a treat, and Black Butte Porter mops Pennsylvania's best off of the court.

In Response to deerboy (#28897):

I plead De Gustibus.

I'm sure those are swell beers, and perhaps one day I shall try them, but it was the first american beer I tried that wasn't terrible, and it's generally the best thing on tap in smaller new york cities.

I am fond of it. It's not my favorite beer, but I find it pleasing nonetheless and I'm a sentimental type.

In Response to mcgrue (#28967):

I am sentimental for a Busch in a bottle, or an Old Mil pounder, so that's ok.

In Response to deerboy (#28979):

what about a pitcher of Pabst Blue Ribbon through a straw?

In Response to phillip (#28995):

Only if I didn't pay for it. Just filled it from the tap myself.

In Response to deerboy (#29026):

What the hell, is Scott Horowitz modding this discussion?

In Response to deerboy (#29131):

Apparently so.

Interestingly, I did a term project on this last spring. Internet beer distributors will not ship anywhere that it is illegal for them to do so (unlike internet cigarette companies). Therefore, I am SOL here in Little Rhody, as you will be in Texas, unless you want to order a case of wine. Internet alcohol shipping laws are slowly relaxing in various states, and I believe Texas is one state where it is under consideration, but there is strong opposition [texassafetynetwork.org].

Even if you get your friends to buy you beer, FedEx will not ship alcohol to a state that doesn't allow it (USPS won't ship alcohol at all, but I'm not sure about UPS). You could always just pack it really tight, not let them know and then cross your fingers. I usually just bring a couple of cases with me when I drive home from places that have beer I like.