Beer Explorer

For the craft beer enthusiast, getting beer from the liquor store or the local brewery isn’t always good enough. There’s only so many options in the store, and the beer connoisseur knows that some of the finest options exist in other states across the country. For those interested in purchasing craft beer online, there are a handful of standout distributors offering a wide range of options, from rare and exclusive craft beers to popular and hard-to-find imports. Here are the top 6 online beer distributors that the Beer Explorers think should be your go-to for meeting your beer drinking needs:

1. Half Time Beverage: Praised for its extensive catalog of around 4,000 craft beers and ciders from over 800 breweries across more than 50 countries, Half Time Beverage is a New York-based store that delivers to 30 states in the US. They offer a variety of beers including domestic, imported, gluten-free, mead, and kegs. Delivery times can vary from 1 to 9 working days, and they are considered one of the best in the world for selection and service​.
2. Craft Beer Kings: Known for its vast selection of domestic and imported beers across almost any style imaginable, Craft Beer Kings also stocks seltzers, wines, ciders, meads, and hemp beverages. They offer the option to buy beer on demand, send gift boxes, or subscribe to monthly deliveries, covering nearly the entire continental U.S. with a processing time between 7 and 14 business days​.
3. CraftShack: CraftShack operates as an online platform offering a vast selection of craft beers alongside a variety of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. In addition to offering craft beer and other spirits from across the country, CraftShack offers a reward program as an incentive for customers, where points for purchases can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases.
4. Crafty Beer Market: Headquartered in Miami, Florida, this is one of the newest craft beer distributors out there. Crafty Beer Market offers an extensive selection of quality, fresh beers alongside exotic snacks, sodas, and more. With user-friendly navigation, monthly mystery boxes, and a keen emphasis on the unique aspects of craft brewing, Crafty Beer Market is designed to enhance the beer purchasing experience for aficionados and casual drinkers alike, while supporting local breweries.
5. Tavour: Specializing in offering craft beers that might not be available in your local area, Tavour features beers from over 650 breweries across 47 states. This service is app-based and allows for customizable orders or a subscription model without a delivery fee for monthly subscriptions. They have over 7,000 different craft beers available, with a delivery fee fixed at $14.90 regardless of order size​. Tavour is the Beer Explorers’ preferred distributor and where we get all of our beer from across the country. We have found the app to be user-friendly and even with the deliver fee the cost has been very reasonable.

Each of these distributors offers something unique, whether it’s the breadth of selection, the convenience of subscription boxes, or the novelty of direct brewery orders. Of course, what one you choose may also come down to your preference. Depending on your location and preferences, one of these options is likely to suit your craft beer purchasing needs.