Flying with beer to and from Germany

[JoeBeer100]

I am planning to travel to Berlin and Dusseldorf this spring. I would like to bring some good beer for a friend of mine over there, and he said he will pick up some good ones for me to bring home. Has anyone traveled internationally with beer in their checked baggage? Is there a limit to how much you can put in a checked bag? Any suggestions as to some American beers to impress a German would be nice, too. I live in Ohio, so I don't have access to every West Coast beer.

Thanks in advance!

[adamK]

I have flown with checked beer quite a few times. The legality of it will be country dependent, but bringing it back to FreedomLand is legal, as long as it is below something like 40% abv. I can't remember if the limit is ridiculously high or non existent. I just know I can't fit an illegal amount in my suitcases. I think it has more to do with financial value than volume. I would assume Germany would have similar laws, but google will likely know the full law. I just wrap the beers in my socks, and then in plastic bags, placing them in the center of my luggage. I've been screened a few times without problems.

I don't know what you could bring to impress a german, American beers (read hop forward) don't travel well in my opinion. My overseas friends generally request bourbon. But if you bring some over, you'll have room to bring some back.

Good Luck!

[PorkSlapper]

A quick search is saying you can bring 16 liters of beer into Deutschland.

As for Beers that may impress, grab a few american versions of a german pils, or Dusseldorf Alt. Or go bit with some great american imperial stouts. You are in Ohio, pick up a few bottles of B.O.R.I.S. the crusher. That beer is one of my favorite imperial stout.
-Pork

[JoeBeer100]

Thanks for the replies. I intend to take some Hoppin' Frog. I just saw Café Silk Porter at the store today, so I may have to take over a couple of those. I'll probably go for a mixture of American attempts at German styles and unique American beers that are morphs from traditional styles.

[PorkSlapper]

Thats a great idea, bring home some hop schnapps, and enjoy yourself in Deutschland. I've always wanted to go there.

[Maltmaster1]

Pack it well with bubble wrap and seal it in a Hefty or contractor bag in your luggage! Also, watch your weight limits if you are carrying a lot. Carriers will fine you for overweight luggage or have you check a 2nd bag at a price. Delta wasn't happy that I had 85 lbs of Westy 12, Gouden Carolus, Mea Culpa and Cantillon in my luggage coming home from Brussels...but it all made it!!!