For many US buyers, shopping for alcohol in the EU presents an opportunity to access a broader and often more unique selection of bottles. Some spirits that are common in Europe are rare or even unavailable in the US. Additionally, Europe is home to many independent bottlers offering special editions and limited releases that are hard to find elsewhere.
Another reason to look to Europe is the lighter regulatory environment. The alcohol market in the EU is generally less restricted than in the US, where state-specific regulations can limit availability. This allows European sellers to offer a more diverse range of products, often at competitive prices.
We analyzed 100 of the popular european sites specializing in rum and whisky to explore their shipping options to the US. Of these 100 stores, only 25 offer delivery to the US - 14 of them are e-commerce stores, while 11 operate as auction platforms. It's important to note that 9 of these 25 sites only deliver to specific states within the US due to varying state alcohol regulations.
Shipping costs vary significantly based on the weight and volume of the shipment. Sending a single bottle (around 2 kg / 4.4 lbs) typically costs between $50 and $130, with prices sometimes listed in pounds or euros, depending on the platform. The exact weight also depends heavily on the packaging, as many retailers use additional protective materials to ensure the bottle arrives safely, which can increase the overall weight. For larger orders or bulk shipments, customers are usually required to contact the seller directly to arrange pricing and shipping details. Some sellers also determine shipping costs per parcel, where one parcel typically contains six bottles.
Additionally, there is a difference in bottle sizes between Europe and the US that buyers should consider when calculating costs. European bottles are often 700 ml, while 750 ml bottles are more common in the US. This discrepancy in volume can affect shipping costs, pricing comparisons, and even duties or taxes, so it's important to take it into account.
It's essential to keep in mind that additional customs duties, taxes, and fees are often the buyer’s responsibility. While some platforms include shipping insurance in the price, others offer it as an optional add-on.
Delivery times vary depending on the seller. E-commerce stores generally promise delivery between 1 to 3 weeks, with some offering expedited shipping within 10 business days. Auction platforms, however, may take longer—up to 5 weeks—due to the need to wait for payment confirmation and auction closure before shipping.
Before ordering alcohol from Europe, it's crucial to be aware of the legal regulations in your state. Some US states have strict laws regarding the import of alcohol, and failing to comply with these regulations can result in your shipment being held or even confiscated. Make sure you can legally receive alcohol in your state before placing an order, particularly if you live in the following states:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Always check your state's specific laws to ensure you won't face any issues with customs or local authorities.
| Site | Shipping Cost |
|---|---|
| catawiki.com | Individual, usually around $100 |
| whiskyauctioneer.com | From $130 |
| rumauctioneer.com | From $130 |
| whiskyauction.com | From $130 |
| scotchwhiskyauctions.com | From $80 |
| rumtrades.com | From $110 |
| rhumauction.com | From $130 |
| whisky.auction | From $80 |
| whiskyhammer.com | From $120 |
| thegrandwhiskyauction.com | From $150 |
| whiskyshop.com | From $105 |
| Site | Shipping Cost |
|---|---|
| excellencerhum.com | From $80 |
| distilia.com | Individual |
| rhumattitude.com | From $80 |
| babo.wine | From $110 (6 bottles parcel) |
| whiskyagents.com | From $60 |
| musthavemalts.com | From $72 |
| berlinbottle.de | From $45 |
| lionswhisky.com | From $50 |
| htfw.com | $51 + $8 per bottle |
| rombo.dk | From $59 |
| deliawhisky.de | From $43 |
| idealwine.com | From $66 |
| masterofmalt.com | From $62 |
| rhumcaraibes.com | From $50 |
