The sale of limited edition beer on online auction sites like eBay is a prickly topic among craft brewers. Though there are obvious questions regarding the legality of individuals selling alcohol without following the same regulations that retailers and breweries are subject to, these are skirted by the below eBay-approved disclaimers that rationalize the sale of limited edition beers as “breweriana.”
• The value of the item is in the collectible container, not its contents.
• The container has not been opened and any incidental contents are not intended for consumption.
• The item is not available at any retail outlet, and the container has a value that substantially exceeds the current retail price of the alcohol in the container.
• The seller will take all appropriate steps to ensure that the buyer is of lawful age in the buyer and seller’s jurisdiction (generally 21 years of age).
• Buyers and sellers both ensure that the sale complies with all applicable laws and shipping regulations.
Is there any question, however, that the people who paid these prices via eBay auctions value the contents much more than the container and intend to drink them?
Three Floyds Dark Lord 2005: $77.01
Lost Abbey Bourbon Barrel-Aged Angel’s Share 2007: $59 (375-ml bottle)
Deschutes Abyss 2007 & 2008 (one bottle each): $48
Portsmouth Kate the Great 2008: $92