Beer Delivery or Pickup

While you don't need to learn the numerous varieties and styles of beer, it is important to have a basic knowledge of the types to help you in the selection process. Differences in beers are based on the type of yeast that is used to ferment the beer. Knowing the kind of beers you prefer will help you narrow down your choices.

Beer is made from water, a starch source or grain, yeast, and hops. Starch sources include malted barley, maize, wheat, and rice. Yeast options are top-fermenting, bottom-fermenting, and spontaneous-fermenting; each produces a different category of beer.  Hops add a distinctive flavor and aroma to the beer and help it stay fresh longer and maintain its foam head.

The brewing process consists of seven steps: malting and milling, mashing, lautering, boiling, fermentation, conditioning, and packaging. The malting process prepares the grain to convert the starches into sugar. Milling crushes the husk of the grain to expose the starchy center while keeping the hulls intact. Mashing adds hot water to the grain to activate the enzymes and convert the starches into sugar.

Separating the mash into residual grain and wort (sugar liquid) happens during lautering. A prolonged boil sterilizes the beer after the wort has been separated from the grain. The liquid is fermented in a stainless steel vat by adding yeast which interacts with the sugars to create the alcohol and carbon dioxide. Beer is filtered to remove the yeast and proteins during the conditioning process. Finally, the beer is packaged for consumer use.

The type of yeast used in the brewing process determines which category the beer falls under, ale or lager. Ales are made using top-fermenting yeast and are typically offer a more extensive range of flavors. Bottom-fermenting yeast is used to produce lagers, which are smoother and crisper than ales.

Yes! You can find retailers that offer beer through the Instacart app. Some restrictions do apply to the purchase of beer through Instacart. You must be at least 21 years of age or older to purchase beer and other alcoholic beverages. Instacart does not take special requests for beer purchases. If your beer selection is not available, the Instacart shopper will contact you to determine a suitable substitute. Instacart shoppers will not make a substitution without your approval.

A non-alcoholic item will not be accepted as a substitute for an alcoholic item. You must substitute one beer for the unavailable beer. When the Instacart shopper delivers your beer to your doorstep, you will be required to show a legal photo ID to prove you're over 21 years of age. Your ID will be scanned upon delivery.