Taking beer in check in baggage?

I want to take a couple of bottles of local ale for my brother-in-law and a friend we are staying with. I realise I won't be able to take it in carry on (I used to do this), will it be ok in the check-in luggage though?

I think it should be.  I've packed wine in my checked luggage before and there was no problem. 

I think it should be.  I've packed wine in my checked luggage before and there was no problem. 

I just don't want it exploding in my luggage!

I've taken carbonated soda in my checked luggage.

I just don't want it exploding in my luggage!

Transporting beverages is always a risk, but if it's not actually prohibited, you may as well give it a try.  Worst case scenario, you'll just have to wash beer out of your clothes 

Any time I'm taking something that *might* get messy, I double-bag it in Ziploc bags before I put it in my luggage.  That way, even if the item doesn't make it, it hopefully will be contained.

I've taken bottles of ale to my bil back in the states and had no issues. Just seal it in a bag and pack it well, in the middle of your case (i usually stick it inside something like a shoe as well)and you should be fine.

Thanks all.

just wrap them in your clothes and stick them in the middle, make sure they weren't cold at one point, especially if you are heading to the southern part of the states, it can skunk the beer a bit if the luggage ends up in heat for a bit (something the Brits really don't need to worry about).  I used to fly all over the US with beer and have brought a few from the states.

just wrap them in your clothes and stick them in the middle, make sure they weren't cold at one point, especially if you are heading to the southern part of the states, it can skunk the beer a bit if the luggage ends up in heat for a bit (something the Brits really don't need to worry about).  I used to fly all over the US with beer and have brought a few from the states.

OK thanks. I have taken beer over before, and brought back - but that was back when you could take liquids in your carry-on.
I just wasn't sure if the difference in pressure in the hold, plus all the throwing around of the case would combine to unsettle the contents!
I'll just wrap them in a towel I guess. At least I have a hard suitcase as well.

I have taken beer many a time in checked luggage as well and have had good luck with it.  My method is (probably over-doing it) as follows:

Step 1: Wrap each bottle with some newspaper.
Step 2: Put each bottle in a plastic bag.  I prefer the ziplock freezer bags.
Step 3: Wrap each bottle in a t-shirt.
Step 4: Spread them out throughout the case making sure they're not near the edges or too close to one another.

Travel, land, refrigerate, and enjoy. 

Travel, land, refrigerate, and enjoy. 

Thanks....though I won't be the one enjoying them! Just a couple of local brews for our hosts.