trading this time of year

I have a pending trade right now that we mutually postponed due to extreme cold. IMO it's not worth the risk until temps stay above 20. I hear it also depends on the alcohol content of the beer

 

There is a good 'cold weather trading' thread in the trading help forum. I recommend reading it

http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/cold-weather-trading-winter-shipping-thread.136681/

It really is best to avoid trading during sustained sub zero, let alone sub freezing temperatures.

 

I try not to ship if I see there are multiple sub-20 degree days/nights along the route to my trade partner. Especially if there are lower-ABV (sub-7%), or corked bottles involved.

However, one thing I would say, if you pack well, all that packing serves as layer(s) of insulation, as does the box itself. And despite the fears of some, even if the box sits in a warehouse overnight, or on a truck, it's still not as cold inside as it is outside. The ABV will then serve to prevent the beer from freezing in almost every instance. I of course agree that it's better safe than sorry, but IMO the fear of shipping while cold is often overstated.

 

Same with me i have two going to chicago on hold because of the frozen midwest right now. Just pack really well it will help with the insulation some.

 

I can tell you from experience it's not overstated. I had a guy from Cali last year that ignored my recommendation on when to ship, 2 pricey AWAs, and the showed up frozen.

 

I agree with this entirely but will go on to say that I have had 2 experiences with beer being frozen from them being on a truck overnight in 15-25 degree temps. If I have to ship, I will always ship on a Monday as to do my best to make sure it doesn't end up being on a truck over the weekend.

Another thing to consider are there are a bunch of delay's that happen due to winter conditions and if your box gets caught up in that it could spell problems. Wrap and bag well just in case of an accident so it doesn't leak.

 

you'll notice I specifically stated unless "...there are lower-ABV (sub-7%), or corked bottles involved." - I'm guessing AWAs fit both descriptions.

 

I've got a couple trades pending right now due to the cold weather, 20-30 degrees has always been fine but we are seeing high's of zero right now so it is best to hold off once you go into single digits.

 

What have you done typically when the beer arrived frozen?

 

Cried.

 

I just got a box from NC today it's 8 deg here

a can was frozen

but 3 saisons from WW made it

wasn't packed the greatest but it made it was packed great for summertime but it was just bubble wrap and newspaper couple of ziplocks

double box is key talk to the minnesota boys never lost a box from there yet

 

I postponed shipping some boxes because it is 11 degrees in AL and even colder in NY and MN! I look for lows around 25+ for 2-3 days in a row before shipping. I have only had bad luck with can's freezing in the past and they were session beers

 

Glad somebody finally brought this topic up

 

0 to 10? Don't chance it.

 

I tend to dial down the trading this time of year but when it gets really cold (now) I usually have the person I'm trading with ship my box to my work so it's not sitting on a porch becoming completely frozen. Also, as others have mentioned, you might want to add on a bit of time for shipping since there are quite a few delays.

 

For those that can't ship to work, having your box held at a fedex or ups location is another option so that it doesn't sit on a porch.

 

Thought I wold add my recent experience with this and get some input. Had a box from Cali sent to me last Tuesday, just arrived today(never us UPS, they are super slow) I just had a box come in and two of the beers are frozen solid and have leaked some through the cap. The beers are West Ashley and Map of the Sun....bumber I know. I am planning on opening them tomorrow anyways with some friends at a share, what should I expect?

 

to be seriously bummed out that West Ashley froze

 

Had a box show up yesterday with 3 pliny, all frozen solid / leaking. could tell from the box that they had frozen, leaked and then froze again. Lesson learned: always check extended forecast not just the next few days.