NBS BIF #1 hints

Ha! You definitely didn't have to do that. And we'll just have to agree to disagree on who had the harder job.

It sucks, those that haven't done much beer trading might not know this (maybe I should leave you in blissful ignorance) but FedEx and UPS just changed how their fee structure works to now incorporate "dimensional weight" for all packages (it used to only be 3 cubic feet or more, which is a huge box)

What this means is that a 12 bottle shipper (14x16x18) with 25lbs in it costs a LOT more to send than a small (say 8x10x10) box with the same weight. A box that would have cost me $22 before the change just cost me $35, for example. The name of the game is no longer "as big as you want as long as it's packed tightly" it's now "as small as you can possibly get it as long as nothing is going to break".

 

Yes, just like "over 3 cubic feet" used to trigger cost for dimensional weight, there are still thresholds for triggering cost for "actual weight", I believe the amount it scales based on size, but I haven't played with it much yet.

 

I've had luck with fedex by having an account with them and always scheduling a pickup. this way I take a random guess at weight an never get charged more than my original price. the random guess is usualy within 10lbs. though

 

I drop my boxes off with the same result; if guessing the weight is the only reason you do pickups, save your $8. I might get the extra amount tacked on sometimes, but compared to an $8 surcharge everytime for the pickup, I think I come out ahead.

 

I'm pretty sure I don't get charged $8 for pickup I'll have to double check on that tomorrow thiugh

 

Okay my friends...

A box from @cjgiant arrived today. My girl sent me a text this morning that it had arrived. I then spent the rest of my work day super excited to get home so I could check it out, and folks, it was well worth the wait.

CJ did a great job on all counts. Everything was packed extremely well and arrived safe and sound. Everything in the box is new to me, and every one em' looks mighty good. There was also a beautiful snifter, and until now I've never owned one (just never bought one for some reason, but I've had my eye out lately).



Lickinghole Creek "Three Chop Tripel Ale" (that is correct spelling)
DC BRAU "On The Wings of Armageddon" (two cans)
Adroit Theory Brewing "Black as Your Soul" (this just looks absolutely fantastic, one of the best bottle presentations I've ever seen.)



Alewerks Brewing Company "Bourbon Barrel Porter"
and a Mad Fox Brewing Company snifter (any beer I put in this is going to look sexy, this thing is beautiful).

There was even a typed letter with info on each beer/brewery along with some personal observations. CJ really knocked it out of the park putting together a super classy box of awesome goodness, and these beers are all sitting proudly, chilling out on my now "Sunday Only" shelf in my fridge.

Many thanks to @cjgiant for everything, it all looks awesome. I was happy as a kid on Christmas as I opened all this up, and I can't wait till NBS to crack one of these open.

@beertunes and @Lehighace06 : Thank you for all your efforts putting this together, it has been a total blast all around so far, and that is only because you guys made it happen.

Being one of those people that possibly got too excited, I must say that it turns out buying craft beer for somebody else is just as fun (if not more) then buying stuff to pour into yourself. Puts a new spin on things.

And besides, when your local brewery has five beers available and you dig them all, why even try deciding?

 

Thank you, I hope drinking them is as exciting as anticipating them. Especially glad they are all new to you (I figured at least 2 would be). I wonder if I over bubble-wrapped even, but I guess there is no such thing if they arrived safely.

I was informed I will be getting my box from @strohme later this week, which will just make the work week longer.

Adroit Theory often gets kudos on their labeling, their is usually a bit more behind/embedded in the obvious images if you look closely.

 

I tried hard to only compile the list of only confirmed matches, and I think others added in the same vein.

 

You can never over pack. I think my box could survive re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.

Freezing temps are much more my worry right now.

 

This is what doing BIFs is all about.

 

I'm not positive, but I think I and my target are the only ones not on this list at this point. Anybody else?

 

I am still not 100% who is sending to me, but I am pretty @Stillyman11 is sending to me.

 

Nice box, well done @cjgiant ! Gotta love seeing those OTWoA cans!

 

If, hypothetically, this is true, you should expect something soon

 

Awesome!