Trade Extras

For me it usually depends on what the trade entails. Usually I'll send some local hops whether it be something from Tree House, Wormtown, Jack's Abby, Grey Sail. I've occasionally given something like a Backwoods Bastard or something aged out of the cellar.

 

I send jai alai 85% of the time if I see it fresh. The other 15% I've sent whatever I see doesn't get distribution in the recipients state. To me it's about sending something somebody doesn't usually see.

 

I usually send out local good shelf beers, but for normal trade partners I always throw in some surprises.

 

I look in the fridge for the oldest ipa and bickety-bam you're welcome.

Actually I typically send Head Hunter, Voodoo stuff, and Gratitude.

 

I like to look at the persons Wants and see if I can get them something off that list. If not, Local hops and or something I think they'll like based on their reviews of other beers.

 

I am a rookie when it comes to trading BUT... usually I will ask the trader what types of beer they like/dislike. I will try to snag some good "shelf beers" that are fresh, interesting, and not distributed to their area. I will also check their reviews to make sure they haven't had it. I do a lot of homework. But it depends, I have also thrown in BA TenFidy and Pliny the Elder as extras before. To me (again, I'm a rookie) the whole extras thing is the most fun and exciting part about trading, because the surprise is great. Upslope and Dry Dock both make good beers that don't have wide distribution, so that can be part of my game plan.

I also like to include cans as extras as they are lighter and easier to ship. But I don't necessarily restrict myself to just cans.

 

I usually try to send Cycle crowlers as extras...or fresh Jai Alai

 

New Glarus-Seasonals/Thumbprints
Central Waters Brewers Reserve-Stout/Cherry Stout/Barleywine
Surly-Seasonals- Abrasive, Todd, Bitter Brewer, Wet
Valkyrie Brewing Big Swede (underrated local gem of a RIS)
Angry Minnow River Pig (Another local just up the road. An almost criminally underrated Pale.)

 

First, I look at the person's "wants" list if they have filled that out. If I have something or have access to it, I will try to include that. Second, I will ask them what they like and try to include something they don't have in their distro area. If they are into IPAs/hoppy beers, it usually means a trip to FFF or 18th St. to get something fresh. I also like to drop in local things that I like that people don't know about.

Rules of thumb (in my opinion): send things you think they will like, send things that will make them happy when they open the box, never send old hoppy beers.

 

Regional Shelf Beers is what I include, and what I appreciate getting in return

 

Mostly more-limited shelf or less-limited brewery only stuff, if that makes sense. I try to send out a box that I would personally love to receive, without getting too carried away.

 

Last few trades I sent out White Oak Jai Alai, Last Snow, Nikolai, and Slow as Molasses as extras. Would never even think to send regular Jai Alai when there are so many other options. Usually a CCB or Funky Buddha Bomber will do the trick.

 

Stalk their Wants list, what they have been previously ISO, styles they seem to like, fresh local hops, new under the radar local brews, high demand bottles in my area (its Ohio, I mean come on ), etc...

I haven't received extras on the last couple trades completed on this site. Plenty of generosity on others though. Who cares, I'll continue to send extras of what I can. Its the best part of trading

 

funny i had this same experience...had a run of like 3-4 packages recently without extras(out of 70+ trades on here that's not too bad!), but i've received enough in the past that i didn't mind. one of those guys is now banned for selling beers as it turns out haha. but i generally try to send other half cans/hill farmstead bottles/if i was up near there recently fresh ipas from VT. i generally like to send things that are generally somewhat sought after, since to me there's nothing better than getting a message of appreciation about extras I sent.

 

I always start with their "want list" and then check out seekabrew.com to see what they cant get. Otherwise, non-dist./local/in state stuff

 

I use Untappd to help build my extras list, combined with the styles the traders prefers. I will look for local/shelf options that fit their style and use Untappd to determine if said option had a prior check-in. From time to time I'll even look for a well rated option they've had before (4.5 stars or higher) and send it.

I would skip extras before sending something old or something that was not rated BA 85 or higher. I usually try to target BA 90+

Wants are good as well, if you can fulfill them. Via extras I've had some fun fulfilling wants for folks. Always great to get a BM or text from someone excited they landed an unexpected want!

 

I almost always send a WV beer, since 99% of people on here have never had one.

 

always regional shelf favorites -- in my case, usually Jacks Abbey. If I have cans of Treehouse/Bissell/Foundation laying around, I'll throw one in there.

Just want to make sure they don't have access to the extras I send, and make sure I'd appreciate the same if I was in their shoes.

 

Usually just love sending some rare barrel aged goodness. I try to send the best beer i have available at the time for each trade, love sharing the wealth to me thats what being a beer advocate is all about, and most people will do the same.