Pretty much what @Homebrew said. To expand though, there are LOTS of "wait in line" beers tossed around within the BIF community just like in the viper pit, the difference is that no one is expecting them to be (especially in this thread, specifically geared toward people new to BIF and often newer to trading in general), it's just a nice bonus when they are sent. It's definitely just fine to send 32oz "howlers" as opposed to 64oz "growlers", frankly I'd probably prefer it because odds are I'll wind up wasting a decent portion of a 64oz growler anyway, and they're much more difficult to ship. As far as style preferences go, generally speaking stick to them. Extras are extras, so if there's one thing that is a "dude you gotta try this" go ahead. With that said, for the most part people that aren't a fan of a popular style aren't just under-educated and in need of a "oh, now i get why people like sours" beer, they just don't like that style and it'd be somewhat wasted on them.
There are so many great things about the BIF community but one thing I've always enjoyed is the thrill of the hunt - getting your target, trying to figure out what they may like, trying to hit some wants, maybe sending a couple beers that might introduce them to a new style, etc. So yes @oldmetalguy , good questions and I think you're getting some good input above. My rule is that if my target has a style they say they do not like (let's say hops/IPAs like you mentioned) and I have access to a great beer in that style (locally maybe fresh Hop Juju, Bodhi, etc.) I'll send it as an extra because you never know if that will be the beer that helps open up a new door for them for that style. If that person says "I DO NOT like hops" and they go on to say "I've tried, Pliny, ZD, King Sue, Abner, Crank, Bodhi, Haze, Julius, etc. and hate them all", I don't think you sending a 32oz growler of local hops will turn that ship around.
sitting here reading BA and not doing my taxes.. another - for a beer you don't like, like me with IPA's (so far, do they all taste like bitter grapefruit? ), if you don't like it, specifically for taste, like trying something new, how do you rate it? does you not liking it make it "bad", like a 2 or a 1 on untappd? bad to me means the recipe / type / quality of what they were intending is not what's in the bottle.. like a vanilla stout that instead tastes like coke syrup I was thinking of checking them in (more so I can remember), and not give it a rating
I used to be the same way with ipa's my least favorite style, till I finally found one years ago that I enjoyed( if I recall dogfish 60) after that I couldn't get enough. With that said I still prefer dark/sour over hoppy any day but I rate accordingly. I rate the beers based on what the style is supposed to be, such as a say mango ipa, does it taste like mango? Is the malt bill correct for the style? Is the hop there or not? Does it taste like juice or beer? Just an example
I'd just check them in with no ratings. Have you tried many hoppy styles (pale ales, IPA, DIPA, hopped saisons, etc.) and if so, do you dislike the hop taste in general? I'd also look at what IPAs you've tried and see if there are some commonalities (were they old, do they have similar hops).... I read something once (and my math is not accurate I'm sure) where humans are capable of smelling 400-500 different, distinct smells but each one of us can typically only smell 150 of them or something and each person is different so maybe your nose has the unfortunate ability to pick out some off flavors from hops that most people find appealing. I know for me, my nose never picks up on the "cat pee" smell or taste that some people get with certain brews. I also notice that I pick up on grassy notes much more often than other people seem too. I also notice that I normally don't pick up on small amounts of oxidation that other people seem to pick up on before the bottle is even opened!
1) I have not problem telling a person that I'm not a big fan of somethings and am a big fan of others. In other words don't be afraid to tell them you don't like a certain style. 2) 32oz is more than fine and a hell of a lot easier to ship than a 64oz growler. I like the 750ml swing tops if I'm going to ship a growler of local beer. 3) And as far as what the fuk FTFY means you would have to ask my grandson as I'm way to old to know that shit!
A winner has been chosen! For my last LIF I announced the winner, so I guess I'm going to have to ninja this one...
I know there's some FL guys here, was looking at another thread and noticed this, Most Memorable Beer Labeling, Pictures Are Welcome
If anyone is interested, El Catador seats are up for sale tonight at 8pm... I think there is maybe 200 seats up for grabs with thousands of people trying for them I'm sure... good Luck!!
Not sure on that part. I am in a meeting tonight and can't try myself so I didn't look but check out the website... I think it may be elcatadorclub.com ??
Hey guys, remember me? Things have been a bit crazy lately, but I came home today to find an awesome box from @hardysf Thanks dude! Look for a VCS/VBS or two in the next couple of days.
