The best advice I got when I started snooping around the BIF boards was to go back and read ALL of that pages - so that means you have about 250 to go through just on this thread! No seriously, go back and read through a few pages - try to find a page where signups start for a round and follow along to see how people give hints and talk trash. This way you'll get a good feel for how things work and more importantly, you'll get an idea of everyone in our community and if you think you'd fit in or would like to participate. Another piece of advice is to keep working on your want list, because if you get involved, lots of those wants go bye-bye quickly. Once a round starts, you'll want to look at the list of participants and their locations (what states, try to find out what area since someone in San Fran may see way different beers than someone in San Diego, etc.) and then make sure you have lots of options from all areas. Try to make your list diverse and be sure to include all styles that you like. I see your list has all the token wants for most people - all of the Cantillon, lots of De Garde, lots of Trillium etc. but when people fill out your box, it's nice to know a wide range of options. Easiest way is to just got in and copy from a few people's want lists - most people in this thread have a good one to browse. I always recommend my man @Houser for a healthy list as well. Cheers and welcome, EZ
Is there ever anyone willing to ship across the border to Canada in these BIF? I'd be more than willing to participate and seen as how I have an entire country to draw from for beers that most of you have likely not had, I don't think finding beers would be an issue - I know I could put a nice porch bomb together. I just know people are hesitant to ship over the Canada/US border, because of additional costs, etc. If anyone is ever interested in letting me participate, I'd love to join in! Might not hit a bunch of wants as I doubt many folks put Canadian beers on their wishlist, but there's a whole other country of beer over here!
I thought Alaska counted as Canada?! Seriously, I've never looked into shipping to Canada but I'd assume it is a lot more tricky due to customs, etc. Anyone looked into this?
Like @Eziel said, I'm not sure what it takes to ship to Canada. But I'd be up for more hockey fans in the BIF! Go Rangers! PS....Look at the NHL Fantasy BIF. Good group of guys there and we are always looking for a few to join.
As far as I understand it ... a customs declaration (collectible glassware, yeast samples, etc) and a little bit more of an investment dollar wise are the main things. I'll look into that NHL BIF!
Came home yesterday to a Ninja box from @jonbonfondle . Are you trying to start a war with OH-IO? I'll definitely enjoy em! But WTF is a wishlist? Just tell me WHAT YOU WANT! Seriously Thanks Jon! Your porch will never be safe!
Blind VBS time! I really wish I could join everyone tomorrow evening, but we'll be hosting the in-laws tomorrow and going to the ND hoops game during the designated time, so I don't think I'll have the time to do this at all tomorrow or Sunday. So, I'm trying it tonight! I'm getting really nice notes of sweet vanilla and caramel and tons of nice dark roast notes (especially cold, less roast as it warms and more sweetness). Also getting a very nice cocoa flavor. This beer is fantastic, but I'm totally stumped. It's really smooth with nice medium-full feel. I'm really digging this! Thanks @corm44 Reveal to come shortly....
And...... Barrel-Aged Heavy Boots of Lead! This is amazing! Thanks so much @corm44 . I am totally blown away by all the awesome beers you've sent me and this one is fantastic! I thought this might be barrel aged with all the vanilla and caramel I was picking up (I guess some of that caramel sweetness is probably the maple coming through nicely). I don't know how this isn't higher rated on here. It's really well crafted with some really nice barrel notes! I look forward to seeing all the other blind bottles tomorrow. Cheers Newbies!
#VBS from Thursday night...this beer from Logan really lived up to its name! Lost Forty Brewing Nighty Night. A triple barrel aged (Cabernet, Bourbon and Rye) Stout. Delicious! Thanks @locoformavs
@Elkevjoe #PIF I'm In! I'm working today, but looking forward to seeing all the blind #VBS tastings today!
Did my blind VBS last night too! Here's my notes: Haven't poured yet, but by it being a 750 and the cap painted and showing a couple orange speckles, I assume it's a Huna or another Cigar City. Get some spices, but not peppers, but maybe not warm enough? Not much coffee. Hmmmm Did taste the vanilla and bitter chocolate. And the peppers came out as it warmed. A 2016 Huna it is!
Can't wait for the blind #VBS tonight! I think we said 6:00 CST, but if you can't make that time try and post something today or tomorrow.
Cracked this beauty from @VaTechPhilly. Steve sent me an In Absentia Luci bottle that was similarly sized, so I assume this is #PGW even if I don't know the exact beer. Getting a little bit of coconut and some odd spiciness that I can't quite place. Figuring this is the Luci variant with coconut and cardamom?
