APA IPA BIF Distribution Method

Since I have a compulsion to harvest EVERYTHING I like #2.

If there are 4-5 participants then I prefer #1

Any permutation of #3 is cool too, alot like liking #1 for the small group size.

I know very little about #4.

 

I was a maybe vote and remain so. If there is not a lot of participation I will probably join in to keep it going. If there's plenty of participation then I may or may not.

There could be a combination of methods 2+3 that might work even better. I have opinions on how this should be done but I don't want to offer too much unsolicited advice, unless I am asked.

Anyone who hasn't read it, read Alewatcher's blog, particularly the packaging section. Homebrewers aren't necessarily traders and packaging COUNTS when you're trading and shipping beer!

You might want to consider the issue of extras and sending other beers besides the APA IPA. If you choose method 2 or 3 it could be something that needs to be addressed in advance.

 

I'm with AlCaponeJunior on this. I would be most likely to participate if there were some type central distribution. I don't want to spend all the time and $ on shipping out a bunch of boxes. As for methods/experience levels, I am open to trying both all grain and extract versions as well as different experience levels. It could be really educational comparing the different processes that everybody used to make thier version of the beer.

 

I like the central distro idea (#2). Multiple shipments would turn my yes to a maybe. We could possibly increase the Organizer's incentive by adding something local or just an additional bottle of homebrew.

 

OK, I'm kind of slacking off between classes here, so I'll just muse some thoughts and we can develop a plan over some discussion (possibly over a few day's worth, if needed).

I am kind of "for" getting more than brewer's APA IPA to try, but personally I wouldn't require trying everyone's version. Extract or AG, also fine. My very best IPA to date (in my opinion) remains an extract batch, so nothing to dis there. I would welcome an extract version. Also, newer and experienced brewers could not only try each other's brews, but provide and receive feedback.

Feedback is important and should be given to anyone who's brew you try. You should accept feedback on yours as well. That feedback needs to be HONEST. Although you don't want to be a total dick about it, sparing someone's feelings without being honest with them does them no good. A polite but truthful critique is optimal. Believe me, if you try my beer and it's flawed, I probably already know this. If you're an expert brewer, a BJCP judge, or you're simply good at tasting beer and identifying flaws, you could seriously help out a younger or newer home brewer immensely. Caveat: I consider myself somewhat in the middle, I'm no expert.

A "Clearing house manager" could be doable but would require some preparation ahead of time on their part, and some cooperation on the part of the participants. 12 traders would be too much IMO, but 5 or 6 could work if that person got their beer and shipping for free. Let's talk more about this idea:

• The manager would need space and willingness to properly store, package, and ship multiple boxes.
• They need to understand how to package beer well for shipping.
• They need to have access to either a UPS or Fedex store, or better yet, an account with them so they can arrange for pickups
• They need to be compensated (by free shipping for themselves)
• They need to be compensated for any additional costs they may incur (tape, boxes, bubble wrap, plastic bags etc).

The last one offers some complication. How would they be compensated? A consideration would be to have each person send a few bucks in cash along with their beers. Another consideration would be to have each person provide their own return shipping label based on a specific size, weight and shape box, or even to have everyone provide a box with packaging that would contain everything the manager needed to ship their box back to them (yeah, THAT sounds good).

Keep in mind that shipping a box of 12 beers means you need a buttload of bubble wrap, some trash bags and/or other bags, or a special beer shipping box. The cost of shipping 12 beers may be anywhere from $18-30 (a guess, based on prior shipments I've made). I highly suggest that given a number of probable newbie traders likely to be involved here, that we keep the boxes at no more than eight beers. Eight is considerably easier, and uses a considerably smaller box, than 12. Six would be even better, but let's just consider and discuss a little before any decisions are made.

Another idea might be a double shotgun start type thing, with each person shipping TWO boxes to two recipients. That gives some variety but eliminates the need for a manager and puts the pressure on individuals to get their own shit straight and send out their box on time and well packed.

Each person would need to provide their name, address, phone number, facebook, twitter, bra size and/or jock-strap size , and BA handle to the organizer of the BIF.

DO NOT USE USPS TO SHIP. Use UPS or Fedex. It is best if you have an online account and print your own label. Then you either schedule a pickup or drop it off and they usually ask no questions. IF they ask what's in the box, do NOT say "beer." Say homemade salad dressing, water samples, barbeque sauces, hot sauce, or whatever. Make sure it's packed very well with lots of PACKING tape. Make it bomb-proof!

Again, these are merely ideas. Discuss / cuss / curse my name at will.

It is possible that an even better way of doing this BIF may exist. Please do tell if you have an idea.

Again, read Alewatcher's blog if you haven't already. You CAN'T use too much bubble wrap, but it's very easy to not use enough. Broken bottles during shipping are BAD.

I also think that we should all read the BA trading rules and info and keep in mind that we're on beer advocate, and their rules do apply to our activities here (some of what's on that page may not be applicable to you if you're not a regular beer trader here, but the spirit of the rules should be known).

 

This sounds great, I definitely would like to join in trying everyone's take on the APA IPA. Considering I don't know when I'll have the chance to brew this; 3a and 4 look good. 2 would work only if someone is willing and able bc that sounds like a crap job. 1 sounds like a little too much for the reasons stated by others.

 

I prefer option 2. So far it looks like only about 6 yes votes, so that becomes very manageable. If another group of 6-8 brewers want to participate at a later date, that would be no problem.

For Naugled, it looks like you have the managerial acumen to be the shipping kingpin.

I also agree that feedback would be a productive part of the program. My suggestion is to ship the beers "blind", just mark them from Brewer A, B, C, etc. Then each person could rate each beer without knowing the source. No intent to chase glory . . . just good honest feedback.

 

I am getting more interested in getting in on this for a number of reasons. If I want to participate there seems to be a "due date" to at least send the bottle even if it's not done conditioning. What would that date be?

It seems if a group of people could commit to a certain "ship by date" with a "drink by date" that could help narrow down a shipping method.

 

Good point. Mine is going to be bottled on sunday. Others haven't even started it yet. Something to consider.

 

A due date might get me much more motivated to participate in this. I didn't know we were talking about distributing our versions and having a feedback program, this sounds awesome!

If we have a certain number of people commit by a curtain "ship by date" I could get into that. That way I am accountable to actually brew this and be part of something that could potentially make me a better brewer, become a more respected member of this community and give kudos to all the people that made this idea possible including of course the person who spearheaded the idea in the first place. (We all know who that is).

So what about the first number of people to commit to a ship by date?

 

I have been out of the loop since my wife just had another baby. I hope to brew this tomorrow while my mother is still around to help

I don't think I want to get into shipping 12 beers and I am not sure I need to try 12 versions of the same beer. Given that, I think a combination of 2 & 3 grouping by shipping date would be best. Two groups (early and late) would let everyone try 4-6 beers and would give everyone feedback from the same number of people.

 

Yea I could get my crap together if there was a due date set

 

Congrats on the baby, we just had a little girl Feb 3rd.

 

Congrats on the new little girl! I took my niece and nephew out to Mexican food a couple days ago, it was a lot of fun!

Just to update my status on the whole thing...

I bottled the APA IPA yesterday. I only got about four point something gallons out of it (not very surprising, given it's got tons of hops). I personally took home nine bombers, and there's some more at my bro's house, and we gave some to a friend who's been very helpful with the brewing/bottling and with building the brewhaus/mancave (including pitching in manpower and money, he gets free homebrew when we bottle). Every indication points to the beer having come out tasty and aromatic.

At the rate this thing is going, and given that mine are already bottle conditioning (and most haven't brewed it yet), I don't know if I'll actually be involved or not. I'd be happy to run/oversee/assist in any way that I can, even if I'm not a participant. I kinda would like to at least exchange with one person tho. I could toss in a bomber of my pseudo-PtE clone and do a small trade with someone if they are ready to go soon. Just a thought.

Anyway, I assume people are preparing to brew and perhaps a few already have. We'll see what happens.

 

I'd vote for central distribution. Mostly because I hate packaging/shipping bottles, so one package would be so much easier. Well, except for the central distributor, who presumably would be someone who enjoys packaging.