While in a frantic post-spring cleaning frenzy, my girlfriend brought to me a large stack of cardboard 4 and 6-pack cardboards and asked if I wanted to keep any. I realized that I had amassed quite a collection. I started when I began home brewing, and I suppose I turned into a hoarder. I know others who collect bottles, caps, or other "memorabilia" and wonder who else collects and what do they keep and why.
I enjoy collecting beer mats. It started on a trip to Europe and has expanded to a regular habit. My local bottle shop always tucks a few into my box with whatever the day's haul contains.
I've been hording empty's of rare and random beers that I loved and of course STICKERS for the fridge. My folks had a pretty big growler and shaker pint collection for a while, too.
Coasters! Love them - easy to produce, functional, and can tell an interesting story. Growing up in my house my mother and father always were strict about using coasters, as my father was a carpenter and he made a lot of the furniture around the house. Here is a snapshot of one from our collection, along with a customer leather one we did for Sixpoint
I collect (hoard) all kinds of stuff, but have taken 4 and 6 pack holders, cut them apart and stapled them to the ceiling in the bar. Have an area 6' by about 20' so far, another 15-20' to go.
I'm currently in the process of gathering bottle caps for a project (table/bar top) but I wouldn't say I collect them as such. I have no organised storage system for them, and no inclination to chase particular varieties or specific caps.
I sold a 3 lb coffee can full of bottle caps from the 80/90's a few years back at a yard sale for 5 bucks. They were from the first wave of craft beer. The can was taking up space... I found a handful or two of the crowns in another box last week. I wish the others now.
