Trade value observations and how it doesn't make any sense

DenverBeerDrinker · Jun 12, 2012

maltmaster420 said: ↑

I know that I personally spend a lot less time caring about the newest wales than I did 4-6 years ago when I was actively trading, and I know a ton of old timers are feeling the same way. The general sentiment seems to be, "There's a fuck load of great beer available to me off the shelf or at the local brew pubs. Why go to the trouble and added expense of trading for something that, while different, probably isn't any better than what I already have access to?"

On top of that, most people only have so much disposable income, and the number of breweries putting out rare, barrel-aged whatchamacallit's has increased exponentially in the last couple of years, so people have to pick and choose which wales to hunt. Lastly, the prices for these beers has been skyrocketing as well, since the brewers know that some people will pay $30 for an average imperial stout or BSA as long as they stick it in a barrel first and keep the bottle count under 2,000.

I've actually been considering auctioning off the vast majority of my cellar because it's more of a hassle than it's worth, but even that seems like a pain in the ass, so I've just been attempting to drink/share them. Yesterday I drank a 2008 (I think) Fantome Noel and a 2007 Abyss all by myself, and it was awesome to be able to simply enjoy them without worrying about trade value or whatever.
Click to expand...

The last part of your last sentence is the problem. People worrying about trade value and not just enjoying a great beer. I have friends (seems like more lately) that I just have over and we just open up beers an drink them to enjoy them. These are friends that don't trade for beers and look at me when they see what I have stored in the cellar but they get to enjoy great beer because of a lot of great BAs that are generous in their trades and just also want to trade some locals and semi limited release stuff. I would say there are one or two in the cellar that are off limits. Not because I want to increase the value or they're reserved for trades, it's because they are worthy of a great occasion.

If people just got back to enjoying the beer they have and not worry about "is that my last one and should I save it to trade for something that might be better" I think you would see a lot more reasonable trades going on.

ObeMaltKinobee · Jun 17, 2012

csano said: ↑

Trade value is overrated. Imagine a community of people who will send me beers I don't have access to that they think I should try, hype/rarity be damned, and I return the favor. Everyone wins.
Click to expand...

That my friend is called the John Lennon BA theory

Trade value observations and how it doesn't make any sense

DenverBeerDrinker Initiate (0) Apr 5, 2012 Colorado

ObeMaltKinobee Initiate (0) Jul 13, 2010 Illinois

About

Contribute

Fun

Boring