Bottling for NHC, with limited time.

[jdauria]

I was able to get into the NHC this year for the first time and sending in a California Common. I am bottling tomorrow (2/26) and have to ship the beer so that it arrives in NYC between 3/10 and 3/17, so plan on doing expedited shipping on 3/8 or 3/10. This gives me only 10-12 days for it to carbonate before shipping. Can I expect any carbonation issues during shipping or should that be enough time for it to be ready?

 

[StoneHands]

Maybe...
I'd wait until Tuesday/Wednesday (the 11th or 12th) to ship and hope for the best. I would assume that your bottles will get refrigerated once they arrive. I would bottle like you plan, ship out, and then put a bottle or two in the fridge once you think they've arrived in NYC. Check the carb after it's chilled for a few days, then open one up again on the day you think they'll be judging.
I need to think about bottling for NHC myself....