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Fellowship of the Drink XXXII: Off Like a Herd of Turtles!

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orionol73

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The FotD is a beer swap for members of the continental US to allow you to try some beers from outside your region. Every participant picks a few beers as their “offer.” Then we devise a draw order and go down the list until everyone has selected an offer to receive. If you’ve participated before, it’s good to see you again. If not, see below for the rules.

Here are some of the previous rounds so you can see how this works (and some of the cool names):

So how does it work?
  1. Post your interest in this thread! I will keep a list of the interested people (please also see the "Rules" below for eligibility)
  2. Make sure you are confirmed in this thread (either by being included in a list of participants or by a response to your post looking to join)
  3. Go shopping for beer! (see "What's in an offer" and "What's in the box" below)
  4. After I have confirmed your entry, but before the “Offer Due” date, PM me a photo of your offering along with a link to something like Beer Advocate/Ratebeer/Untappd for each beer so that others can get an idea of what they are choosing
  5. Wait patiently for the offer list to be posted. A few days before the drawing, I will post a complete list of all the offerings and photos
  6. When I post the offerings, I will use a randomizer to create a drawing order. I will post a time for each participant that you are “On the Clock” with five minutes between participants
  7. Be here the night of the pick (if you can - otherwise see below)!
  8. Contact the person who picked you for shipping details
  9. Ship!
  10. Wait for your care package
  11. Enjoy it responsibly, and post a pic if you like
If you think you might not be around for the pick, send either @LoneTreeFarms me a picklist order to put your choice in for you. I will not use your picklist until the end of your window, so you are welcome to enter a pick until that time.

On pick day, log in at your time slot to submit your pick on this thread. If you previously sent me a pick list, I’ll cover you. If you miss your window, say something in the thread when you arrive, and you can pick after the person currently picking. If you are a no-show, you will receive a randomly matched pick (or the last one, whichever applies.)


What’s in an offer?

Each offering should be:
  • At least 3-6 cans or bottles of commercial beer. Preferably, these will be local to the sender (or otherwise not widely distributed) but please - no more than 86 oz total in the pictured offer.
  • At least one non-beer item: glassware, stickers, koozies, etc. Get creative!
You may also offer some homemade beverages with the commercial offerings (we all love trying homebrew, let’s be honest).


What’s in the box?

The essential thing in the box is what you offered, but many participants also include other “extras.” It is not uncommon to receive beers not listed in the offering. Sometimes these are doubles, unique ones; sometimes, let’s face it, we are cleaning out our refrigerators.

The FotD isn’t a contest to see who can shove the most beer (or most expensive beer) in a box - whales are not required or expected. Most participants are looking to try beers they may have never known existed from small breweries local to you. Let’s think about those Untappd things.

Guidelines are just that, guidelines. Final shipments may, and many times do, exceed the offering posted. Extras are not required.

Some members have also been creative with “noisemakers.” I would never suggest that you ship prohibited items, but if you wanted your box to sound like something other than beer, the following have been used:
  • Hard candy
  • Coins
  • Rice
  • Beans
Be sure to pack well, and use ziplock or other methods to guard against leaks.

Rules (there must be rules)

Participants must also meet all of the following requirements:
  • Continental US resident of legal drinking age
  • An HBT member for at least six months
  • An active participant in the community (based on iTrader rating/activity, recent post count, participation in previous beer swaps, etc.)
  • ... or have been (or are vouched by) a previous FotD participant.
Current Timeline*
  • Wednesday, May 28th- Offers due (including photos & style descriptions)
  • Thursday, May 29th- Offers and Pick Order posted.
  • Saturday, May 31st*- Pick day! 1st pick will be around 7:00 PM EST. All others will be in a 5 min interval, according to the rules above.
Have any questions, or are you interested in participating? Post here!
 
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Holy cow, it’s been way too long since I’ve done this! Thanks for the ping, @orionol73! Good memories with all the folks in this group. Can’t make it happen this round, but I’ll be keeping tabs on this again. Hope I can make the next one!
You're alive!! You probably know me as Pianoman. I've been reminiscing a bit and just happened to land on a pick when Afro Lou picked me, you didn't have to but you pick MEEE!! Took 2 screenshots to get everyone in this 2017 FotD. I think these days are behind me however. 🍻

Screenshot_20250503-190521.png
Screenshot_20250503-190506.png
 
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You're alive!! You probably know me as Pianoman. I've been reminiscing a bit and just happened to land on a pick when Afro Lou picked me, you did have to but you pick MEEE!! Took 2 screenshots to get everyone in this 2017 FotD. I think these days are behind me however. 🍻

View attachment 874676View attachment 874677
Pianoman!!! Of course! Yeah, still kicking over here. Been away from the brewing world for quite a bit, but definitely still reminisce about the good times around here. Was definitely happy to get your box all that time ago! In fact, I think it was this one, right?
1746318260739.jpeg
 
Pianoman!!! Of course! Yeah, still kicking over here. Been away from the brewing world for quite a bit, but definitely still reminisce about the good times around here. Was definitely happy to get your box all that time ago! In fact, I think it was this one, right? View attachment 874681
Yeah buddy that looks about right! I still tell the story of the no-boil 5min Hefeweizen I sent you all those years ago. Ah, the good ol days! Best wishes brother !! 🍻
 
Speaking of deadlines, offer submited. 🙃

I was ready to go this round, even though my normal boxes won't quite cut it this time. 🤣
In full disclosure my FF box has changed from a full series of Treehouse Juice Machine cans to dark stouts. 🤫 I had a nice series of haze but the old cans didn't hold up to HBT standards
 
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Current Timeline*
  • Wednesday, May 28th- Offers due (including photos & style descriptions)
  • Thursday, May 11th- Offers and Pick Order posted.
  • Saturday, May 31st*- Pick day! 1st pick will be around 7:00 PM EST. All others will be in a 5 min interval, according to the rules above.

Offers due May 28 correct?
 
I'm just hoping the 28th and 11th aren't reversed. Cuz I'll have to back out, if so...

Edited to add: Even if so, that puts a lot of time in between. I'm going to assume the due date is the 28th and carry on...
 
@orionol73 : Maybe I'm confused, but something is wonky with the timeline... When is the due date? Is it really after the pick day? 🤣
Haha, thank you! who wants to guess I had a few before setting this round up?! I just corrected the dates, day of week were correct

Offers due Wednesday the 28th and I will post the offers and order on Thursday the 29th!
 
Here is our participant list so far! looking forward to this round

Thorrak
orionol73
Pennine
fourfarthing
gromitdj
DrGMG
TheDudeLebowski
 
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