Found a backyard hop garden, how to approach?

[SharonaZamboni]

I'm still thinking about that cousin plant.

 

[gratus fermentatio]

I'd knock and say you noticed the hops and wondered if he a fellow brewer.

This, though you should also be bearing at LEAST a bottle of homebrew to lubricate the gears, either way, you might make a friend.
Regards, GF.

 

[soberJim]

Bunch of perverts and psychos in here. Knock on the door and just introduce yourself then tie him and his family up while you harvest the hops.

Best idea of the lot, bloody oath! Best make sure not to use hemp ropes, the whole alphabetacannabinoid family thing might give it away.. use nylon, your hair and body skin DNA is less likely to stick! Especially if its a well manufactured rope. Or go for chains, they never let anyone down.. just in case they have a knife or something in their back pocket. Not that I'd know of course! I'd just let it fly, plant my own crop of hop, make them jealous and have them come to you, offering interchangeable agreements. Different types intrigue different people.. really aromatic heads, with great full foliage will intrigue

 

[brewale4me]

Just knock on the door and tell them you noticed their nice hop trellis. And was wondering if they... wet hop. If they look at you funny, RUN.

 

[gratus fermentatio]

Driving around last night on errands, I drove past a house that has quite the hop network out back. At least 2 poles, T'd at the top, with leads for at least 4 plants per setup. I'm thinking I may have missed some, but a guy(or gal) that has 8 hop plants growing is a homebrewer. They are in my little community (within 3 miles).

Now, I don't want to be a creeper and spy, nor be like my mother-in-law and knock on the door acting like they are my long lost kin.

How would you approach? My first thought is simply a note, pointing them here, with my name and number on it. Maybe do the same, but pin it to a bottle of homebrew. I'm not really sure, my wife says let it go. Screw that. There are hops to be shared!

Your thoughts. Thanks.

Here's how one member approached a similar situation:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f45/neighbors-308113/
Regards, GF.

 

[jpietraski]

Cayuga...well? What happened?

 

[FullDraw]

Here's the update.

I cold-knocked on the door this evening. Turns out, my mother has his kid in kindergarten, and they know who I am through soccer.

He's been brewing seriously for the last 6 years. Loves good beer. Is thrilled that we are starting up a local homebrew club, and then the hops.

Good part - He has 16 plants growing out back. Actually tried to grow his own barley last year, but the rabbits beat him to it.

Best part - He has more hops at his fathers house. 60 more. 60. that's right, 60.

He was on his way out the door for work, and my pizza was ready, so I gave him my number and told him we'd discuss more over a good beer. He quickly agreed and that was it.

No rope was involved, no glass was shattered, no kids were in danger. It was cool. He actually seemed pleasantly surprised. I was too. 60. Six zero.

 

[brewale4me]

Good job Cayuga. Now you know.

 

[TyTanium]

Doesn't get much better than that.