A guest post by Mr. Brice Westhusing, a friendly “Louisville Beer Blogger”:
So, you’ve grown tired of the same ol’ stuff at your local Louisville beer™ shop? Probably not, but that would ruin my whole story, so let’s pretend. Instead, let’s say that you’ve built up your resume with all the great beers that are available in the “Brewgrass” area and want to try some of the best that other regions have to offer. Well, you can’t grab Drake’s, Russian River, Funky Buddha, Deschutes, or Short’s here in Louisvlle. If only there were some type of service that transported goods across the country or world in a quick manor for a fair price. Oh yeah! UPS (Or FedEx)!
Ok, now half the problem is solved. Now we just need the important stuff. Say you knew someone that could purchase some of the previously mentioned brewers’ nectar easily, or had something in their cellar that you have been lusting after. Here’s where it all comes together. They want the stuff you have, and you want the stuff they have. Just like we can’t buy Firestone Walker, they [probably] cannot buy Bell’s, Founder’s, West Sixth, or Rivertown in their locale. So call up your buddy across the country and ship each other your favorites! Oh. No friends? The Internet to the rescue! I’ve heard some hit and miss reviews on trading through the popular beer rating websites, I myself never messed with it. I did however have great success by joining a semi-private group on facebook where people post what they are looking for (also known as ISO, I’m Seeking Out), or perhaps what they have to send (FT, For Trade). Bam, you’ve just landed your Moby Dick white whale. [Insert Scott Lykins joke here].
A warning to anyone thinking about trying this: It can get to be an expensive hobby, considering you not only have to buy a decent enough quantity of beer to ship across the country, but you also have to SECURELY pack it and pay someone to get it there for you. My advice would be, don’t get carried away. Have fun with it and try some new things. But in the end we are pretty dang lucky to have access to all the great stuff that we do. So hit up your local brewery, buy some awesome barley pop’s at your local store, but finish your night with a nice Ballast Point Sculpin IPA can. All in a day’s work. Happy trading!
Note from the Editor: Be sure and listen to our latest craft beer podcast for some more tips on how to trade beer! Use this info at your own risk, and don’t come blaming us if your beer shipment is confiscated.
