Secret Santa '09

[Ozwald]

I really appreciate all of the thanks that I've received, but the real thanks goes to the 33 people who've gotten involved so far making this possible. We're a little short on the 50 person goal, but there's still 18 days until the deadline. I'm planning on calling the Session in two weeks (the next live show) to make sure the people who don't regularly scour the forum hear about it too.

If any of you have homebrewing friends who aren't active with the BN, let them know about it & pass on my email address (lee.brokus@verizon.net) if they'd like to join in on the festivities.

Thanks again!

[JR McKnight]

I'm in. PM sent.

[Ozwald]

Just bumping since we have a couple weeks to the deadline. SS'09 is 35 strong, cheers!

[Count De Monet]

OK so what's the verdict on commercial brews? You I don't homebrew...just yet. I am saving my pennies for the equipment. Been pieces here and there....
I'd like to participate but at the same time I don't want to cross any lines here.
However, I do have a friend who does home brew and listens on occassions. I am not sure if he is a member of the forums but I'll be sure to pass this along to him.

[Bigbrews]

PM sent.

[BrewTa2]

Count, it's up to Ozwald to make the call but I'd vote for non-brewers, or those between brews, sending something local that has very limited distribution. For instance, Tampa Brew could send out Cigar City beer.....

[Dubba_Brew]

Count, it's up to Ozwald to make the call but I'd vote for non-brewers, or those between brews, sending something local that has very limited distribution. For instance, Tampa Brew could send out Cigar City beer.....

I would agree with this... I mean, homebrew is always great to get, but we all love beer of any kind (especially the kind that shows up on your porch). If it's something that's kinda hard to get... that would be cool.

[Ozwald]

Count, it's up to Ozwald to make the call but I'd vote for non-brewers, or those between brews, sending something local that has very limited distribution. For instance, Tampa Brew could send out Cigar City beer.....

I would agree with this... I mean, homebrew is always great to get, but we all love beer of any kind (especially the kind that shows up on your porch). If it's something that's kinda hard to get... that would be cool.

I was waiting to hear some other opinions from those involved. It's not my call alone, it's the call of all those participating. I've just taken on the responsibility as organizer. I didn't want to open up this flood gate. I would have to say it's ok only under a couple circumstances. #1, you have no homebrew to send. This doesn't mean you're shy or you're afraid your brew might not measure up. It means you don't have a single bottle of homebrew what-so-ever. #2, it has to be something that is difficult to obtain if you're not a local.

For example, I'd love to get some Dogfish Head out here in Montana, where it's not distributed, but for the purposes of a nation-wide, multiple soldier homebrew swap, I'd rather get a bottle or two of your homebrew which you think is 'just ok'. To get some DFH, I'd rather do a 1-on-1 swap for some Madison River or Moose Drool. I want to keep this as a homebrew swap, but at the same time I don't want to steer anyone away. The more the merrier - this homebrew swap is about sharing & the holiday spirit. So Count, I understand & I'd have to say in your situation that it would be ok since if you weren't allowed, we'd be missing out on another participant all together. If this swap goes well I've been thinking about organizing another homebrew swap, 'Chrismas in July'. Since you're looking at joining our ranks as a brewer, I'd love to see a homebrew from you for that one or SS'10, if possible.

If anyone who's already involved with SS'09 has any issues with this, big or small, speak now so we can discuss it further.