American Competitions

mcgster · Post by **mcgster** » Thu Sep 18, 2014 9:46 pm

Just curious if anyone that lives in a border area has entered any brews in US competitions in the past.

I was thinking of sending a couple brews off to one coming up in New England.

GuingesRock · Post by **GuingesRock** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 6:38 am

I have never sent to US, but do you have details of the competition please. How would you ship? Are the US competitions bigger?

Post by **RubberToe** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 7:46 am

For shipping, the above board route:

chalmers wrote:http://biergotter.org/intltips.shtml

Here's the short answer: it will be expensive, expect $30 for 8 bottles via Fedex. If you decide to go that route, I strongly suggest filling out all of the paperwork beforehand and just dropping the sealed box at a Fedex/Kinko's depot. You are shipping collectible glassware.

Or just pack it well, send it anyway, and cross your fingers.

Also, check with the competition organizers to make sure you're allowed to enter, etc.

I was thinking about sending in to some US comps a couple years ago but didn't bother.

-Rob

Post by **chalmers** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 9:09 am

And my way (quoted above) isn't 100% above board, but I've never had a problem...

But always, even if shipping across town, pack it very well, and put everything in a garbage bag or two, in case of catastrophe. Better for you and the addressee to have the package be delivered, rather than seized due to leaking liquid. It's not like CBSA and Homeland Security will knock down your front door, but best to stay off their lists.

GasMD30 · Post by **GasMD30** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 10:29 am

I was just at the post office yesterday and apparently the 'Murricans have these forms that need to be filled out and a bar code printed off yada yada

akr71 · Post by **akr71** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 10:42 am

I have once (Boston area) and shipped home brew to other brewers in the US. Most US competitions insist that the beer comes via courier since it is illegal to send alcohol by USPS. The customs paperwork is a real pain in the ass and if you put 'alcohol' or 'beer' as the contents, they may refuse to send it. You have to be creative...

I've done "yeast samples for analysis" and "glass collectibles" with success.

mcgster · Post by **mcgster** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 12:08 pm

The competition i was thinking about specifically was the New England Home Brew Competition. I'm not sure if i will make that one but i'm getting my ducks in a row. I have brewed 5 batches over the past 3 weeks and they are all chugging away. Of the 5, 4 are new styles i haven't tried before.

I would definitely play it safe with shipping, as suggested, many of the competitions in the US required UPS which sucks as i find they are the most expensive.

I think i will be sending some "samples for analysis"... i think putting beer on the box is a recipe for disaster too lol

berley · Post by **berley** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 12:54 pm

Yes, "yeast samples for analysis" is the way to go. I've entered the NHC Final Round a few times, and have been lucky enough to get a package across each time going that route.

Not to say that it's a guarantee, but probably your best chance.

mcgster · Post by **mcgster** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 2:01 pm

Good to know!

Do you ship out from Fredericton? How did you find the rates / delivery times were?

berley wrote:Yes, "yeast samples for analysis" is the way to go. I've entered the NHC Final Round a few times, and have been lucky enough to get a package across each time going that route.

Not to say that it's a guarantee, but probably your best chance.

berley · Post by **berley** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 2:07 pm

mcgster wrote:Good to know!

Do you ship out from Fredericton? How did you find the rates / delivery times were?

Yeah, out of Fredericton. It wasn't too bad... maybe $25 or so for 3-6 bottles each time? Didn't take too long, either. I went through FedEx, standard ground shipping.

GuingesRock · Post by **GuingesRock** » Sat Sep 20, 2014 8:06 pm

List of North American comps: http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/a ... vent_id=16" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I like the look of this one in New York: http://thoroughbrews.org/kbotb/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I think the New England one is closed due to reaching their limit.

GuingesRock · Post by **GuingesRock** » Mon Sep 22, 2014 8:28 am

GuingesRock wrote:
I like the look of this one in New York: http://thoroughbrews.org/kbotb/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I have three new beers on the go and nowhere to send them for feedback as there are no Canadian comps for the next few months. I registered for this one, it was straightforward and Canada friendly. I will try "yeast sample for analysis" and FedEx, as recommended. Appreciate the advice.

mcgster · Post by **mcgster** » Mon Sep 22, 2014 11:57 am

I may try that one as well. The deadline is OCt31 so that will give me a chance to try the batches i have in the pipeline

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