Beer Exchange 10/4/13

On the 10/4 I had the pleasure of attending my first, and certainly hope not my last, Beer Exchange. It was so much fun. My fellow beer buddies and I had giant smiles on our faces the entire time and were amazed when we first arrived and saw the abundance of good beer waiting to be picked. I was downright giddy with excitement and I think it’s safe to say so were my fellow beer pals.

Each person participating in the Exchange brings 1 6-pack for the community coolers and 1 case of beer for the picking table. The case can be a mix or 24 of the same. If you are not interested in participating in the case exchange you can just bring a six pack and kick back and relax with a beer. Also, several none drinkers where there as well and just enjoyed socializing. The group was very inviting.

Beer Picking Tables

Upon arrival we were directed to the beer tables. The tables were set up under a tent with lighting so when it came picking time one could read the labels. There was also a bench set up in the middle to set your case on while picking. (very well thought out) After setting up my beer I placed my empty case with the others to be used later when it was my turn for picking.

Case Table

Then I checked in with the host. Each participate is given a number upon arrival, mine was lucky 16, then a copy of the number goes in the picking bowl plus a slip of paper with your name on it goes in the door prize bowl. As if the great beer wasn’t enough there were door prizes too!

After checking in my friends and I wondered over to the community beer coolers and selected our first brew of the night. Mine was Mountain Ale from The Shed Brewery. We then perused the beer picking table eying up beers we hoped would be there when it was our turn to pick.

After socializing a bit we settled into our lawn chairs to enjoy our beer and wait for our numbers to be called.There was another large tent set up with chairs under for people to kick back and relax as well as chairs around a roaring fire pit. We brought our own chairs and water but wasn’t necessary. The hosts had everything well thought out and provided chairs and a large cooler of water. Plus, there was a table with all sorts of food on it for the guest to enjoy.

Not long after arriving and getting settled the hosts gathered everyone around to explain the picking rules and to make sure everyone knew where the bathroom was. While listening to the rules I enjoyed a Rogue Dead Guy Ale.

Rules:
When your number is called you take the case you originally came with to the picking table and pick 12 beers of your choice. After everyone has gone and picked their 12 we then go again in reverse order that the numbers were originally picked. Very fare way of doing it. Otherwise, the person who goes last would just have what is left over and not really get to pick what he/she may want to try. So the last number picked gets to choose all 24 at once. If someone has to leave early then when their number is called they get to pick all 24 at once. While numbers are being called so are door prizes. The prizes ranged from the goofy mardi gras necklace to amazing beers. Very nice touch provided by the hosts.

About midway my number was called and I have to say it was a bit overwhelming trying to choose my first 12. You really want to look through them but at the same time not slow everyone else down. I did scope out the lineup early in the evening so I had some I knew I wanted to grab but others I planned on where already gone. While I was busy choosing my beer one of my buddies had her named called for a door prize and won a Samuel Adams hat. It looked great on her.

While waiting for my turn again I enjoyed  a Sweet Baby Jesus Chocolate Peanut butter Stout and a Leffe. After my beer buddies and I picked our final 12, which didn’t take as long as the first 12 since so much was picked by this point, we happily packed up each of our cases, thanked the hosts and left with huge grins on our faces. Others stayed and hung around the fire and the beautiful night.

Super fun evening and I encourage you to gather some friends and friends of friends and plan your on Beer Exchange.

The beer I picked.
Scrumshaw Pils, CA
Lagunitas Little Sumpin Wild Ale, CA
Wells Banana Bread, UK
Left Hand Black Jack Porter
Paulaner Salvator Double Bock, Germany
Big Muddy Brewing Pumpkin Smasher
Flying Dog Pearl Necklace Oyster Stout
DuClaw Sweet Baby Jesus Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout
Otter Creek Black IPA
Left Hand Sawtooth Ale
Dogfish Head Punkin Ale
River Horse Hippo-Lantern Imperial Pumpkin
Hoogaarden Wit Blanche
Left Hand Milk Stout
Weyerbacher Autumnfest (some how picked this one twice)
Post Road Pumpkin Ale
Grittys Halloween Ale
Lakefront Brewing Fuel Cafe Coffee Stout, Wisconsin
Woodstock Inn Brewery Pig’s Ear Brown Ale
Troegs Dead Reckoning Porter
Breckenridge Brewery Vanilla Porter
Stoudts Oktoberfest
Erdinger Weissbrau Oktoberfest, Germany