Real time online "horizontal" tastings?

[fretlessman71]

HERE'S an idea....

We could pick a "beer of the week" for all of us to purchase and have at the ready for a specified time and day, pick a chat service that lets us join a room (like MIRC, I guess, but a Yahoo! room would probably do just as well), and open and pour our beers all at the same time and talk about what they taste like. The "elder statesmen" could sort of guide the rest of us through their beers - this could be a sort of "tasting" class. Any thoughts?

We could do this on AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, ICQ, MIRC (but they make you pay $20), or whatever.....

[brewmonkey]

It would have to be planned in advanced to make sure those participating can get the selected beers from either a trade or their local paint store. It is doable and I would be up for it.

[threecb]

I'd be up for giving it a try!

[Stodbrew]

I think it would be pretty cool, too. The IRC room that Tweek set up is still up and running. I've been using it for close to a year now, and I've never paid them a dime. Don't plan on it any time soon, either. :p

[fretlessman71]

Stodbrew, how do you get away with that? I can't log on anymore...

[Stodbrew]

I'm not really sure. It says my trial period is over, but it still gives me the option to continue to log on. Then it lets me in. ??!!??

[fretlessman71]

By george, you're right! I just assumed I couldn't get in anymore. I'm in, I'm in! Let's do this at some point! All we have to do is settle on our first brew.

[chazwicke]

I'd like to try this too. But on Instant Messenger. I've given it out before. My AIM screen name is: our man chuck

[DreamWeaver]

"Horizontal Tastings?" I prefer being vertical. :D If I get Horizontal, I've had WAYYY too much!

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I'd like to try this too. But on Instant Messenger. I've given it out before. My AIM screen name is: our man chuck
I have AIM as well. My handle is the same as it is here.

Anyone interested can get AIM by clicking here. (http://www.aim.com/get_aim/win/latest_win.adp)

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by DreamWeaver
"Horizontal Tastings?" I prefer being vertical. If I get Horizontal, I've had WAYYY too much!
I like to get horizontal WITHOUT having a beer! ;)

....ok, ok, so what would YOU call it?

[Jeff]

Sounds like there are a few who are interested. Maybe if we pick a beer to try a few more will join in. Maybe something fairly national like Sierra Nevada?

[skahtboi]

I'd be more than willing to give it a shot!

[fretlessman71]

Hmm.... SN's more than just fairly national, isn't it? I suppose we could... and maybe something familiar to me would be a good way to get started identifying flavors!

[steveh]

Okay, whoa!! Reign it in boys -- this sounds like a great idea, and I'd love to participate (but call me elder again Fret and I'm gonna hurt ya ;) ), but let's not forget that some of us are on Macs and AIM isn't gonna work for us. Any of you computer geeks have another idea? Some of the Yahoo forums are okay, but I've never tried a Chat on them. Perhaps our Admin even has an idea.

As for brews around the country, SNPA might be a good way to start, but the fact that we won't all be using bottles from the same batch could potentially create different perceptions. SN being a pretty stable and standard brewery gives us a good edge, but as we've seen, there can even be some old stuff on the shelves out there.

I think imports could be hit or miss in this sort of sampling too - unless you're tight with your paint store purveyor and know how fresh his stuff is.

S.

[fretlessman71]

At a certain point you have to say that there's no way that each bottle is going to taste the same as all of the rest. That just brings more interest to the experiment, if you ask me. We could do our best to make sure to buy properly dated beer if you think that would help - of course, that won't account for the fact that some of it might have been mishandled.... but I think this could work nonetheless.

Steveh, mIRC is an option as well - do you have that capability? There's Yahoo! and ICQ as well.

[studentofbeer]

i would almost bet you a six pack of Capital that you can get AIM on mac, both OS X and OS 9. Actually I would because I guarantee you can get AIM for both. In OS X it comes with the operating system (iChat), and I know people at my work had it on their OS 9 systems. You can also get an IRC client for sure. So there are no technical problems for anyone to participate, be they mac, linux, or peecee users.

Anyway I would be interested to participate as well, though unfortunately I dont have access to an uber beer store anymore. Even if the batches are different it might be worth the experiment.

[steveh]

Originally posted by studentofbeer
In OS X it comes with the operating system (iChat)...

It does, but in order to hook up with AIM there's some sort of AOL service to which you need to subscribe. Next to A-B and Microsoft, I'm convinced that AOL is next in line for Evil Conglomo status. ;)

Anyway I would be interested to participate as well, though unfortunately I dont have access to an uber beer store anymore. Even if the batches are different it might be worth the experiment.

You need to be able to find SNPA somewhere in that area, right? Can't ya hop a train to Chico? Yours would be the definitive sample!

S.

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by steveh
It does, but in order to hook up with AIM there's some sort of AOL service to which you need to subscribe. Next to A-B and Microsoft, I'm convinced that AOL is next in line for Evil Conglomo status. ;) OK, so I post this question for everyone out there:

Is there anyone interested who CAN'T get mIRC on their computer?

[chazwicke]

Just tell me how to do it.

[steveh]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
Is there anyone interested who CAN'T get mIRC on their computer?

Fret - check your PMs.

S.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by steveh
It does, but in order to hook up with AIM there's some sort of AOL service to which you need to subscribe. Next to A-B and Microsoft, I'm convinced that AOL is next in line for Evil Conglomo status.

S.

I don't want to be too critical of a "Local" company like AOL. I've been told that 50% of all internet traffic comes through Fairfax and Loudoun Counties. (VA even has special ".com" license plates) but, I HATE AOL!

Insideous is a word I would use to describe them.

But I am glad to have them headquartered around here.
We are the Silicon Valley of the East.

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by steveh
Fret - check your PMs.

S. Checked and responded.

[steveh]

Thanks to help from 3 regions of the country, I'm hooked up to AIM via Mac.com - up the rebels! Anyway, this looks like it has potential...both good and bad!!

S.

[fretlessman71]

This is the 2nd time you've mentioned the bad part.... talk to us! Do we need to establish a protocol for who you're speaking to? Maybe if we're in the middle of a chat room, and two people start having their own conversation, we can banish them (temporarily, of course) to a head to head chat to get their points out of the way. Whoever we establish as a chat moderator could be the police force in this situation. Whaddya think?

[Steve16823]

I've got a couple of cans of Heineken in the fridge that my brother in law left me last week... should we start there?

*ducks and runs for cover*

[steveh]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
This is the 2nd time you've mentioned the bad part.... talk to us!

I'm just talking about more distractions...at work! We aren't all figureheads like Chaz! ;)

S.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Steve16823
I've got a couple of cans of Heineken in the fridge that my brother in law left me last week... should we start there?

*ducks and runs for cover*

You think that's funny, it's already been suggested, based on the other thread! ;)

S.

[fretlessman71]

OK... so we save chats for tastings. How's that? At least now we know how to get it to work! :D

[fretlessman71]

OK... I vote we do this with the freshest bottle of SNPA we can all find. Let's pick a time! Who's in favor?

[chazwicke]

It was fun chatting with both Fret and Steveh. We now know it will work. Feel free to IM me anytime. If I'm busy I'll respond in time. But more than likely, I'll be available. We figureheads have time on our hands. :D

[fretlessman71]

Hey chaz... did you realize that there were nearly 7000 posts between the three people in that room? Kinda crazy, huh?

[steveh]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
Hey chaz... did you realize that there were nearly 7000 posts between the three people in that room? Kinda crazy, huh?

See? That's what I'm talkin' about! Dane-ger-us! ;)

S.

I'll see if I can find some SNPA this weekend -- how did those dating codes work?

[Jeff]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
OK... I vote we do this with the freshest bottle of SNPA we can all find. Let's pick a time! Who's in favor?

I'm in. How about we go for a Saturday or Sunday for those of us who are peons and tend to work until the wee hours of the morning.

[Bruno_78]

I'm in, how do I find you guys?

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
Hey chaz... did you realize that there were nearly 7000 posts between the three people in that room? Kinda crazy, huh?

I never looked at it like that. Pretty cool though.

So is it to be SNPA or cans vs bottles. I'll be at the shore on the weekend but would like to participate. I'll fire up the ole laptop.

[steveh]

Originally posted by chazwicke
So is it to be SNPA or cans vs bottles. I'll be at the shore on the weekend but would like to participate. I'll fire up the ole laptop.

I vote SNPA. It's supposed to be awful weather in Chi this weekend (not that I tend to believe a weather report beyond 2 days), so I can plan to be near a computer some time in the afternoon.

Bruno, we're using AOL's AIM, of which Mac has a derivative called iChat. If you have either, make sure that your buddy-list is active, go to add a buddy/new person, and then add Steveh with a .Mac account type - you should be able to connect with me then. Modern comm is getting more and more frightening!

If you don't have either, you may have to scroll back in this thread to see some of Fret's info on getting a trial AIM account.

S.

[studentofbeer]

my AIM screen name is general factotum fyi. Im sure I i can find SNPA :p Someday ill make a trek to Chico. First I need to get to Anchor.

[chazwicke]

Mine again is: our man chuck

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by steveh
See? That's what I'm talkin' about! Dane-ger-us! ;)

S.

I'll see if I can find some SNPA this weekend -- how did those dating codes work?
OK... here goes...

First number = last number of the year

Next 3 numbers = Julian Day (i.e.; Feb. 1st = 032)

You should be able to find these numbers on the lower left corner of the label, or printed right above the label right on the glass.

Remember folks... you heard it here first!

[danno]

sure, I just get back from the paint store with a just delivered, I opened the case myself, sixer of Czechvar. I'd like to nominate that as our second beer to evaluate...

[fretlessman71]

So, you're going to send the first 5 people who ask a fresh bottle, right? So it's an even comparison? :D

Seriously, if I can find it here in No. CO, I'd be happy to second the motion. But we need more people who want to do this, and we need a veteran taster to help us identify different flavors. Maybe we could ALSO have a veteran taster to suggest different beers that have specific characteristics, too! I like the idea of hanging with all of you, but I was sort of hoping this could be an EDUCATIONAL experience. I hope that's okay with everyone!

[Jinja]

Remember we are on different time zones, too - is there a time/date arranged? Who would create the chat room on AIM?

Keep me posted!

Jinja Out

[steveh]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
and we need a veteran taster to help us identify different flavors. Maybe we could ALSO have a veteran taster to suggest different beers that have specific characteristics, too!

What am I, chopped liver? Which goes really well with Oktoberfest Märzens, I should add. ;)

Seriously, more folk who may have beer judging experience, particular love for the sort of beer we're sampling, people who have brewed beer professionally (and you know who you are. Stod. Monkey.), let's do it!

The obvious follow-up to this tasting should be Pilsner Urquell, IMO, but that particular beer seems to be hit or miss around the country - and we don't want to force anyone to buy a whole, sealed 12 pack if they aren't going to enjoy it -- however, they could send all of the leftovers to me...

Maybe a Goose Island brew is a good follow-up, or Anchor, because they're widely available. Not to mention Oktoberfest seems a good choice for the season. So far, I've only seen Capital and Sam Adams available, but it's early.

Come later in the fall, we can get into some heartier ales and porters - and there's always the ubiquitous Guinness in its 3 (readily available) forms.

S.

[threecb]

Originally posted by steveh
Bruno, we're using AOL's AIM, of which Mac has a derivative called iChat.

Is iChat OSX native? I only have OS9 at home.:mad:

[steveh]

Originally posted by Jinja
Remember we are on different time zones, too - is there a time/date arranged? Who would create the chat room on AIM?

Right now, we're looking at Saturday afternoon, 08/28/04 - no time has been set yet - and yes, we realize time zones - we had Mountain, Central, and Eastern going at once yesterday. A little later I was chatting with Student in your zone (Chaz dissed us ;) ).

Fret and I have both figured out how to set up a chat with AIM, it's pretty easy - we just need your AIM or .Mac account name.

So here's a first proposal - how about 3:00pm (15:00) Central - being 4:00 Eastern, 2:00 Mountain, and 1:00 Pacific (and around 9:00 UK IIRC, if anyone across the pond wants to join - Summer, I don't know if you're following any of this - Finland would be around 11:00 (23:00) I'm guessing) - chime in!

Whew - what an operation!!

S.

[steveh]

Originally posted by threecb
Is iChat OSX native? I only have OS9 at home.:mad:

According to Student, it can be used on OS-9: "In OS X it comes with the operating system (iChat), and I know people at my work had it on their OS 9 systems. You can also get an IRC client for sure. So there are no technical problems for anyone to participate, be they mac, linux, or peecee users."

Double check with mac.com too.

S.

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by steveh
What am I, chopped liver? Which goes really well with Oktoberfest Märzens, I should add. ;)

Seriously, more folk who may have beer judging experience, particular love for the sort of beer we're sampling, people who have brewed beer professionally (and you know who you are. Stod. Monkey.), let's do it!

The obvious follow-up to this tasting should be Pilsner Urquell, IMO, but that particular beer seems to be hit or miss around the country - and we don't want to force anyone to buy a whole, sealed 12 pack if they aren't going to enjoy it -- however, they could send all of the leftovers to me...

Maybe a Goose Island brew is a good follow-up, or Anchor, because they're widely available. Not to mention Oktoberfest seems a good choice for the season. So far, I've only seen Capital and Sam Adams available, but it's early.

Come later in the fall, we can get into some heartier ales and porters - and there's always the ubiquitous Guinness in its 3 (readily available) forms.

S. I was hoping you'd be willing to lead a few of the tastings, to be sure, and BM and Stod would also be excellent choices IMHO.

Goose Island isn't available out here on the front range, unfortunately. I wonder if I can get Czechvar here.

Beers don't ALWAYS have to be chosen for their availability across the nation - we don't ALL have to participate every single time; I'd hate to rule out a beer that everyone else can get just because I can't.

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by steveh
Right now, we're looking at Saturday afternoon, 08/28/04 - no time has been set yet - and yes, we realize time zones - we had Mountain, Central, and Eastern going at once yesterday. A little later I was chatting with Student in your zone (Chaz dissed us ;) ).

Fret and I have both figured out how to set up a chat with AIM, it's pretty easy - we just need your AIM or .Mac account name.

So here's a first proposal - how about 3:00pm (15:00) Central - being 4:00 Eastern, 2:00 Mountain, and 1:00 Pacific (and around 9:00 UK IIRC, if anyone across the pond wants to join - Summer, I don't know if you're following any of this - Finland would be around 11:00 (23:00) I'm guessing) - chime in!

Whew - what an operation!!

S. That should work.... I think it's fine; I'll have to check to be sure. But don't let my schedule stop the rest of you!

Anyone who wants AIM, there's a link much earlier in this thread - search my posts.

[Bruno_78]

Unfortunately, I work until 3:00pm central time on saturdays. If it's inconvenient to move it back a little, I can just join in when I get home, around 3:30.

[steveh]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
Beers don't ALWAYS have to be chosen for their availability across the nation - we don't ALL have to participate every single time; I'd hate to rule out a beer that everyone else can get just because I can't.

Having areadily available beer would certainly help to prompt more participation, but if we've been nothing around here, we've always been informal. It's all good.

S.

Fret, you on chat?

[steveh]

As the week pans out, it looks like Sunday (08.29.04) will be a better day for me to chat n' taste. Anyone else?

S.

[Steve16823]

Originally posted by steveh
According to Student, it can be used on OS-9: "In OS X it comes with the operating system (iChat), and I know people at my work had it on their OS 9 systems. You can also get an IRC client for sure. So there are no technical problems for anyone to participate, be they mac, linux, or peecee users."

Double check with mac.com too.

S.

You can also download AOL instant messenger for Mac (or PC) at www.aim.com

[steveh]

Originally posted by Steve16823
You can also download AOL instant messenger for Mac (or PC) at www.aim.com

I suggested Mac.com for Mac users because it looks like aim.com puts you through all sorts of gyrations connected with AOL.

S.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by steveh
. A little later I was chatting with Student in your zone (Chaz dissed us ;) ).

S.

Sorry about that ! I heard it come on. I had my broker over last evening and I could not get on just then. I did however chat with Student and Bruno separately later in the evening.

[chazwicke]

I like the idea of PU being the second beer. I imagine there will be a big variety of tastes that day.

[staronstage]

Good times ... good times.

My AIM nick is "Capt Honor 1st" (named after this guy http://staronstage.homestead.com/files/Joey_4.jpg ).

Did we move the date to Sunday 8/29 officialy? Or is it still on for Saturday 8/28?

[fretlessman71]

I want to remind everyone that's interested to go ahead and put up their AIM username if we go this route. Also, Tweek says Hi, and has invited us to come use the #beer room on mIRC if we choose to do that. May want to stop in and say hi to him anyway!

[steveh]

Originally posted by staronstage
My AIM nick is "Capt Honor 1st" (named after this guy http://staronstage.homestead.com/files/Joey_4.jpg ).

Guy?

Did we move the date to Sunday 8/29 officialy? Or is it still on for Saturday 8/28?

I think we're still on for Saturday - Fret is out o' town all day Sunday, so I'm gonna try to work around the glitch I have. And Bruno can log in when he can -- we still need everyone's account name who wants to participate. So far, we have Chaz, Fret, Bruno, Student, Star, and me (steveh44 - which is a .Mac account).

S.

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by staronstage
Good times ... good times.

My AIM nick is "Capt Honor 1st" (named after this guy http://staronstage.homestead.com/files/Joey_4.jpg ).

Did we move the date to Sunday 8/29 officialy? Or is it still on for Saturday 8/28? We're discussing that. I think I could make it this Sunday, but subsequent Sundays I think I'm out.

[steveh]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
We're discussing that. I think I could make it this Sunday...

Okee - keep us posted.

S.

[steveh]

Originally posted by staronstage
My AIM nick is "Capt Honor 1st" (named after this guy)

Dude? Izzat you? 'Cause the bangs are pretty scary man! ;)

S.

[Beaver]

I don't think I'll be able to make this weekend...we're pretty busy. Hopefully I'll be able to make session 2!

[staronstage]

Yeah that's me from a melodrama stage show that Jinja and I were in. :)

And if you think that's scary, check out this one: http://staronstage.homestead.com/files/biglil14.jpg

[Bruno_78]

my AIM handle is billrjimerson

My dad's old trucking handle used to be "greasy gopher"

I don't know why I told you that.

[steveh]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
First number = last number of the year

Next 3 numbers = Julian Day (i.e.; Feb. 1st = 032)

So far, the freshest I can find in my neighborhood was bottled in mid-may some time. :confused: I'll keep looking.

S.

[fretlessman71]

Yeah? I found one yesterday that was bottled LAST YEAR. Guess I'm going to have to contact the distributor!

[fretlessman71]

Quick update - Saturday is the only day I'd be able to do a SN tasting. What about everyone else?

[steveh]

Okay, Saturday - August 28, 2004. 16:00 Eastern Daylight Saving Time - Bruno can join in at 16:30 (Bruno, are you in the Eastern Time Zone there in S. Bend?).

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale tasting - as fresh as you can find it (found another batch last night bottled in April). If someone has a laptop and can get to a bar with SN on tap, that would be fun!

Anyone who hasn't already, and wants to join in the geeky fun, please post your AIM address so we can patch you in.

S.

Hey Fret, how come the SN Summerfest doesn't have the code on the label?

[fretlessman71]

I dunno.... did you look on the bottle itself as well? I still haven't seen even ONE that's like that...

[Bruno_78]

I'm in central time zone right now. So that will be 3:00 pm local time, right?

[steveh]

Originally posted by Bruno_78
I'm in central time zone right now. So that will be 3:00 pm local time, right?

Yep. 4:00 East, 3:00 Central, 2:00 Mt., 1:00 Pacific - all P.M.

Right now? Do you switch zones when the time changes or something? I've heard that time zones in Indiana can be screwy.

Fret - I glanced around the bottle of SNS, and it may have been there on the dark brown, but I didn't spend a lot of time...wait, I have one here in a cooler for later this afternoon... 4073B14 ? 42? Make any sense? Bottled in March?

S.

[fretlessman71]

Yep... bottled March 15 of this year at 2:42 in the afternoon Pacific Standard time. Where on the bottle did you see it, and what color was the ink?

[steveh]

It was on the curve of the bottle's body just before it forms the neck. Not terribly straight, seemed sort of randomly stamped. The ink is black, or maybe dark blue. It's a typical dot pattern from a laser ink jet coder.

S.

[Bruno_78]

Originally posted by steveh
Yep. 4:00 East, 3:00 Central, 2:00 Mt., 1:00 Pacific - all P.M.

Right now? Do you switch zones when the time changes or something? I've heard that time zones in Indiana can be screwy.

S.

Yeah, it's screwy, we don't ever spring forward or fall back. We never change our clocks. So right now, we're on central time zone. Come october, we stay the same, but then we're the same as eastern. It gets confusing. Our legislature has tried in the last few years to get us on with the rest of the country, but it always get voted down. It's somewhat nice, We never have to worry about ourselves, Just everyone else.

[corysdad]

I use aol, what is AIM and how do I use it? I'd love to join the group on Saturday.
I've got a SNPA in the fridge with a birth date code of 4164. June somthing I think.
So how do I hook up with AIM?

[threecb]

Scored ones bottled on July 3rd! I'm in on this, providing:

a: I'm around. I should know by early afternoon.

b: I get steveh and/or fret's help in setting up AIM thru mac.com
for os9. I may be acting obtuse, but I can't seem to find any info on it?!!

[steveh]

Originally posted by threecb
Scored ones bottled on July 3rd! I'm in on this, providing:

a: I'm around. I should know by early afternoon.

b: I get steveh and/or fret's help in setting up AIM thru mac.com
for os9. I may be acting obtuse, but I can't seem to find any info on it?!!

Okay...best I can guide you is go here: http://www.aim.com/
On the left you'll see a menu with a button that says: For Your Computer > Macintosh.
Under the head that says System Requirements you'll see OS 8.6 users click here to download AIM version 4.3 - unless you have OS 9 with that CarbonLib, you should download AIM 4.3.
Then launch and I understand that it should prompt you through to set up a connection...so I understand...

Being on OS X I was able to launch an account through Mac.com, and OS 9 users may still be able to do it there, but I'm not real sure how.

One thing is, don't get forced into paying for anything you don't need to - I understand that there is a "trial" version you can sign up for - that's what I did thru Mac.com.

Corysdad, being an AOL subscriber already, you should be able to hook up using these same steps, probably even easier.

Good luck!

S.

[threecb]

Thanks, steve.

I was looking on mac.com for a messenger client, that's why I was a bit stuck. Are you using AIM, or iChat?

I'm beginning to miss OSX when I'm home. And fast internet. I gotta change this soon! This poor little G4 is sitting here just dying to chop data!

If I get hooked up, I'll be "threecb". KISS. (no, not a come on. Keep It Simple Stupid):D

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by corysdad
I use aol, what is AIM and how do I use it? I'd love to join the group on Saturday.
I've got a SNPA in the fridge with a birth date code of 4164. June somthing I think.
So how do I hook up with AIM? AOL IS AIM! As in Aol Instant Messenger. You're all set! We'll need to know your username so you can be invited to the chat room. Fire away!

[steveh]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
AOL IS AIM! As in Aol Instant Messenger. You're all set! We'll need to know your username so you can be invited to the chat room. Fire away!

Yeah, but if he's using AOL, and doesn't know what AIM actually is, he still needs to find the portal to make it work. At that juncture, I'm clueless.

Three - I'm using iChat, but it leeches off AIM - uses all the same connections or something. I'm not sure just how it works - magic. It's possible you can find iChat for OS 9 at Mac.com, but you'd have to sign up for a temporary .Mac account (or a full fledged account at $100 a year), but you'd have to stumble around on your own for the OS 9 stuff.

Fortunately, I'm surrounded with 'puter geeks where I am.

S.

[threecb]

Originally posted by steveh

Fortunately, I'm surrounded with 'puter geeks where I am.


Yeah, if I was at work I would be. Right now I'm surrounded by idiots
*looks around. is home, alone*

iChat was developed for OSX.

I guess you're gonna go into the office to do your tasting?

I'm in the process of downloading AIM. I have CarbonLib 1.6, so I can use 4.7.
Did I mention I hate dial up?

Anyway, my screen name will be threecb3. Apparently AOHell has held onto my screen name from our bitter separation several years ago, much in the way my ex-wife has held on to my Market Street Hatch Show Print.;)

[steveh]

Originally posted by threecb
I guess you're gonna go into the office to do your tasting?

Only computer I have!

Anyway, my screen name will be threecb3. Apparently AOHell has held onto my screen name from our bitter separation several years ago, much in the way my ex-wife has held on to my Market Street Hatch Show Print

D'oh! I hate AOL - but not as much as my ex-wife! ;)

S.

[threecb]

Well, I'm on!

Add me to yer buddy lists: threecb3.

maybe someone can sum up the buddies, so's there all in one thread?

I gotta go now and catch up with the stuff I was really supposed to be doing this afternoon. Hopefully I'll be at the tasting tomorrow afternoon.

[steveh]

Three - are you on now? Are you an AIM account, or .mac?

S.

[corysdad]

My AOL user name is corsdad0616. How do I connect with you guy's

[steveh]

Originally posted by corysdad
My AOL user name is corsdad0616. How do I connect with you guy's

Do you know how to access Instant Messenger? If so, my user name is steveh44 - see if you can send me a message. My iChat is always on when my computer is on.

S.

[fretlessman71]

Got my bottle of SNPA - 4184 says the code. Pretty cool, eh? Bottled July 2nd. Ought to be just fine! I'll see everyone there! Don't forget, now.... :D

[corysdad]

What is the official online tasting time for the central time zone? I thought it was 2pm.:confused:

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by steveh
Yep. 4:00 East, 3:00 Central, 2:00 Mt., 1:00 Pacific - all P.M.

[steveh]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
Got my bottle of SNPA - 4184 says the code. Pretty cool, eh? Bottled July 2nd. Ought to be just fine! I'll see everyone there! Don't forget, now.... :D

Got some 4209 myself yesterday - at an Osco Drug, of all unlikely places. July 27, right?

S.

[fretlessman71]

VERY well done! :D

[BrewDog]

I'll be on -- BrewDog31415. I need to run to the paint store to get a sixer.

[corysdad]

Originally posted by steveh
Got some 4209 myself yesterday - at an Osco Drug, of all unlikely places. July 27, right?

S. WOW! now thats fresh! Did you get enough for all to taste?;)

[skahtboi]

What about those of us who only have ICQ? Isn't there supposed to be some way where we can still connect with Yahoo! IM and AIM users?

[Jeff]

Okay I am getting ready to install AIM so I should be on. My screen name is Kubiak1979. I will head out the paint store in a few minutes and pickup a six pack.

[Stodbrew]

I will try and be here for it. My AIM name is stodbrew.

[corysdad]

How many tasters can be in the chat room at the same time?

[steveh]

Originally posted by corysdad
How many tasters can be in the chat room at the same time?

That's a good question, I'm not sure -- maybe Fret?

S.

[steveh]

Originally posted by skahtboi
What about those of us who only have ICQ? Isn't there supposed to be some way where we can still connect with Yahoo! IM and AIM users?

Another good question, and beyond my knowledge... Anyone?

S.

[threecb]

I think ICQ might be an independent thing. Not sure though.

And I don't know the limit to Chat Room members, but it can't be too many, or else it'd get mighty confusing.

BTW, steveh, mine is an AIM account, not .mac. Bummer, but the only way for now. Are you on? cuz I have you in my buddy list and you're not there as online. I see stodbrew is though.

[steveh]

Originally posted by threecb
BTW, steveh, mine is an AIM account, not .mac. Bummer, but the only way for now. Are you on? cuz I have you in my buddy list and you're not there as online. I see stodbrew is though.

That's no biggie - I just needed to know so that I could plug you in properly -- if I'm not showing, you may need to put me in as a .mac account somehow - I know that Student, Fret, and Chaz are all AIM and I've chatted with them. I'll ping you now to see what happens.

S.

I see Bruno's on too.

[Bruno_78]

I'm on, and I got a chat invite from steve, but when I clicked, it just went away! Maybe try again?

[steveh]

Originally posted by Bruno_78
I'm on, and I got a chat invite from steve, but when I clicked, it just went away! Maybe try again?

D'oh!

S.

[Jeff]

Here is everybodys AIM that I have seen so far:

Fretlessman71
General Factotum
Capt Honor 1st
StodBrew
Our Man Chuck
Billrjimerson
ThreeCB3
Corsdad0616
Steveh44
Brewdog 31415
Kubiak 1979


Steveh if you are on right now I'm not seeing you. I tried a couple different ways to set it up with a .mac If you get a chance send me a message or something so I can find your screen name.

[Jake]

Help me out with this bottle date. I have a bottle of beer with these numbers: 09064 and under those numbers are F80891. How old is this beer?

[steveh]

Jake - is it a Sierra Nevada? Those numbers don't look like SNPA digits. For instance, on my bottle, on the label is 4209 - the 4 is for 2004, and the 209 is the day it was bottled - the 209th day of 2004.

On the bottle itself is: 4209B13:00. 4209 being the same as the label numbers, B is the holding tank it was bottled from, and 13:00 is the time it was bottled.

I don't know how many other beers have the same or similar dating method.

S.

[BrewDog]

Hey guys-

I just came back with a 6er of 4205.

Also, Jeff incorrectly posted my AIM id. There is no space:

BrewDog31415

[skahtboi]

Shoot! Guess I am gonna miss this one. I have my SNPA and I am here at the right time, however, I don't have AIM and probably don't have time to download it now. :(

[steveh]

Skaht - we're going to attempt to archive the chat - if it doesn't get out of hand. We'll try to post some highlights.

S.

[skahtboi]

Thanks. I have Stodbrew on ICQ via AIM, he is trying to get me in the chat now.

[fretlessman71]

OK... here's a few rules I would like to implement. This is a lot easier than telling everyone over and over on the chat room.

1) My entire purpose in organizing this was so that the less educated among us can learn from the more educated. I like the idea of being able to search out different flavors in stuff I like; so far I'm only able to really tell if I like it or not. So let's try to give a lot of space to those who are pretty learned in this: steveh, chaz, and stodbrew fit that bill so far. IF there are more of you, you are certainly not excluded from your opinion - speak up!

2) I don't want any one to get stomped on to the point of where they can't say anything and/or get someone's attention, so if you need to speak to the group, please type in "My turn please". When you see this, finish your though quickly and stop so you can read what this person has to say.

3) I'd like the more learned here to sort of "lead" us through the tasting: pop tops now, pour now, here's how you do aroma, that sort of thing. This way we're all on the same page.

Any other ideas would be more than welcome! Let's have fun!

[Jake]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by steveh
[B]Jake - is it a Sierra Nevada? Those numbers don't look like SNPA digits. For instance, on my bottle, on the label is 4209 - the 4 is for 2004, and the 209 is the day it was bottled - the 209th day of 2004.

No it is not Sierra Nevada. I cannot seem to find SN in the local party stores. Is that sold in Michigan? I have not tried any of the bars but, they charge $2.00 a bottle for carry out. The bottle I have is an 22 oz of a macro brew brand

[fretlessman71]

Everyone has their own way of doing it. Try going to the website of the brand you have and see if they tell you - that's what I'm doing!

[Beaver]

Check http://beerdates.com/ for decoding of brewing dates.