Just checking as a first time entrant to the NHC - can one use bottles that have raised lettering, like Sam Adams or Birra Moretti or Sam Smith has on them. I haven’t bottled 12 oz bottles in so long that I realize that most of mine have raised lettering and a buddy mentioned that a local competition required plain glass with no raised lettering on them. I don’t want to get bounced before I even get my swill tasted!
I wouldn’t use something too distinctive or rare, but SA bottles at least are going to be fine. I see dozens of those in each competition it seems.
In the past, those types of bottles have generally been allowed. But don’t take my word for it. Contact Janis or the comp you’re shipping to and ask them.
The rules state bottles with raised lettering are ok as long as they fit in a standard case slot.
While I can’t speak for this comp, in comps I’ve judged in the past, we have allowed these bottles, but they are frowned upon. I believe the judges have the right to reject the bottles, but rarely, if ever, do. You will not lose points for it, but there is a section on the judging form about appropriate bottles.
Well there ya go!
Good to know, but where did it say that in the rules? I could not for the life of me find it, so I resorted to posting here. Thanks for the answer dkfick! You won my vote for the GC…
Part 1: how to enter this competition. Section 1.
You nailed it - can’t believe I missed that! Plus the requirement to obliterate the markings on the caps - I would have missed that one too.
Just a suggestion from someone who has run a first round competition and a few others, spend a few bucks on a six pack or two of beer that comes with some strong bottles. We are already spending a little bit on entry fees, transportation, and packaging so a few extra bucks on sturdy bottles is not out of the question. I’ve seen some of the previously mentioned bottles come through broken. Buy some beer for their bottles and have a chili party with beer bread.
I rarely bottle, but when I do, I have used German half liters - great strong bottles, but not permitted in the NHC. If Sam Adams is too light of a bottle, which commercial brewer uses a strong bottle as you have suggested?
Too bad. They allow 16 oz but not 16.9? I thought it was more about the bottle fitting in a standard case. I thought the German 500s did fit.
They’re great bottles though. Double Mountain in Hood River uses them so I have several stored up.
Jim, one thing they want is stable stack of cases on pallets in a production brewery. 1500/24=62.5 minimum cases.
The typical German 500 ml does not meet the 9 inch height requirement. I just measured one at 10.5 inches high. There is a squatter 500 ml, and I have one that measures at 9 inches, 2.75 inch diameter. Those might be just fine.
If you really want to know, contact Janis.
My entries are in 12s. But I have some German 500s, mine must be the squats. I’d go measure but SWMBO is sleeping and clink clink is no bueno right now.
Maybe the OP should just ask Janis. If they fit the bill, seems like a good option.
I get mine from Double Mountain, who oddly enough actually likes to get them back. Kind of a green thing for the reuse recycle renew folk. I’m a thanks for the free bottle, repurposing type.
No, judges are not allowed to reject entries. But they can bring it to the organizer’s attention. In reality it would have to be a big violation for that to happen.
The registrar and competetion organizer can reject, though.
Yes.
I usually use the German half liters as well. For competitions I personally use either New Glarus, Lakefront Brewery, or Milwaukee Brewing bottles but I have a feeling that this won’t do you any good. Dogfish head I think are pretty good as well. I’d suggest you head down to your local store where you can get craft beer and check out what is available in your market.
I usually use Bell’s bottles for all my competition entries. They sell cases of bottles in their homebrew shop on the cheap so whenever I make it out of K-Zoo I pick up 6-7 cases. Usually they are between $5-$7 a case.
A number of Belgian beers (Saison Dupont, St. Bernardus, Rochefort among them) come in unmarked 33 cl bottles that are very heavy and very close in size and shape to 12 oz. long-necks (ISB).