2010 Mazer Cup

[Josh Lindsey]

http://www.meadfest.com/

Largest mead-only competition. March 26-27

Any suggestions for safely shipping bottles is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Josh

[Eva Jones]

UPS is the best way (if they require what is in them, "yeast samples". Enclose each bottle in a ziploc plastic bag, then wrap it with bubble wrap and tape it. After each bottle is plastic bagged, bubble wrapped, and taped, put a garbage bag in a box and fill it with those white thingys to where your packed bottles can't be shaken or rattle! Secure the garbage bag, tape the box and you are ready.

This is probable overkill, but I want to make sure my entries arrive intact for the winning selection.

Good luck!

[Josh Lindsey]

Awesome, thanks Eva. Also, do I need to worry about clarity? I try to get them good and clear but I usually get a thin film of seds. After shipping, I'm worried they they won't settle out before judging. Should I rebottle off the top halves of bottles that are settled???

Thanks!
Josh

[Eva Jones]

Josh,

I wouldn't rebottle. I would look for bottles where the sediment is minimal. I checked the BJCP on Mead judging and on page 130, I believe with a search on sediments, it only recommends the judges how to pour with sediments. Next, time I would let it settle a while longer before bottling.

If you haven't checked out the new mead judging study guide for BJCP Meads, I would take a look. Especially, the Scoring sheets or the Checklist. Kind of do a self evaluation of the your mead prior to submittal.