By RYAN NEWHOUSE
“What would you do or trade for a year’s supply of Black Star beer?”
That’s the question posed again by Great Northern Brewing Company for the second annual Black Star Beer Barter held in Whitefish on February 4.
Last year, the event drew in over 1,000 spectators who watched contestants barter insanely outrageous and over-the-top talents and goods for a chance to win 52 cases of Black Star beer, which is a mighty tasty double-hopped golden lager. The winners, Leah and Tucker, came from right here in Missoula and offered some creative radio advertising on the Trail 103.3 FM.
I believe this was one of the less painful barter offerings, compared to the Kalispell guy who shoved $2.40 in change up his nose. Another contestant offered up the family’s two green egg-laying hens and pigs.
The Black Star Beer Barter starts promptly at 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 4, right after the Whitefish Winter Carnival ends. Contestants must be present to display their talents or goods in order to win. A panel of highly qualified judges will select one winner based on creativity, awesomeness, thoughtfulness, and enthusiasm.
If you’re stoked to win a year’s worth of free beer, but you don’t think you can make the trip up to Whitefish to peddle your goods, Black Star is offering an opportunity to win a free trip to the Black Star Barter via an online Beer Barter contest.
Contestants can submit a photo or video of what they’d do or trade for beer and the submission with the most votes will win a trip to Whitefish to compete in person for the grand prize.
Submissions are currently being accepted until January 15, 2012, and the voting period begins on January 16. The online winner will be announced on Monday, January 23. You can enter the online contest on the Black Star Facebook page.
If you’re thinking about entering the Black Star Beer Barter, check out these photos on Facebook from last year’s event to see what you’re getting yourself into! For questions regarding the Black Star Barter contest, please contact barter@blackstarbeer.com or call 800-732-1003.
So what would you do for 52 cases of Black Star beer? Let’s hear you sound off some ideas below!
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Thirsty for more? Missoula’s beverage expert, Ryan Newhouse, has plenty on tap: Beer Brings Jobs to Montana, BeerTrips.com Creates Getaways for Beer Lovers, and The Best Bars for Celebrating a Birthday.
Looking for a local bar or pub? Check out our Missoula Restaurants and Dining and Missoula Nightlife sections.
Visit the Drink It Missoula archive.
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Ryan Newhouse has lived in Missoula since 2002 and has tipped his glass in most of the town’s establishments. He is (in no particular order) a full-time writer, husband, and parent, and a part-time zymurgist. He makes a mean hard cider and pairs his cocktails with dishes from his blog, Cooked Animals: Recipes for Wild Game.