[mmitchem]

Looking at Dave's posts - he seems to have the Mark of the Beast!

[Alewyfe]

...Or you could just tell him the truth...tell him nicely, that he just about kicked the keg on his last few visits.

+1
Best answer. You ought to be able to have that conversation without offending someone who has been a friend for over 30 years.

[euge]

...Or you could just tell him the truth...tell him nicely, that he just about kicked the keg on his last few visits.

+1
Best answer. You ought to be able to have that conversation without offending someone who has been a friend for over 30 years.

Sigh. Yeah. It's difficult I've had to set him straight before but he is easily insulted and will sulk for months. I'm sure he thinks I get my panties in a bunch easily but usually it's just about certain things that I consider inconsiderate and disrespectful. I will broach the subject in an oblique way- perhaps when he asks me where the large glasses went!

There is a saying and I forget who to credit it with but: "To find a friend one must keep both eyes open. To keep him one must keep one eye closed."

[davidgzach]

Looking at Dave's posts - he seems to have the Mark of the Beast!

Yea, let me get off that right now!

Good luck Euge.  Only you truly know the situation and what it means to you.  Lot's of good advice here though.

Dave

[denny]

...Or you could just tell him the truth...tell him nicely, that he just about kicked the keg on his last few visits.

THIS!!!  If he's a good enough friend to drop by to drink, then he's a good enough friend to tell the truth.

[khillje]

I've had this problem before too, although the "over drinkers" are the ones who usually help me out on brew day.  I think it's easy for people who aren't familiar with homebrewing to assume that the beer just materializes without investment or that it's just a free bi-product of our hobby.  I have no problem laying down the law when it comes to giant glasses.  I brewed a pumpkin beer every year for a Halloween party.  The first few years I was just excited for people to be drinking something I made so I didn't worry about collecting funds.  Two years ago I put out a jar at the kegerator with a note that said "Homebrewing isn't free.  Please contribute to the cause.".  Three hours and 15.5 gallons later, there was .35 cents in the jar.  Needless to say, I still brew my pumpkin beer every year, but only a few pints emerge for close friends and family at the party.  Although I must say, it can be flattering to have a keg of homebrew go so quickly.

[AmandaK]

...Or you could just tell him the truth...tell him nicely, that he just about kicked the keg on his last few visits.

THIS!!!  If he's a good enough friend to drop by to drink, then he's a good enough friend to tell the truth.

I'm also for Ron's approach, but then again, I'm not one to be bashful or hide things. I'd just prefer that my friends know what's up - seems to work out better when we're all on the same page.

[mmitchem]

Do you think that saying something to him in a nice manner could potentially end your friendship?

[euge]

Do you think that saying something to him in a nice manner could potentially end your friendship?

Not at all. It's just a matter of phrasing it delicately/diplomatically as I am blunt at times and people get offended. Needlessly IMO, but I am such a mild person 99.9% of the time that people see it as a great departure and think things are seriously wrong and they get defensive as a result. You know. Human nature.

Still think changing my glassware up will help.

[weithman5]

hey , i could act as bouncer, will only cost one 12 ouncer a night.

[dannyjed]

I've had the same problem.  I just say "these kegs are suppose to last a couple of weeks, not a couple of hours...sorry, but I'm cuttin' you off".

[Joe Sr.]

I dunno.  I enjoy sharing my beer.  I also typically have a couple kegs waiting to be tapped, so if one goes empty I can roll out another.  I have drawn the line at growlers to go, however.

I don't have anyone coming by and pounding down a gallon, and I do know how friends can get under your skin at times. Still, if he's not coming by three times a week, I'd just let it go and take the compliment.  Or invite him to come and brew with you next time so he can earn his share.

Try putting a barley wine or old ale on tap next time.  Then he can pass out on your couch after a couple of 24 oz-ers.

[euge]

I was doing a quick calculation in my head and figure it costs me close to $30 to fill that keg. Considering it's a 1/6 bbl then 1 bbl costs me about $180!

[tubercle]

Show up one day at his house with some equipment and ingreidents and tell him that since he likes homebrew so well you are going to show him how to make his own and that way he doesn't have to wait on you!  Make him a batch and help him bottle it. Leave him A NB catalog when you leave.

 I've done this with sausage, cheese and bread moochers. It actually works.

 

[morticaixavier]

Show up one day at his house with some equipment and ingreidents and tell him that since he likes homebrew so well you are going to show him how to make his own and that way he doesn't have to wait on you!  Make him a batch and help him bottle it. Leave him A NB catalog when you leave.

 I've done this with sausage, cheese and bread moochers. It actually works.

best advice yet! plus it will give him an outlet to deal with his emotions besides DRINKING beer. nothing like a little creative expression to get one through the tough times.