While back in the states I took the opportunity to hit the local homebrew store... Brew and Grow. It's over on the east side of Madison and although Dave's home brew back in Sydney had most of the gear I couldn't help but envy the ease of which it is to get brewing equipment for decent prices in the US. I wanted to hit the Wine and Hop shop but time simply didn't permit. Of course it's one thing to buy, it's another to get through customs.
Floating thermometers, 3 piece airlocks, 9" filter, auto-siphons, bottle capper... where do I stop. Not that Dave's didn't have all this, simply Aussie prices are criminal...
It didn't stop me, for about $35 USD I got the lot, and they threw in a few extras. When it was time to bring it back I packed it all tight in the check bag and thought if they take it they do.
24 hours later on arrival we gathered the bags and headed into customs. The customs patrol asked us if we had any grains, any wood, any food. "No." He took a long look at our bags and glanced at our eyes - we were tired, wanted to get home, rest, (and brew).
Finally he checked the customs form and let us on through. Success! All as the bloodhounds quietly admired our reentry.
