View Full Version : Leffe: Vladimir's Beer Thread
Vladimir
12-27-2006, 00:34
I'm putting all you Belgans on notice now. I went to a Trader Joe's store and found a 6-pack of Leffe blonde beer and it's sitting in the freezer. I was so excited that I almost drank the first one on the drive home!
I'm warning you all though: If it isn't worth the 11 USD I paid for it I'm giving you all back to the Spanish or Germans (which ever ones you guys like the least).
I really shouldn't complain though. This is the land of $5 domestic draft beers.
I'll let you know how it goes later.
I think the drunk thread should have its own forum to get around the Backroom closures!
Hosakawa Tito
12-27-2006, 00:55
Leffe Blond for less than $2 a bottle is worth every penny. Don't forget and leave them in the freezer too long, could result in a tragic waste of beer, fine Belgian beer at that. Do you want to start an international incident? Piss off the Belgians so that they cut off our, and my, supply of tasty Belgian beer? Holy Hoengaarden man, are you insane?~:wacko:
Big King Sanctaphrax
12-27-2006, 01:10
Leffe is over-rated. There are much better European lagers out there.
$5 for draught beer is really expensive, especially if it's for the standard Ammerican rubbish. Is that price for a pint?
Vladimir
12-27-2006, 02:13
Leffe is over-rated. There are much better European lagers out there.
$5 for draught beer is really expensive, especially if it's for the standard Ammerican rubbish. Is that price for a pint?
Well that's the crappy DC inflation for you. I can't imagine how bad it is in London or any other European capitol.
There might be better European beers but this one is pretty damn good. Honestly, I can't finish all 6...that just means I won't have any tomorrow.
Pleasant smelling...just when you think the taste will become overpowering it backs off to a malty hop-like body with a slightly sweet finish. :2thumbsup: I had some Shiner Bach (bock, whatever...) over the weekend and it left a nasty film in my mouth. Not to mention that the alcohol content of Leffe seems just about right, 'tis good!
Big_John
12-27-2006, 03:35
whenever i see "beer" and "trader joe's" in the same setance, i feel anxiety. not familiar with this leffe though.
Leffe Blond for less than $2 a bottle is worth every penny. Don't forget and leave them in the freezer too long, could result in a tragic waste of beer, fine Belgian beer at that. Do you want to start an international incident? Piss off the Belgians so that they cut off our, and my, supply of tasty Belgian beer? Holy Hoengaarden man, are you insane?~:wacko:
There might be better European beers but this one is pretty damn good. Honestly, I can't finish all 6...that just means I won't have any tomorrow.
Pleasant smelling...just when you think the taste will become overpowering it backs off to a malty hop-like body with a slightly sweet finish. I had some Shiner Bach (bock, whatever...) over the weekend and it left a nasty film in my mouth. Not to mention that the alcohol content of Leffe seems just about right, 'tis good!
Ah, good to know there are still some "connaisseurs" living abroad.
Leffe Blond, one of my favorites. If you really like Leffe Blond, you might try the Ciney Blond. Not to mention Westmalle Tripel.
~:cheers:
Peasant Phill
12-27-2006, 11:12
For goodness sakes men, take those bottles out of your freezer in in to your cellar. You don't want to end up with a Leffe snow cone.
Leffe blond is a good beer if you want something with a little more character than a normal pils (aka budweiser, stella, ...). Here in Belgium it is a very popular beer, even with the ladies. But if you really enjoy your beer I would recommend to go a little bit heavier.
Not crazy about Leffe.
Fortunately, we have a huge micro-brewery industry in Quebec. Our local store stocks almost a hundred different kinds of beer. I almost never drink the same beer two days in a row.
There's one standard size, standard octane, bottle of micro-brewery beer that sells for $5.99. Haven't tried it. Probably won't.
The FREEZER????????????????????
To the stake, never before did I see herecy so foul.
ps, Leffe blonde sucks, get a chouffe instead, you want Leffe double
Sir_Hawkwood
12-27-2006, 14:22
Leffe blonde is a great beer!
My local has started selling it on draught!
Quite partial to Leffe brown served at room temperature, beside an open fire, though.
Buying Leffe: Good
Drinking it whilst driving: Bad... (Edit, Just saw, You ALMOST drank it on the way home... Sorry)
Sjakihata
12-27-2006, 14:26
I like Leffe a lot. Although I prefer Leffe Brune, the dark variant. You shouldnt drink it ice cold though, around 15 degree celcius is optimal, if it's too cold you wont be able to taste the flavour. Really cold is only good for extremely cheap beer.
Sjakihata
12-27-2006, 14:28
you want Leffe double
or triple
Leffe Brown>Leff Blond.
Leffe's good, but far from the best. But I bet it's much better than all that American ****.
or triple
That's the blonde, not a bad one at all, but there are much better ones. Grimbergen makes a really nice one, oh these flemish and their leet brewing skillz.
With beer it's simple, for the full deep beers the flemish are the absolute masters, and for a pils the good people of the czech republic reign surpreme.
So thirsty now..........
Leffe Brown>Leff Blond.
Grimbergen Brown > Leffe Brown
~:idea:
Is there still no beer thread in the Frontroom?
Grimbergen
Grimbergen
beat you to it :yes: Good taste sir.
God how I love discussing beers.
Sjakihata
12-27-2006, 14:41
Do you gentlemen know of a beer called Youngs double chocolate?
Im in love with it.
We had one over at EB once. It started of discussing a roman shield or helmet or something like that. But it quickly turned to a beer fest. good times, good times.
Indeedy do, we should make one. But who'll have the honour to start it.
@ grimbergen: :yes:
You know what beer I like a lot too? Petrus oud van't vat. Verry good if you ask me.
You should try Haarlems Gruitbier as well, the recipy was lost for 900 years but someone found it. It's more of a summerbeer, tastes a bit like whities but somewhat stronger. This should get you in the mood
http://www.buurt-online.nl/Haarlem%20Haarlem%20Leeft%2010805.jpg
Love history ~;)
Vladimir
12-27-2006, 14:52
Wow, so much uproar over the freezer incident ~:eek: . I had to bring the temperature down a little after the long haul in a warm car during rush hour traffic. (:furious3: )
It's good to hear that Canada has a thriving microbrew industry. I've had some fine American micros but they tend to be overly specialized and fairly simplistic. I was really excited when board members started talking about Belgian beer. I just imagined a mingling of French winemaking tradition with German beer obsession; I’m pleased that I was right.
I’ll have to look for Leffe Brown because I prefer darker (reddish) beers, but not liquid bread like Guinness. I recommend the blonde to anyone who likes beer (or any alcoholic drinks) and it’s well worth the price.
Now...I just need to find a place that sells it on draught. :barrel:
Wow, so much uproar over the freezer incident ~:eek:
We will forgive you just this time, just remember to babystep your way into european class. If I ever hear about you putting our gorgeous products in the freezer again we might just hunt you down and shove you a coldie.
I wouldn't say no to a Hertog Jan, or some good Palm beer.
Tho I prefer 't Kannon by Grolsch or a real good Bockbeer
Strike For The South
12-28-2006, 06:33
coors light:2thumbsup:
Peasant Phill
12-28-2006, 08:56
Coors light? What makes a beer light and why would anybody want that? Besides anything that comes in cans is inferior to beer in a bottle.
I haven't tasted coors yet, but I imagine it is similar to budweiser. Budweiser isn't bad as a beer, but it misses character which most European beers do have. The light version, I imagine, makes it even more bland.
And my absolute favorite: Hommelbeer
Sir_Hawkwood
12-28-2006, 11:04
Anyone ever tried Duvel?
Another fine Belgian product!
Can be a little much at 8.5% Vol, but great to share a bottle with freinds during the summer.
Can be a little much at 8.5% Vol, but great to share a bottle with freinds during the summer.
Or to keep for yourself.
We have a not so micro-brewery here that puts out many high octane beers, some are very tasty. One, La Fin du Monde (The End of the World) is 9% and after a long day, it only takes one to have you snoozing on the couch.
I’ll have to look for Leffe Brown because I prefer darker (reddish) beers, but not liquid bread like Guinness.
I think you'll find many a brother here who enjoys a Guinnesss sandwich. On tap, few beer, if any, can compare to a Guinness. There is a purity of spirit in a tap Guinness that transcends all others. A smoothity, a richosity, a deliciosity, a... a... can I start drinking at 5:30 in the morning?
Banquo's Ghost
12-28-2006, 12:26
I’ll have to look for Leffe Brown because I prefer darker (reddish) beers, but not liquid bread like Guinness.
Liquid bread?! My good sir, first you offend our Belgian colleagues by making popiscles out of their exports and now you start upon the humble Irish?
:duel:
Seriously, I'm told they have improved it but Guinness never travelled all that well - it wasn't much to write home about when I was tasting it in the States.
What you need is a fine pint of Murphy's, or failing that, Beamish.
Hmm. Correction - what I need is a fine pint of Murphy's. Toodle-pip. ~:wave:
If we are going to start a serious discussion of beer, we need the British joining in. Quite rightly, they consider that there is only one liquid that should be yellow in colour, and it ain't beer. :beam:
Vlad, if you like real ale as it appears, try to convice Wigferth to invite you over to Devon and taste Otter Ale. Yumm.
Banquo's Ghost
12-28-2006, 12:28
I think you'll find many a brother here who enjoys a Guinnesss sandwich. On tap, few beer, if any, can compare to a Guinness. There is a purity of spirit in a tap Guinness that transcends all others. A smoothity, a richosity, a deliciosity, a... a... can I start drinking at 5:30 in the morning?
:yes:
You can here in Ireland, with the Guinness, although it's more traditional to be still drinking at 5.30 in the morning.
Cheers! ~:cheers:
Big_John
12-28-2006, 12:37
i guess this is the new beer thread. my fav type of beer is belgian strong pale ales. here are my perennial choices:
la chouffe (http://www.achouffe.be/newen/produits.php) and piraat (http://www.vansteenberge.com/htm/2en/21200en.htm) (10.5%!)
https://img345.imageshack.us/img345/6610/chouffe3ko.jpg https://img65.imageshack.us/img65/4092/pirafls3005xv3ji.jpg
like beirut mentioned, unibroue should is a great brewery doing belgian-style beer in the new world. fin du monde, being a strong pale, is my pick from them, but unibroue's strong darks are great too. another strong pale, delirium tremens is very good too. i like all of these strong pales more than duvel. duvel lacks some character in comparison to these others, imo.
as far as belgian strong dark ales go, chimay grande réserve (blue label) and n'ice chouffe (a winter seasonal by brasserie d'achouffe) are the best i've had. unibroue makes two great strong darks called maudite and trois pistoles, the latter being my choice of the two. there's also an american belgian strong dark that's popular (and highly rated) called ommegang out of cooperstown, ny. however, none of those are as good as chimay blue or n'ice chouffe.
that said, variety is important to me, in addition to belgian ales, i often get my hands on lagers, hefes, APAs, IPAs, stouts, etc.
it's a mistake to underestimate american beer. thinking all american beer is coors or budweiser is like thinking all belgian beer is stella. many american micro-breweries were started by european immigrants (germans esp). imo, the world's best lagers, IPAs, stouts and porters are made here, in the US. some great micro-breweries for american style beers are stone, great lakes, rogue and bell's.
oh and a couple of great scottish ales should be on any beer lovers list, fraoch's heather ale and a wee heavy called skullspliter from the orkneys. get em if you can!
KukriKhan
12-28-2006, 13:13
I'm no beer connoisseur, so can't really contribute intelligently. But I will point out that in my 40-year beer-drinking career, I've had the most fun in my travels drinking whatever the locals drink. Kind of adds to the flavor of the place.
To this day, the smell of heavy malt immediately conjures up that bar in Taegu in the 70's; highly-hop'd brews remind me of The Monkey Bar in Honolulu; warm Budweiser recalls that surprise 6-pack that First Sergeant Bogle sent us (with the mail) in Honduras.
Big john, I must agree on the delirium tremens. I can't really remember when I drunk it, but I know I did once. IT was verry good. The fact I can barely remember it is the best argument I can find...
Never heard of trois pistoles tough.
And Duvel, it's a bit overrated if you ask me. Not bad, just overrated.
Pannonian
12-28-2006, 15:00
I haven't seen this one come up in these discussions before.
Adnam's Broadside (http://www.epinions.com/content_155434323588)
THEY SAY:
" Broadside is rich, with aromas of almonds, zest and conserved fruit, and a perfect balance of malt and hop flavours - an award-winning* pint to savour."
* Gold Medal Winner in the Strong Bitter Category at the CAMRA Champion Beer Of Britain 2003.
Broadside pours a clear, amber-red colour with a relatively creamy, quite frothy, off-white head that lasts to the bottom of the pint and laces the glass copiously.
It has a somewhat fruity aroma, mostly citrus-like, but also a hefty dollop of vine-fruit. It's a touch spicy, and has a malty, bready, fruitcake aroma. There's also a faint floral note.
It's extremely smooth, with a rich and creamy mouthfeel. The taste is rich and malty, with a trace of cinnamon-like spice in the background. The malt also gives a nutty quality to the flavour and a hint of sweet caramel. There's not a lot of hop flavour - just a gentle bitterness that keeps the beer well-balanced. There's a slight, cherry-like tart fruitiness which leads into long and lingering, dry-ish finish which, paradoxically, is at once deeply satisfying yet still leaves you thirsting for another pint.
• The Verdict •
At 4.7% ABV, this is a classic session ale. It's a beer I've had a few times and it's consistently been good - something that can't always be said.
The flavours are quite subtle, it's not an overpowering taste at all. That's not to say it's bland.....heck no, It's just that the flavour doesn't slap you across the face and scream HOPS-n-MALT in your 'lug-hole' (ear). Of course, this means that it's deceptively easy to drink and, as the ABV is relatively high for a session ale, consumption may lead to a temporary loss of brain/mouth co-ordination. Obviously, not for me. My case, I'm afraid, is permanent.
As for food pairings, me and Big Al shared a packet of 'Four Cheese -n- Red Onion' flavoured crisps (chips). Bet you don't get them stateside. The delicate flavours of the Gouda married to the stronger Parmesan, and balanced by the Cheddar and Red Leicester didn't go well with the beer at all. But then, the crisps were pure gantin' (not overly pleasant).
We need a stickied and moderated beer thread that's also searchable.
Since the Beer Thread has been closed, I think I'll post this once more in here:
Let me introduce to you "Beersel" brewed in a small brewery called "De 3 Fonteinen":
Beersel Lager: brewed with malt, Saaz-hop and sugar. It's a beer of low fermentation and has a pleasant bitterness of 40 EBU.
https://img218.imageshack.us/img218/5518/bier2gu5.th.jpg (https://img218.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bier2gu5.jpg)
Beersel Blond (my favourite): lagermalt, wheat, hop (10%) and water, alcohol percentage: 7%, light, sweet taste but also a tiny bit bitter.
Beersel Bio: alc 7%, not filtered, re-fermentation takes place in the bottle, lightly sweet taste and a fine bitter "afdronk" (sorry, don't know the word in English).
You can find some more info here:
http://www.3fonteinen.be/index_e.htm
Big_John
12-28-2006, 15:37
Never heard of trois pistoles tough.unibroue is a canadian brewery that brews belgian styles (mostly strong pales, strong darks, and lambics). i wouldn't be surprised if it's hard to find in belgium. fin du monde is their best pale, trois pistoles is their best dark.
http://www.unibroue.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unibroue
And Duvel, it's a bit overrated if you ask me. Not bad, just overrated.yup.
Geoffrey S
12-28-2006, 16:39
Ah, Piraat and Chimay. Two splendid examples of fine beer. Makes me long for a Café België in Leiden...
Vladimir
12-28-2006, 18:06
With so many great selections being offered, the only problem is where to find them. Posting links to the web sites is appreciated but would be more useful if you could order from their site or find retailers that offer the beer.
There's always the option of asking your local stores if they can stock your favorite but there are some drawbacks. Most alcohol stores aren't able to order outside of their distributor’s catalogue and the poor sods may have no idea what you're talking about. Lastly, I doubt that a local store will order a 6-pack of some obscure beer from half way around the world just so you can see how it tastes.
Barring a bar/restaurant like Regional Food and Drink (http://www.rfdwashington.com/) like we have in DC (or the UK), how can we sample these beers?
Hosakawa Tito
12-28-2006, 19:02
One place I've found in the Richmond, Virginia area, is Capitol Ale House. They have a huge menu of imported beers from all over the world. I believe they might even micro-brew there own. I stop there every time I visit my daughter.
Here's a link to their menu: Beer Menu (http://www.capitalalehouse.com/libations/lager.php)
KukriKhan
12-28-2006, 19:10
I once belonged to the Beer-of-the-Month Club (http://www.beermonthclub.com/); I could either order from their catalog, or wait and be surprised each month with 6 different imported beers (2 of each; total 12 bottles). A Google search shows there are more places like that these days.
Big_John
12-28-2006, 19:12
Vlad, do you live in the US? in the US, one way i've found of tracking down good beer shops is talking to the owners of liquor stores or the managers of the liqour sections in grocery stores. generally, these people know where the best beer can be bought.
also, higher-end grocery stores often carry better beers too. if you have any organic mega-markets around (like wild oats or whole foods), they often have a good selection of imports.
on a side note, i just walked down to the local 'higher end' grocer, and spotted leffe blonde. i might go back and check it out.. but there was a rodenbach with my name on it. and that samuel smith's winter welcome ale is tempting as well.
http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Thinking/thinking-018.gif
Vladimir
12-28-2006, 20:18
on a side note, i just walked down to the local 'higher end' grocer, and spotted leffe blonde. i might go back and check it out.. but there was a rodenbach with my name on it. and that samuel smith's winter welcome ale is tempting as well.
http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Thinking/thinking-018.gif
Yes, DC for know but God knows where come February.
I found your statement hilarious :2thumbsup: . You cringed at the thought of Trader Joe's but you managed to find the same product at a high end store. How much did it cost?
Adrian II
12-28-2006, 21:34
Ah, Piraat and Chimay. Two splendid examples of fine beer. Makes me long for a Café België in Leiden...Come on, don't tell me you can not get a Chimay in Leyden these days. I know three sure locations off the cuff: De Uyl van Hoogland, Het Keizertje, De Twee Spiegels. At least they used to have it in my day...
Big_John
12-28-2006, 22:04
Yes, DC for know but God knows where come February.i used to live in greenbelt.. now that i think on it, i don't recall there being any good beer shops thereabouts. DC surely has some though. walk into the german and belgian embassies and ask them. ~:)
I found your statement hilarious :2thumbsup: . You cringed at the thought of Trader Joe's but you managed to find the same product at a high end store. How much did it cost?trader joe's is an odd place, they vary a lot from region to region. the reason a beer advocate such as myself cringes at TJs and beer being mentioned in the same sentence is that TJs has a line of beers that is about 1 step above the budweiser. they do sometimes carry good beers though.. just depends on the particular TJs you're at. i would consider TJs to be a "higher end" grocer.. i just wish they'd abolish their awful line of beers.
beer prices in ohio are set by the state, at the local grocer (and anywhere else in ohio), the leffe blonde is $7.99 for 6 bottles.
Sir_Hawkwood
12-28-2006, 22:12
Mmm, Time to try La Chouffe and see if it is better than Duvel.
On a slightly different note, does anybody here actualy like the taste of tequilla?
Vladimir
12-28-2006, 22:19
i used to live in greenbelt.. now that i think on it, i don't recall there being any good beer shops thereabouts. dc surely has some though. walk into the german and belgian embassies and ask them. ~:)
trader joe's is an odd place, they vary a lot from region to region. the reason a beer advocate such as myself cringes at tjs and beer being mentioned in the same sentence is that tjs has a line of beers that is about 1 step above the budweiser. they do sometimes carry good beers though.. just depends on the particular tjs you're at. i would consider tjs to be a "higher end" grocer.. i just wish they'd abolish their awful line of beers.
beer prices in ohio are set by the state, at the local grocer (and anywhere else in ohio), the leffe blonde is $7.99 for 6 bottles.
Good info. I had to...um...correct your post though.
Sorry
:hide:
Big_John
12-28-2006, 22:23
i capitalize abbreviations. fix it back. :brood:
Geoffrey S
12-29-2006, 00:05
Guinness, how could I forget it? First one I've had in ages, and it went down a treat!
Edit: also seen LaChouffe and Rodenbach mentioned in this here topic. Also highly commendable beers.
Come on, don't tell me you can not get a Chimay in Leyden these days. I know three sure locations off the cuff: De Uyl van Hoogland, Het Keizertje, De Twee Spiegels. At least they used to have it in my day...
Oh, that is not where the issue resides; it's my old haunt in Utrecht, Café België, with literally hundreds of beers to choose from that I miss. While there are establishments in Leiden selling various Belgian beers including those mentioned above, and even a number of dedicated Belgian cafés, I have yet to find a location with such a regularly updated variety of choices allowing for frequent experimentation. Then again, budget constraints make it impractical to spend too much on quality beer, let alone the restrictions established by Asopos...
Big King Sanctaphrax
12-29-2006, 04:45
Why does everyone like lager so much? Come to the UK, drink some cask conditioned bitters, and see what a proper beer is like.
Peasant Phill
12-29-2006, 10:39
on a side note, i just walked down to the local 'higher end' grocer, and spotted leffe blonde. i might go back and check it out.. but there was a rodenbach with my name on it. and that samuel smith's winter welcome ale is tempting as well.
Rodenbach is an excellent beer brewed in Roeselare just a few miles from my house (I even went to a wedding in the brewery). I used to drink it frequently.
If you like rodenbach, I recommend you also try 'Duchesse de Bourgogne' if you can find it.
https://img406.imageshack.us/my.php?image=duchesse20biervm9.jpg
The taste of dark sour beers is,unfortunately, lost on me. Like I said I used to enjoy a Rodenbach or a Duchesse regularly, but now I can't even smell one without feeling nauseous.
In my first years as a student in Ghent, I went to a huge student event. You would buy a glass (1/2 liter) and you could drink all night for free. The only drink you could get was Rodenbach, wich was fine by me. However, constantly drinking 1/2 liters of Rodenbach ad fundum (I was an 18 year old student, please forgive me :embarrassed: ) isn't good for once health.
To be short I got home and puked my guts out in the toilet and later in a pot I had next to my bed. The morning after I looked in the pot and all I could see was some sticky ink black residue.
Since that night i can't touch that sweet black nectar.:shame:
Adrian II
12-29-2006, 11:54
(..) let alone the restrictions established by Asopos...Georffrey my man, are you an Asopooier? And a wedstrijdroeier, too?
Hetairos!
https://img145.imageshack.us/img145/6541/asoposvignetuy7.jpg (https://imageshack.us)
Like I said I used to enjoy a Rodenbach or a Duchesse regularly, but now I can't even smell one without feeling nauseous.
What a pity.
If you like the fruity, sweet beers, might I suggest:
1) Kriek Lindemans
https://img411.imageshack.us/img411/7080/krieklindemanstp1.th.jpg (https://img411.imageshack.us/my.php?image=krieklindemanstp1.jpg)
In origin, this sweet-acid drink was obtained by adding fresh black cherries to a barrel Lambic of 6 months young. The addition of fruits provokes a new fermentation in the oak barrels. After another 8 to 12 months, only peels and stones left and the Kriek-Lambic is ready to be filtered and bottled. The residual sugar can be adjusted with straight-on fruit juice to give a refermentation in the bottle. This traditional type of fruit beer is more acid and less fruity.
Because of the limited availability of the "Schaerbeekse Cherries", just as to brew a less sour and more fruity Lambic beer, Lindemans farm brewery developed an unique natural method using pure cherry juice from unfrozen cherries. This straight cherry juice is blended with selected Lambic of different ages.
Kriek has a pink-red color and a delicious taste of sparkling cherry champagne.
2) Framboise Lindemans
https://img411.imageshack.us/img411/3910/framboisewk3.th.jpg (https://img411.imageshack.us/my.php?image=framboisewk3.jpg)
Long before hops were common in most beers, various fruits and vegetables were used to season beers. The acidity of Lambic beers blends perfectly with raspberries.
Taste: Magnificent aroma, delicate palate of raspberries with undertones of fruity acidity; elegant, sparkling clean natural taste.
Style: Raspberry Lambic.
Color: Rose. Serving suggestions: Chocolate desserts (especially chocolate decadence), fresh raspberries, ice cream with a raspberry demi-glaze sauce, créme caramel, baked Alaska, Olympia oysters, caviar. Serve in flute-shaped Lambic glasses at 45 degrees.
Make sure to check www.lindemans.be
3) Kriek Boon
https://img19.imageshack.us/img19/9776/kriekboonre3.th.png (https://img19.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kriekboonre3.png)
Frank Boon, who started as a blender, is considered by many to be the leading revivalist Lambic brewer in Belgium today. Boon is remarkable for making completely traditional products, and yet having the softest and most drinkable Lambics. They are tart and crisp, but with none of the acidic bitterness that some of the traditional brewers have made their mark of authenticity. Boon believes that Lambic does not have to be harsh to be genuine.
His Lambics are 100% spontaneously fermented beer. He uses only whole fruits for his Kriek and Framboise, without the addition of syrups or extracts. His Marriage Parfait Vintage Lambics are blended from the best casks from outstanding years.
Check: www.boon.be and http://www.belgianexperts.com/boonlamb.php
:bow:
Ah yes, kriek lindemans. Much better then a belle-vue or a max. I usually drink kriek lindemans if it's to early to get a bit drunk or if I still have to do something, instead of something more heavy.
Big_John
12-29-2006, 22:01
more of a gueuze man when it comes to lambics.
Red Peasant
12-30-2006, 12:34
The bar here sells Duvel, Leffe, Framboise, Chimay, Old Speckled Hen, Hobgoblin, Youngs and Hoey all for £1.50 a bottle, which is bloody cheap for the UK.
Oh, how I love college life ~:cheers:
Duvel reigns supreme. Two drinks for the price of one! And delicious to boot.
Adrian II
12-30-2006, 16:12
Why does everyone like lager so much? Come to the UK, drink some cask conditioned bitters, and see what a proper beer is like.It is no use arguing against peoples' tastes and references, Big King Sanctaphrax. I like a Guinnes or cask ale from time to time (when in the UK), but I wouldn't give up a Leffe or Hoegaarden (with slice of lemon) for all the stouts and bitters of the world.
The Wizard
12-30-2006, 17:21
Palm, Leffe (Dubbel), Hertog Jan. The Holy Trinity.
Geoffrey S
12-31-2006, 01:09
Ah, Palm. If possible that's the one I'll usually start with before moving on to heavier options.
Georffrey my man, are you an Asopooier? And a wedstrijdroeier, too?
Hetairos!
Indeed a westrijdroeier, and enjoying every moment of the experience!
Hetairos!
Adrian II
12-31-2006, 20:44
Ah, Palm. If possible that's the one I'll usually start with before moving on to heavier options.
Indeed a westrijdroeier, and enjoying every moment of the experience!
Hetairos!Completely off-topic, but I simply have to know: is that heavy skiff called Obelix still used?
And can you guess who pulled it into that nice banana shape? :wink3:
Geoffrey S
01-01-2007, 12:00
Completely off-topic, but I simply have to know: is that heavy skiff called Obelix still used?
And can you guess who pulled it into that nice banana shape? :wink3:
To be honest, I don't know, we haven't used skiffs yet. I'll check around after kerstreces.
Ah, Leffe and Hertog Jan. Nice beers indeed. Brings back some very pleasant memories of my trip to the netherlands and belgium 2 years ago.
I think i´ll visit the "haus der 111 biere" in munich next weekend and try to find some of the beers posted here. Variatio delectat! ~D
We need a stickied and moderated beer thread that's also searchable.
Seconded.
Leffe is one of the best damn beers I've ever tasted. My favorite. Another good one would be Gouden Draak (Golden Dragon) but that's another story.
I drink more Leffe now that I got a mega-sweet, glass Leffe goblet. I'm not much into Belgian beer, but it's a nice change once in a while. 11 bucks doesn't seem so bad for six bottles, but they are a little small...
Vladimir
01-02-2007, 02:59
I drink more Leffe now that I got a mega-sweet, glass Leffe goblet. I'm not much into Belgian beer, but it's a nice change once in a while. 11 bucks doesn't seem so bad for six bottles, but they are a little small...
A nice collector type glass would be great! Where did you buy yours?
Speaking of small. Do you Northerners still have those little soda cans? I swear when I saw them that it must be a metric thing. :juggle2:
Vladimir
01-02-2007, 23:34
Well I bought two more today. If it didn't take forever to do anything in NVA I'd actually be in the mood to drink one. Maybe after a little MTW, the Egyptians need to be culled again.
We need a stickied and moderated beer thread that's also searchable.
Thirth !
Or maybe Beirut can rename this thread in something like "The official beer thread" and put a link to this in the stickied "Links to popular threads" ?
Thirth !
Or maybe Beirut can rename this thread in something like "The official beer thread" and put a link to this in the stickied "Links to popular threads" ?
The pleasure is to serve. :bow:
The pleasure is to serve. :bow:
Thank you very much :bow:
All hail to Vladimir for this wonderful thread! ~:cheers:
Prodigal
01-03-2007, 15:25
I drink fanatastic amounts of beer at every available opportunity, & got over the leffe effect some years ago.
I cannot strongly enough recommend to anybody who can find it, Black label Duvel, (Belgium beer), not the white label, (although that's pretty good the black labels better). Its 8. something proof, & is not in the least bit sweet, also it tastes like a much lighter beer. Finally, & this I've found not to be the case with most strong beers, it makes me hysterically happy.
Duvel has too many bubbles in it, drinking it is like swallowing air.
Now that we´ve got an official beer thread i hope its ok to present some beers that are not from belgium. Here are some of my favourites:
https://img224.imageshack.us/img224/5890/flhellesdlgyb3.jpg
Pöllinger Helles: 4,9%, slightly bitter but with a very light taste overall. The perfect beer for a nice dinner.
https://img412.imageshack.us/img412/3770/kneitingerbockpopup1rv2.jpg
Kneitinger Bock: 6,9%, very malty but smooth as silk. I usually dont like dark beers but that one is too good to miss.
And of course my absolute favourite: Augustiner Helles. The best "all purpose" beer IMHO (though i had a little too much of it at the WM 2006).
I cannot strongly enough recommend to anybody who can find it, Black label Duvel, (Belgium beer), not the white label, (although that's pretty good the black labels better).
Actually, the black label doesn't exist anymore. IIRC, Duvel switched the labels in 2003, now they are all white. So the black label Duvel you are referring too, must be old Duvel. So if you find some black labe Duvel, make sure it's still good for consumption.
Besides the regular Duvel, you also have "Groene Duvel", created in the sixties for the occasion of the "Gentse Feesten". The red letters were replaced by green ("Groene") ones.
https://img81.imageshack.us/img81/1438/groeneduvelqs7.th.jpg (https://img81.imageshack.us/my.php?image=groeneduvelqs7.jpg)
There was a demand for a lighter version of Duvel and thus "Groene Duvel" was created. It is still available, but only near Moortgat (where the Duvel brewery is situated) and in a few select cafés in the surroundings of Brussels. It has an alcohol percentage of 7,5 %. It's being sold in smaller bottles of 25 cl. Contrary to the regular Duvel, Groene Duvel is filtered. It's a blond beer with a somewhat vague hop aroma. It tastes lightly sweet, turning into a hop end. It has a long, bitter aftertaste.
All you need to know about Duvel, can also be found here:
http://www.duvel.be/pages/home.aspx?culture=en&pageid=home
Vladimir
01-03-2007, 17:29
Now that we´ve got an official beer thread i hope its ok to present some beers that are not from belgium. Here are some of my favourites:
https://img224.imageshack.us/img224/5890/flhellesdlgyb3.jpg
Pöllinger Helles: 4,9%, slightly bitter but with a very light taste overall. The perfect beer for a nice dinner.
It's good that you mentioned beer with dinner (as opposed to a college student’s beer for dinner). I’ve never much liked drinking wine with food. To me, wine is something that must be enjoyed on its own and makes my food taste less good (sorry for the 3rd grade English :shame: ). My recent experiences with Leffe made me realize just how good high quality beer can be with food.
One of the reasons why wine isn’t best with food is because of its (generally) higher alcohol content. When I drink it during or before a meal the alcohol buzz takes away from the quality of the food and makes me focus on the quantity of food. I’d rather prefer drinking water vs. wine because the water helps cleanse the palette and I do love the taste of my food. Wine just sits on the tongue.
Maybe it’s personal choice or my evidence of my savage American upbringing (I prefer the latter :yes: :grin: ) but beer, good beer, goes better with food. The richer texture of beer is more like food while wine is like old grape juice; good but it stands better on its own. Also with high quality beer I’ve found that I want to drink less because I enjoy each bottle more. American beer is ‘git drunk’ beer which is good on occasion :medievalcheers: but hell, I’m getting old and the waist line is going to start expanding.
Edit: Oh, and let this thread be a lesson that something good can come out of temporarily closing the Backroom. I didn’t think it was possible myself.
A nice collector type glass would be great! Where did you buy yours?
Speaking of small. Do you Northerners still have those little soda cans? I swear when I saw them that it must be a metric thing. :juggle2:
Mine came in a set called "A Taste of Belgium" - it contains one Hoogaarden, one Stella Artois and one Leffe, each with their own novelty glasses. It came from my local provincially-run liquor barn.
By "Northerners", you must mean "Canucks", at least, if the question applies to me. We still have 355-ml cans of pop, but I'm not sure if that counts as "little". I rarely buy beer in cans smaller than half a litre.
You don't need to be a college student to enjoy the beermeal, ahem.
Well, sorry for the linguistic faux pas on my part, i meant "with dinner", obviously. ~D
]One of the reasons why wine isn’t best with food is because of its (generally) higher alcohol content. When I drink it during or before a meal the alcohol buzz takes away from the quality of the food and makes me focus on the quantity of food. I’d rather prefer drinking water vs. wine because the water helps cleanse the palette and I do love the taste of my food. Wine just sits on the tongue.
I agree though i have to say i still hesitate to drink beer with a nice fish meal (white whine or even a light red one are far better suited for that). But a roast with a dark sauce...mmmhhh, only with a good Helles for me.
Vladimir
01-03-2007, 19:06
Well, sorry for the linguistic faux pas on my part, i meant "with dinner", obviously. ~D
:laugh4: I understood the intent. It reminded me of a buddy of mine and his friends that did the bear and vitamins diet for a month :2thumbsup: .
@GoreBag: I’ll have to look for that. It sounds freekin’ amazing! (the beer not the soda)
:laugh4: I understood the intent. It reminded me of a buddy of mine and his friends that did the bear and vitamins diet for a month :2thumbsup: .
Sounds great, but where do you buy bear from?
Big_John
01-04-2007, 14:51
Sounds great, but where do you buy bear from?i get my bear steaks from trader joe's.
what are peoples thoughts on tripel karmeliet? never had it myself, but i think that's my next purchase. saw a big box of 18 beers, 6 hoegaarden, 6 stella, and 6 leffe for 20 bucks. maybe i'll snatch one of those too.
English assassin
01-04-2007, 16:24
We have a not so micro-brewery here that puts out many high octane beers, some are very tasty. One, La Fin du Monde (The End of the World) is 9% and after a long day, it only takes one to have you snoozing on the couch
Is that Canadian then? I found it in a bar in St Maurice in Switzerland and assumed it was Swiss. You're not wrong about its effects though....
Anyway, with no disrespect to the low countries many fine beers, its time to big it up (again) for a brewery just across the channel, and Shepherd Neame's Spitfire Bitter. A proper southern ale, this is about hops and more hops. Very easy to drink. According to the brewery " The glowing amber of this premium Kentish ale has wonderfully generous aromas of tangy malt, soft raisins and sweet oranges, freshened by the floral grassy notes of three different Kent-grown hop varieties (flowery Target, tangy First Gold and orange-fragrant East Kent Goldings). In the mouth, the finely balanced flavour opens with a blast of rounded malt before the rousing, almost spicy hops follow through to provide a complex, multi-layered finish."
Its tasty, in other words.
NB beer fans spitfire is now unfortunately available in cans as well as bottles and on tap. Naturally the cans are to be avoided unless you like your beer to taste of metal.
I drink fanatastic amounts of beer at every available opportunity, & got over the leffe effect some years ago.
I cannot strongly enough recommend to anybody who can find it, Black label Duvel, (Belgium beer), not the white label, (although that's pretty good the black labels better). Its 8. something proof, & is not in the least bit sweet, also it tastes like a much lighter beer. Finally, & this I've found not to be the case with most strong beers, it makes me hysterically happy.
Dunno, but I can drink any kind of beer with any amount of alcohol, but for some reason Duvel just messes me up. Gives me a bad headache after the first couple of jugs.
...............But Kanon is even worse. These two are the one that could kill me.
Big_John
01-06-2007, 14:51
well, i picked up the tripel karmeliet. haven't tried it yet. instead of the box i mentioned, i got a biere de garde called 3 monts that i've heard good things about and a little sampler box of 4 st. bernardus beers, pater 6, prior 8, abt 12, and tripel.
had the pater 6 last night... WOW! thick and creamy.. didn't expect that mouthfeel from a 6.7 abv. amazing flavor and aroma.. looks so unassuming with the little monk on the side of the bottle. went well with some dutch goat cheese and fresh baked bread. but it could stand up to any food, and is easily drinkable on its own. looking forward to the other st bernardus offerings!
http://www.sintbernardus.be/
http://www.sintbernardus.be/en/beers.html
Big King Sanctaphrax
01-07-2007, 20:58
Does anyone here drink Conniston beers? The brewery is in the lake district, and both their Bluebird and Old Man bitters are well worth getting hold of. The bottled stuff is bottle-conditioned as well, which is even better. I wish SN hadn't stopped doing that with Spitfire.
I'll also put a word in for my local Brewery-both Brains SA and Brains Dark are excellent.
tripel karmeliet
Some background before you start consuming:
http://www.bestbelgianspecialbeers.be/main_eng.html
Pannonian
01-07-2007, 23:58
Does anyone here drink Conniston beers? The brewery is in the lake district, and both their Bluebird and Old Man bitters are well worth getting hold of. The bottled stuff is bottle-conditioned as well, which is even better. I wish SN hadn't stopped doing that with Spitfire.
I'll also put a word in for my local Brewery-both Brains SA and Brains Dark are excellent.
I mentioned Bluebird in one of the Backroom threads. Theakston's Old Peculier is a good heavy beer to accompany heavy meals (red meat and their like). Abbot Ale is a good alternative to Spitfire as a session beer, or a light beer for light meals (white meat, fish, etc). Ales should be drunk cool, but not cold - excessive cold numbs the tastebuds.
What you should do when you go into a pub with a good selection is ask for a sample of the rarer beers. The sample size shouldn't be too large, just a sip or two - I've had to ask the bartender to not draw so much. They don't usually mind, and will even happily discuss the merits of the different beers with a connoisseur. Once you've had a taster, it's good manners to buy at least 2 pints, whether or not you found anything to your liking.
English assassin
01-08-2007, 14:49
Abbot Ale is a good alternative to Spitfire as a session beer,
:yes: to Abbot, although with advancing years I confess I find Spitfire a touch too strong as a true session beer alas. My head thanks me for switching to Masterbrew after the first couple of pints.
While we are moving up the east coast slightly Adnams Broadside is also a very acceptable substitute for Spitfire and Abbot in a similar style.
BKS, SN stopping bottle conditioning spitfire was bad, putting it in cans as well as bottles was worse, and now they even have a nitrokeg version (though thank heavens I have yet to see this in a real pub.) If Shepherd Neame weren't in Kent, and therefore by definition excellent in every respect, I'd be having Issues with all this.
Hertog Jan is cheap this week, 8 instead of 11,something. I'm already thirsty now, but the beer has to be nice and cool first
Hertog Jan, that's a good one as well :yes:
Big King Sanctaphrax
01-08-2007, 18:33
I'd say Abbot is way too strong to use as a session beer. It's 5% ABV, isn't it? I normally look for about 3.5 if I'm going to be drinking for a goodly length of time. I like Broadside very much, but I find it's normally very pricey compared to Spitfire and Abbot.
Vladimir
01-08-2007, 19:37
well, i picked up the tripel karmeliet. haven't tried it yet. instead of the box i mentioned, i got a biere de garde called 3 monts that i've heard good things about and a little sampler box of 4 st. bernardus beers, pater 6, prior 8, abt 12, and tripel.
had the pater 6 last night... WOW! thick and creamy.. didn't expect that mouthfeel from a 6.7 abv. amazing flavor and aroma.. looks so unassuming with the little monk on the side of the bottle. went well with some dutch goat cheese and fresh baked bread. but it could stand up to any food, and is easily drinkable on its own. looking forward to the other st bernardus offerings!
http://www.sintbernardus.be/
http://www.sintbernardus.be/en/beers.html
http://www.sintbernardus.be/images/awards/Award%20Abt12%20Denmark.jpg
Dear God, Sam Adams was #1 in a European competition?!
Is that Canadian then? I found it in a bar in St Maurice in Switzerland and assumed it was Swiss. You're not wrong about its effects though....
Yeah, Unibroue is Canadian...technically. It's now owned by Sleeman's, which is now owned by, you guessed it, Sapporo. Heh.
Naturally the cans are to be avoided unless you like your beer to taste of metal.
Double awesome.
I normally look for about 3.5 if I'm going to be drinking for a goodly length of time.
I hear ya. If I drink one of those 9% Fin du Monde beers, I'm snoozing in my chair like grandpa Simpson.
But it's a good snooze.
We have "energy beer" in Quebec now. Basically a 5% Ginseng power drink; so you can down one after another and not fall asleep, not matter how stupid you get. Not sure it's a good idea, really.
We have "energy beer" in Quebec now. Basically a 5% Ginseng power drink; so you can down one after another and not fall asleep, not matter how stupid you get. Not sure it's a good idea, really.
I gotta hop the river and find out.
We have "energy beer" in Quebec now. Basically a 5% Ginseng power drink; so you can down one after another and not fall asleep, not matter how stupid you get. Not sure it's a good idea, really.
Drunken athletes, :2thumbsup: exactly what we need.
Most of those energy/caffeine beers taste like crap, they have a distinct chemical aftertaste. If your goal is to get blotto and stay awake all night, you may as well go all out with vodka and Redbull. Some of the coffee beers are OK though, there is a microbrew around here that has a decent porter with some coffee brewed in it.
Crazed Rabbit
01-09-2007, 21:37
Recently, I .... came across information... that Kokanee Gold is a good beer. Of course, given the predisposition of college students to buy the cheapest, crappiest beer out there (busch lite, for one), it may just be the fact that it was a real beer that made it taste good.
It's canadian and sold primarily in Alberta, I think.
CR
Dave1984
01-09-2007, 21:57
I'd say Abbot is way too strong to use as a session beer.
Not a chance! A decent session beer should be 4.7% minimum and nothing less. Everything under that is a waste of liquid and stomach space! :2thumbsup:
English assassin
01-10-2007, 10:56
I'm with Blackadder on this one:
Edmund: Baldrick, fetch my Incredibly Strong Ale...!
Monk: Good god! Not Dr McGloo's Amber Enema...?
Edmund: Pah! -- a drink for schoolgirls...
Partridge: Surely not Strollop's Lobster Scrumpy...?
Edmund: No -- it is Blackadder's Bowel Basher! A brew guaranteed to knock the backside off a concrete elephant! ...is it not,Baldrick?
Baldrick: Nah, it's water.
given the predisposition of college students to buy the cheapest, crappiest beer out there (busch lite, for one)
Yes, not to mention them buying goon or other cheap (dirt cheap) methods to get wasted. :laugh4:
Recently, I .... came across information... that Kokanee Gold is a good beer. Of course, given the predisposition of college students to buy the cheapest, crappiest beer out there (busch lite, for one), it may just be the fact that it was a real beer that made it taste good.
It's canadian and sold primarily in Alberta, I think.
CR
We have Kokanee in Quebec and it is horrid. Singularly unpleasant. Cat urine in a can. Bleah!
I'd take Busch Lite hot off the stove over a cold Kokanee any day.
Agreed. Kokanee is carp. Then again...Westerners and their awful beers. I think you're out of luck for finding decent Canadian beer, Rabbit.
Crazed Rabbit
01-11-2007, 03:21
I'd take Busch Lite hot off the stove over a cold Kokanee any day.
I think you and I may have...slightly...different tastes.
Anyways, what do you haughty easterners think of Labatt Blue?
Crazed Rabbit
PS: Seriously, hot Busch lite?!
I think you and I may have...slightly...different tastes.
Anyways, what do you haughty easterners think of Labatt Blue?
Crazed Rabbit
PS: Seriously, hot Busch lite?!
Hate, hate, hate. Unless it comes from a microbrewery or a small, independent brewer, it's Moosehead or Lakeport (Wee Willy) for me. This isn't counting imports, of course.
I think you and I may have...slightly...different tastes.
That's the way it should be.
Anyways, what do you haughty easterners think of Labatt Blue?
As my buddy used to say, "Lips that touch Labatt will never touch mine." If you're caught at home in a storm or killer elephants are blocking the store entrances, then Blue is fine standard swill, a noteworthy sludge, a drinkable pee. If, however, you have a choice, then there is no choice. It is to be avoided as are all soda pop + alcohol mass produced stinky beers.
PS: Seriously, hot Busch lite?!
Sure. I dip frozen raw hamburger sticks in it. Great stuff.
Lol. :laugh4:
Labatt Blue (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labatt_Blue)
https://img451.imageshack.us/img451/8291/untitledll8.png
Anywho what's the opinion on Peroni
Leffe Brune/Blonde is superb. I usually get about two or three of the 75CL bottles in at the weekend (I'm one of those people that drinks beer or wine with every meal much to my wife's dismay). ~:cheers:
Peroni Nastro Azzurro is a good beer, as is the Chinese Beer Tsingtao, the Peruvian Beer Cusqueña, and of course Duvel. ~:cheers:
Australian beer is either nothing special or absolutely hopeless. :shrug:
Corona, more marketed crap or what? Tecate, what's the opinion on that?
Corona is another mexican Beer. It's quite refreshing, in a non beer like way, but nothing amazing, a bit like Sol or Brahma. Tecate I've never tried.
Corona is another mexican Beer. It's quite refreshing, in a non beer like way, but nothing amazing, a bit like Sol or Brahma. Tecate I've never tried.
I've had Corona numerous times (quite often for a lack of anything else) but what you said is very true "refreshing, in a non beer like way, but nothing amazing".
Tecate is also Mexican, made by the same company as Sol; so I'm guessing nothing special.
EDIT: I post in the beer thread and it effects my grammar and posting style. :dizzy2:
Hate, hate, hate. Unless it comes from a microbrewery or a small, independent brewer, it's Moosehead or Lakeport (Wee Willy) for me. This isn't counting imports, of course.
Ah, another Moosehead fan. The Moose is my "utility" beer. It's getting harder to find in this area, but fortunately a friend of mine has an ABC licence and knows the distributor well. Keep sending it south! :medievalcheers:
Pannonian
01-11-2007, 20:30
Australian beer is either nothing special or absolutely hopeless. :shrug:
"I wouldn't **** on a Fosters if it was on fire - it would only top it up".
Ah, another Moosehead fan. The Moose is my "utility" beer. It's getting harder to find in this area, but fortunately a friend of mine has an ABC licence and knows the distributor well. Keep sending it south! :medievalcheers:
It's not so much that I'm a 'fan' as much as my family is from New Brunswick. I still prefer German or Danish, but my father won't have it, born and raised in Frederiction, after all.
It's not so much that I'm a 'fan' as much as my family is from New Brunswick. I still prefer German or Danish, but my father won't have it, born and raised in Frederiction, after all.
He didn't have anything to do with the missing Mexican shipment, did he? :laugh4:
All we have in the fridge are Coronas. A lousy cold weather beer. But, like a leaky life raft, it's better than no life raft at all.
"I wouldn't **** on a Fosters if it was on fire - it would only top it up".
You know I've never seen it once inside Australia, I've only ever seen it overseas.
By Australian beer I meant stuff like:
Boag's
Carlton
Cascade
Castlemaine Perkins
Coopers
Hahn
Pure Blonde (Owned by Foster's)
Tooheys
Victoria Bitter (Owned by Foster's)
XXXX
West End
Smaller brands include:
Bootleg
Chopper Heavy
Emu (Swan)
Feral
Holgate
Little Creatures
Matilda Bay
Mountain Goat
Piss
Tooth and Co.
Vladimir
01-12-2007, 15:43
I think "piss" definately takes the cake over Santa's Butt. I wonder what would happen if Mountain Goat buys them out. :stupido2:
Corona is another mexican Beer. It's quite refreshing, in a non beer like way, but nothing amazing, a bit like Sol or Brahma. Tecate I've never tried.
Mmmmmm, Corona. Now that's what I'm talking about. Good taste, good name, good looks.
Corona is pretty much water imnsho
I agree. The only people I know who drink Corona are pretentious polo players.
Geoffrey S
01-15-2007, 00:22
Completely off-topic, but I simply have to know: is that heavy skiff called Obelix still used?
And can you guess who pulled it into that nice banana shape? :wink3:
Asked the MaCo yesterday, and from what I remember (was somewhat inebriated due to intraining) she didn't know of an Obelix, but there's some decrepit thing somewhere called Idefix.
I had a gorgeous beer the other day. Called 'Innis & Gunn'. It's an Edinburgh Ale and is matured in the same oak barrels they use for whiskey. It's got a lovely fruity flavour. Only comes in 330ml bottles though from what I can see, although it is 6.6%
The_Mark
02-16-2007, 21:22
Having eradicated one cruise ship's supply of Leffe Blonde yesterday, I'll say that that beer is bloody brilliant.
Did I already mention Westmalle Trippel ? It's one of the most delicious belgian beers. Westmalle is one of only seven Trappist beers in the world. You also have the Westmalle Dubbel, but for now, let's stick to Westmalle Trippel:
https://img512.imageshack.us/img512/1631/westmalletb9.th.jpg (https://img512.imageshack.us/my.php?image=westmalletb9.jpg)
The beer is brewed in the monastery of Westmalle, in the belgian province of Antwerp. The monastery was founded in 1794.
https://img266.imageshack.us/img266/649/abdijwestmallesb3.th.jpg (https://img266.imageshack.us/my.php?image=abdijwestmallesb3.jpg)
Westmalle tripple was firstly introduced in 1934.
It has a glowing orange-gold color and an herbal aroma. The beer has complex flavors that meld rich malt sweetness, warmth, hops, and powerful drinkability.
You can drink it as an aperitif with cheese or assorted hors d' oeuvres. Or also on a relaxing evening, while sitting in your living room. You can try it with rich main courses or enjoy it after dinner with some fruit and/or cheese.
The Tripel definitely produces a warming of the stomach and a glow to the head.
It is best to keep the beer at a dark place, on a constant temperature of 8° C to 14 ° C. If you manage to find one, serve it in a typical Westmalle goblet.
https://img76.imageshack.us/img76/5282/westmalleschenkenog5.th.jpg (https://img76.imageshack.us/my.php?image=westmalleschenkenog5.jpg)
Enjoy!
You can also find more information about the brewery and the abbey on this (http://www.trappistwestmalle.be/en/page/brouwerij.aspx) website.
Leffe is all about taste.
You either love or hate it.
If you aren’t a leffe lover you’ll sure as hell like ;
https://img109.imageshack.us/img109/5512/duvelku4.jpg (https://imageshack.us)
Be sure to drink it in the appropriated glass.
https://img258.imageshack.us/img258/6982/duvel1smalldh2.jpg (https://imageshack.us)
The beer of the gods mates
Vladimir
03-19-2007, 20:50
Ah hah! It's back! :duel:
I don't have my list with me but I did an all Belgian night yesterday. I started off with a Leffe (I had to ask how it was pronounced) Bruin, tried a Duvel/Duval/whatever, had something with a picture of a snail on it, then my memory gets fuzzy :dizzy2: ...
I wasn't impressed with the Bruin. It was a pleasant drinking beer but lacked the spark and character that the Blonde had. Duvel was total rubbish, like drinking an alcoholic citrus soda *yuck*. The one with the snail, CARACOLE or something was really good. It was like the champagne of beer. Even though I had a couple before it the taste really grabbed me and it had a wonderful complexity. I can't remember what version of it but I'll buy it again..if I can remember the name...I'll edit my post tomorrow...:sad:.
ShadeHonestus
03-19-2007, 21:06
La Fin du Monde
Is that typically only available in Quebec or do they distribute to other parts of the loft up there?
All these beers, so little time. Somebody map me an itinerary with American safe locales to go on a European drinking binge.
Is that typically only available in Quebec or do they distribute to other parts of the loft up there?
I don't know if they export Fin du Monde, but I imagine they must. It's too tasty to keep to ourselves.
Two bottles of that stuff and I'm out like a light. :Zzzz: "Mmmm...beer."
Big King Sanctaphrax
03-20-2007, 00:59
I had Guinness Original Stout for the first time today-as opposed to the standard Draught.
It's interesting. I would describe the taste as 'crisp'.
Vladimir
03-20-2007, 12:03
Caracole Troublette is the name of the beer. I'll have to look for it again.
Just out of curiosity I stopped by the local liquor shop (one of many) and found a sixer of Leffe Blonde left. Oh, the price...~$8.00, hah! Much better than 11 and I'm going to order more. I kind of overdid it with dinner yesterday, I drank three. Very nice, very hapy. :2thumbsup:
Anyone here ever drank Maes beer?
jup, average beer (pils). I'll rather have a jupiler, stella or Primus though.
I have tasted Maes yesterday and today. Yesterday I thought it a good beer, but it may had been psychologically influenced since I read that it was Belgian (automatically assuming it was decent or good). Today, however, I have found that it reminds me of plastic or some other kind of poisonous artificial matter. Fortunately I have a few bottles of Hoegaarden left.
Peasant Phill
08-28-2007, 08:11
Like Moros said, Maes is your average belian pils. I wouldn't look for it, there are enough better beers to drink that are just as easy to come by.
I had Guinness Original Stout for the first time today-as opposed to the standard Draught.
It's interesting. I would describe the taste as 'crisp'.
Love it, been drinking nothing else lately, a lovely somewhat bitter taste with a hint of chrystalised sugar. Not that keen on draught myselve, beer needs bubbles. And foam.
Yes, foam. Whacky brits.
Vladimir
11-13-2007, 04:58
Chimay
Triple Blanche: It's golden color strikes a rare balance between the bitterness of the hops and fruity hints of muscat and dry grapes. Alcohol content 8% by volume.
https://img50.imageshack.us/img50/7462/chimayblanchell3.jpg
Red: Has a taste produces a silky feeling on the tongue and a has a slight hint of bitterness that makes it a good thirst-quencher. Alcohol content 7% by volume.
https://img204.imageshack.us/img204/5580/chimayredob4.jpg
Blue: Is a a strong beer with an odour of fresh yeast coupled with a slight rosaceous flowery touch. Alcohol content 9% by volume.
https://img210.imageshack.us/img210/4080/chimayblueik8.jpg
I personally recommend the red. Higher alcohol content and quality tend to be mutually exclusive and it holds true in this case. If you like a slightly bitter beer go for the Blanche. The red is velvety and slightly sweet and may not be for all beer drinkers; but it is my favorite.
Duvel is excellent, easy drinking beer but doesn't have the qualities I admire in the red. [muttering curses that he's not in Europe right now]
Chimay
Duvel is excellent, easy drinking beer but doesn't have the qualities I admire in the red. [muttering curses that he's not in Europe right now]
The people I stayed with in Belgium use to have Duvels for dinner. European Drinking Culture is nice.
Chimay is also good; Duval's dark brother.
Peasant Phill
11-13-2007, 08:36
Duvel an easy drinking beer? Duvel total rubbish, like drinking an alcoholic citrus soda?
Are you guys sure you were drinking Duvel? Duvel is too bitter to be easy drinking. Like all heavy beers you should savour it.
Duvel has too many bubbles it's like swallowing a sponge.
Vladimir
11-13-2007, 16:08
Duvel an easy drinking beer? Duvel total rubbish, like drinking an alcoholic citrus soda?
Are you guys sure you were drinking Duvel? Duvel is too bitter to be easy drinking. Like all heavy beers you should savour it.
:laugh4: Yes Frag, Duvel has a thick, hearty head but I find it easy to drink and wouldn't turn one down (maybe a touch of salt would reduce the foam). It all depends on personal preference of course. I almost spit out my first Samuel Adams because it was so bitter I thought it was poison.
Tristuskhan
11-14-2007, 23:52
i guess this is the new beer thread. my fav type of beer is belgian strong pale ales. here are my perennial choices:
la chouffe (http://www.achouffe.be/newen/produits.php) and piraat (http://www.vansteenberge.com/htm/2en/21200en.htm) (10.5%!)
https://img345.imageshack.us/img345/6610/chouffe3ko.jpg https://img65.imageshack.us/img65/4092/pirafls3005xv3ji.jpg
like beirut mentioned, unibroue should is a great brewery doing belgian-style beer in the new world. fin du monde, being a strong pale, is my pick from them, but unibroue's strong darks are great too. another strong pale, delirium tremens is very good too. i like all of these strong pales more than duvel. duvel lacks some character in comparison to these others, imo.
as far as belgian strong dark ales go, chimay grande réserve (blue label) and n'ice chouffe (a winter seasonal by brasserie d'achouffe) are the best i've had. unibroue makes two great strong darks called maudite and trois pistoles, the latter being my choice of the two. there's also an american belgian strong dark that's popular (and highly rated) called ommegang out of cooperstown, ny. however, none of those are as good as chimay blue or n'ice chouffe.
that said, variety is important to me, in addition to belgian ales, i often get my hands on lagers, hefes, APAs, IPAs, stouts, etc.
it's a mistake to underestimate american beer. thinking all american beer is coors or budweiser is like thinking all belgian beer is stella. many american micro-breweries were started by european immigrants (germans esp). imo, the world's best lagers, IPAs, stouts and porters are made here, in the US. some great micro-breweries for american style beers are stone, great lakes, rogue and bell's.
oh and a couple of great scottish ales should be on any beer lovers list, fraoch's heather ale and a wee heavy called skullspliter from the orkneys. get em if you can!
Ah, la Chouffe.... Merveille parmi les merveilles... Warning: this one is really really hard to beat.
Vladimir
11-15-2007, 00:00
Ah hah! It's back! :duel:
... Duvel was total rubbish, like drinking an alcoholic citrus soda *yuck*.
Chimay
...
Duvel is excellent, easy drinking beer but doesn't have the qualities I admire in the red. [muttering curses that he's not in Europe right now]
Good lord! Good thing no one fact checks this thread or I'd be in a real bind. I've noticed that Leffe blondes tend to vary somewhat but this is pretty extreme. Hit or miss I guess.
Argus beer: good price/taste ratio. It is cheap yet for its price it has good taste. And what the hell anyway: it's still beer, goddammit.
edyzmedieval
11-17-2007, 18:04
I tried Romanian beer, all types, they all sucked completely. When I tried drinking it, every time I got a feeling of acid pouring down my throat. :no:
I tried Duvel, NL made Heineken, Leffe and Corona.
Verdict?
Duvel is the best beer out there. :yes:
Agreed Edzy Duvel is a superb beer, at least someone has some taste.
I tried Duvel, NL made Heineken, Leffe and Corona.
Verdict?
Duvel is the best beer out there. :yes:
All completily different types of beer......can't hold them against eachother
Kralizec
11-18-2007, 00:30
I tried Romanian beer, all types, they all sucked completely. When I tried drinking it, every time I got a feeling of acid pouring down my throat. :no:
I tried Duvel, NL made Heineken, Leffe and Corona.
Verdict?
Duvel is the best beer out there. :yes:
Duvel is indeed good, Heineken mediocre and Leffe I don't know about. Corona, it's not bad and I'd rather drink it than Heineken but I don't get why it's so popular other than that it's well, popular :shrug:
Vladimir
11-18-2007, 04:01
...and Leffe I don't know about. ..
Fragony you need to come to the assistance of a fellow countryman. :charge:
IrishArmenian
11-18-2007, 04:20
I'm curious to see anyone's opinion on Kotayk's products: either their Lager, Bitter or Tshani.
Personally, Kotayk is one of my favorites and was always the available beverage, along with Erebuni, but I prefer Kotayk. It is fantastic!
Also, BKS, you'd never tried the original? It's delicious!
Fragony you need to come to the assistance of a fellow countryman. :charge:
Buy him a beer? After all he did to me? ~;)
Last week it was Leffe week at my favourite pub.
Leffe 9° remains the best one. ~:yes:
Big King Sanctaphrax
11-18-2007, 17:56
As the nights are closing in, I've been drinking some darker beers recently. One of my autumn staples is Wychwood Hobgoblin, a wonderful, smoulderingly fruity strong dark ale. If you like some of the darker Belgians, you'll love this. Great advertising too-
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v96/enervatedband/News1121Lagerboy.jpg
Another beer I sampled which I've been meaning to get hold of for a long time is Thomas Hardy Ale. (http://www.ohanlons.co.uk/page.php?xPage=pages/thomas_hardy.php) At 11.7% ABV it's an interesting proposition-it tastes almost port-like, but has a very heavy mouthfeel at the same time.
On the topic of ales, I've been drinking this recently:
https://img509.imageshack.us/img509/174/littlecreaturespalelarggr1.jpg
If you are feeling adventurous;
http://www.palmbreweries.com/content/dowload_pro/flesBoonKriek.jpg
It's a lambic, beer riped in oak, which sour aroma tastes weird enough on it's own, but add some sour cheries and it becomes a Kriek. Personally I think it's delicious, great with dinner, summer or winter always great.
Looks ... out of my price range. :laugh4:
Had a tour in the Stella brewer yesterday. Afterwards we could taste and got a course on how to pour beer in to glasses. Course we were pretty enthousiastic and ended up drinking quite a bit. Afterwards we had a Cantus, first time I went drunk to a cantus and even leaving more sober. Then I went to the pub.
And well today I know for sure that yes you can get tired of drinking the same beer. No more artois for me anymore the first few weeks.
Why don't they have Jupiler in the pubs over here? I hate Maes.
Vladimir
11-23-2007, 03:20
I drank a friend's MGD today and couldn't taste a thing. Really, I thought it was water.
IrishArmenian
11-23-2007, 08:18
Frag, that looks faaaaaaaaar too expensive. I'll just take my Kotayk for a few dram and be happy. Maybe there's a culture/taste difference.
Peasant Phill
11-23-2007, 09:20
How much percentage alcohol is in your average American beer (Budweiser and the likes)? Someone told me that it was around 1% which I'm very sceptical about.* The average here is about 5% with jupiler having 5,2% and maes 4,8%.
*The actual number he mentioned was 0,8% which I find even more unbelievable as in Belgium we serve 'table beer' with a percentage of more than 1% to kids. Not so much now but I drank 'table beer' every lunch when I was a kid.
Frag, that looks faaaaaaaaar too expensive. I'll just take my Kotayk for a few dram and be happy. Maybe there's a culture/taste difference.
It isn't that bad, same pricerange as the other beers mentioned, they go for 2 euro here. Flemish beer is always somewhat expensive. I think I have S\seen these Kotayk at the local turk, will try it some time.
ShadesPanther
11-23-2007, 16:36
Budweiser and MGD are about 5%. That's probably the reason people drink them as they are cheap, taste like water and have a relatively high %
Budweiser and MGD are about 5%. That's probably the reason people drink them as they are cheap, taste like water and have a relatively high %
Budweiser is pretty expensive here. Why anyone would want to pay for that is beyond me, water deluxe.
Vladimir
11-23-2007, 17:07
Bud Light also can be used for weight loss as it induces dysentery. :yes:
Bud light?? Probably causes weight loss because if it gets any lighter it floats.
ShadesPanther
11-23-2007, 17:40
Well it's fairly cheap over here I believe. Almost every single off-license has it on offer.
Anyone who claims to be to be a fan of beer and then orders Budweiser, lowers my opinion of them.
The selection of beer at my Student's Union is quite poor. Athough they do have Kronenbourg 1664 which i find alright when I don't feel like Guinness.
Big King Sanctaphrax
11-23-2007, 17:47
Bud Light also can be used for weight loss as it induces dysentery
Bud Lite is causing bloody diarrhoea? Bloody hell, I thought what Guinness did to your bowel movements was bad...
How much does a guiness go for with you guys? Here they are pretty expensive as well, certainly not student-society material at least.
ShadesPanther
11-23-2007, 19:01
I think it's usually about £2-3 in the pubs for a pint. It's usally about the same as any other lager
Mmmmm, I usually never drink stuff like Palm but it sure tastes nice. I don't know what the hell.... I mean... it tastes so soft in the mouth. After every drink from this can I enjoy the aftertaste a lot. DAMN, from now on Palm will be my standard beer.
seireikhaan
01-07-2008, 05:54
I sincerely hope that there actually is SOME beer out there that actually has some degree of quality about it. Frankly, I've tried a couple styles of American beer and nearly spat out the first swallow, terrible stuff. Also tried Corona once, not as bad, but I sure as hell aint ever gonna pay for it.
Sasaki Kojiro
01-07-2008, 06:25
How much percentage alcohol is in your average American beer (Budweiser and the likes)? Someone told me that it was around 1% which I'm very sceptical about.* The average here is about 5% with jupiler having 5,2% and maes 4,8%.
*The actual number he mentioned was 0,8% which I find even more unbelievable as in Belgium we serve 'table beer' with a percentage of more than 1% to kids. Not so much now but I drank 'table beer' every lunch when I was a kid.
5% is the standard. There are a few which have even less (keystone has 3.2 or something, it's mainly for beer pong and drinking games...).
I like bud light personally, though bud select is better. I imagine they are acquired tastes. Beer doesn't really interest me though, I mostly drink it as part of games, liquor is way more interesting.
Peasant Phill
01-07-2008, 09:28
5% is the standard. There are a few which have even less (keystone has 3.2 or something, it's mainly for beer pong and drinking games...).
I like bud light personally, though bud select is better. I imagine they are acquired tastes. Beer doesn't really interest me though, I mostly drink it as part of games, liquor is way more interesting.
Beer is something you have learn to enjoy. Most beers taste bitter, which is something you have to get used to in order to enjoy it. I can name a number of foods that you have to try more than once before you get used to the taste and start enjoying it.
Most Belgians (I imagine Germans and Chechs too) learn the taste of beer when they are very young with table beer and a few sips of quality beers at family gatherings. That's where the 'low percentage in American beer' myth comes from IMO. Belgian beer has more taste (read less watered down) than the beer in other countries like America or the Netherlands where there isn't such a beer tradition and where the beer has a less pronounced flavour to sell more.
Big King Sanctaphrax
01-07-2008, 22:19
5% I would actually say is reasonably high. A good session beer should normally be about 3.5%.
Vladimir
01-08-2008, 01:30
Too much alcohol can ruin a good beer. I find 7% is my preferred limit. Eights or 9's taste so much like alcohol that you can't enjoy the drink.
Peasant Phill
01-08-2008, 10:14
I can't say I agree. I don't taste the alcohol in hign fermentation beers as opposed to some wines for example. I can taste more herbs, hopps and yeast but not more alcohol.
Vladimir
01-09-2008, 14:08
I had an interesting experience over New Year's. One of the beers I brought was Duvel. My friend had one drink of it then held it and looked down like a child who was being forced to eat vegetables. :laugh4:
We all have different tastes.
In the case of Duvel right on he was, too many bubbles undrinkable
burn the heathen, stone the heretic!
IrishArmenian
01-10-2008, 04:13
No .Org love for my brand? It won awards from some Western European 'connoisseurs'.
English Link:http://www.kotayk.am/english/welcome/index.php.html
Good stuff, I must sound like a broken record, but all you Western Euros get your fun, how about some for us real Caucasians.
burn the heathen, stone the heretic!
Kill the beast, cut it's throat.
seriously Duvel sucks. So, and now a (real screw bellevue) Kriek.
Peasant Phill
01-11-2008, 09:22
And which one are you reffering to? Lindemans? Liefmans?
Verhaeghe, but Boon is my favorite but they are pretty hard to get over here, used to have a belgium beershop in my street with all the goodness from Flanders but it wasn't very well placed and went broke :no:
ps, bellevue isn't even that bad but a good Kriek needs to be sour imo.
MerlinusCDXX
01-14-2008, 00:26
Too much alcohol can ruin a good beer. I find 7% is my preferred limit. Eights or 9's taste so much like alcohol that you can't enjoy the drink.
I agree for the most part. I find that the lighter styles that go high alcohol tend to taste too much of it, but the darker styles (the darker English Old Ales, Imperial Stouts, and Baltic Porters) can stand up to the alcohol content very well, since most of their flavor profile comes from the roasted malts and hops.
No .Org love for my brand? It won awards from some Western European 'connoisseurs'.
English Link:http://www.kotayk.am/english/welcome/index.php.html
Good stuff, I must sound like a broken record, but all you Western Euros get your fun, how about some for us real Caucasians.
I'd love to show some love for your brand if I could...but I take my beer way too seriously to comment on anything I haven't done extensive "field research" on, and unfortunately, there are no beers from the Caucasus available at my local beer store.
To be fair, if I had to drink American beer, I'd probably be teetotal as well.
Tis is true.
Favorite beer I've ever had was the Dutch Heineken. I mean the real Heineken, brewed for the Netherlands, not that nasty crap they export to us here in the states.
Hmm, I think I'll start a thread for this! :idea2:
Well?
Kagemusha
04-27-2008, 18:27
Leffe Blonde.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leffe
Although its too good for heavy duty drinking, in that case i prefer Heineken or Finnish beers like Koff or Karhu.:2thumbsup:
Leffe Blonde.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leffe
Although its too good for heavy duty drinking, in that case i prefer Heineken or Finnish beers like Koff or Karhu.:2thumbsup:
I see you like the lightest of the Leffe. Looks like a quality beer.
Kagemusha
04-27-2008, 18:45
I see you like the lightest of the Leffe. Looks like a quality beer.
Its very good. Coming from a country of lager drinkers, i can have a pint of darker ales, but i guess im way too accustomed to light colored beers to really understand and appreciate the dark beers. My apologies for the more cultured ones.~:cheers:
Kekvit Irae
04-27-2008, 18:52
Beer smells like chewable aspirin and tastes even worse.
Give me a good merlot any day.
Omanes Alexandrapolites
04-27-2008, 18:59
What Ketvit said - I can cope with beer, but I prefer wine.
I'm not really very selective in the field though - I have a preference for sweet wines but, as long as it's not too dry, then I'll probably drink it. I do need a very sweet wine with deserts though - it makes dryer wines taste much dryer than they would be with a main course or starter.
~:)
Evil_Maniac From Mars
04-27-2008, 19:00
Beer smells like chewable aspirin and tastes even worse.
Give me a good merlot any day.
I picked a bad day to stop calling people "heretic", "heathen", and "infidel".
:laugh4:
Kralizec
04-27-2008, 19:01
I'm anything but a connoisseur and I still think Heineken is mediocre at best. Of the Dutch brands I prefer Grolsch or Hertog Jan. Belgian beers are better but I rarely drink them because they're more expensive.
Kekvit Irae
04-27-2008, 19:06
Don't get me wrong, I'll drink anything once, but I do have strong opinions about what I drink. I did have a tasty Strongbow in a bar once. Sadly, it still tasted worse than a bad wine, so I'll stick with the grapes.
SwordsMaster
04-27-2008, 19:22
Baltika No6. Russian.
Uesugi Kenshin
04-27-2008, 20:02
I really like Belgian Beers like Chimay, and even American Belgian-style craft-beers like Allagash are pretty darn good. I also enjoy a good Pils, something I learned to love in Germany, which has the advantage of being cheaper though good stuff is probably harder to find in the States.
Tristuskhan
04-27-2008, 20:03
Ploegsteert aka Queue de Charrue
Crazed Rabbit
04-27-2008, 21:09
Redhook ESB.
We've got some good microbreweries out on the Washington coast.
CR
KukriKhan
04-27-2008, 21:36
Dave Colbert's father's beer. Dave and I were classmates, and he and I and up to 4 other guys would hang out playing cards on Friday nights (when we didn't have dates or ballgames other events to attend) in Dave's basement.
His Dad made his own brew right there in the basement, using Detroit tap water and grains he imported from nearby Canada. He'd let each teen boy have one 16 oz bottle, as long as he wasn't the night's designated driver.
Excellent beer. I miss it (and Dave and the fellas).
Now, I realize you guys have more high-falutin' palates than mine, so don't hate me, please; if "favorite" = most often purchased, then it's Budweiser or Miller, which ever is on sale that week (nearest 50 cents a can). But, I'm not a boutique beer drinker, I'm a "just got off a 10-hour shift outdoors, and I'm hot, tired, and thirsty, and wanna make the noise and dirt and heat of the day go away awhile" -kinda beer drinker.
That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it. :laugh4:
One of my best friends -- an admitted beer snob/connoisseur -- is absolutely enamored with Belgian ales, and purchases as much of the stuff as he can find. Since he's generous with his friends, I can confirm that he may very well be onto something there. ~D Unfortunately I'm terrible when it comes to remembering names/brands, so I couldn't tell you which one I liked best.
When it comes to American breweries, my personal favorite -- bar none -- is Leinenkugel, particularly their Honey Weiss. I might be admittedly a little biased towards them since we Minnesotans consider "Leinie's" to be a local brand (they're a regional brewed in neighboring Wisconsin); but in all honesty, they really do make some very good beer. :2thumbsup:
I'm also quite fond of certain Samuel Adams lagers (including Light, Pale Ale, and Winter Ale). Which -- for those of you who remember a certain thread from about a year ago here in the Frontroom -- you'll probably find somewhat amusing. ~;)
Big King Sanctaphrax
04-27-2008, 23:21
Just so people don't think I'm a huge beer snob, I actually like quite a few American beers-some of your microbrew stuff. I was just taking the mick a little.
As far as my favourite beer goes, I'm a devotee of British ales. Probably my favourite would be Conniston Bluebird-bottle conditioned, which is always a nice bonus. I also enjoy most Sheperd Neame beers, with Bishop's Finger and Spitfire being the pick of the bunch. I'm a big fan of Brain's Dark as well, which works out quite nicely as the brewery is twenty minutes walk away from my house.
For the past several years, I've rarely drank the same beer two days in a row. Our local grocery store stocks an amazing variety of micro-brewery stuff. I go in every day and buy one beer, alway different.
For the past several months, though, it being winter, I've been drinking mostly Trois Pistoles. Quebec microbrew, very dark - but not heavy, tasty, and 9%. Not sure I've ever had two, but I have one pretty much every night.
Drinking Newcastle tonight. She bought a six-pack.
Sasaki Kojiro
04-28-2008, 00:30
Colt 45.
Least favorite is probably miller high life light. Good god that was nasty.
Colt 45.
Least favorite is probably miller high life light. Good god that was nasty.
Isn't that a malt liquor?
Uesugi Kenshin
04-28-2008, 02:05
For the past several years, I've rarely drank the same beer two days in a row. Our local grocery store stocks an amazing variety of micro-brewery stuff. I go in every day and buy one beer, alway different.
For the past several months, though, it being winter, I've been drinking mostly Trois Pistoles. Quebec microbrew, very dark - but not heavy, tasty, and 9%. Not sure I've ever had two, but I have one pretty much every night.
Drinking Newcastle tonight. She bought a six-pack.
Beirut if I were of legal age I'd seriously envy you. Until then I'll content myself to whatever delicious Belgian or micro-brews my dad brings home and fear the day I begin paying for my own beverages.
My least favorite is without a doubt Budweiser- it's vile in any of its various forms. Better no beer than Bud imo. :thumbsdown:
For my favorite, widely available beers, I'd go with Yuengling (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuengling) or Sam Adams. There are lots of good "micros" around- some recent ones I've enjoyed were Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Arrogant Bastard Ale. :beam:
Sasaki Kojiro
04-28-2008, 02:13
Now, I realize you guys have more high-falutin' palates than mine, so don't hate me, please; if "favorite" = most often purchased, then it's Budweiser or Miller, which ever is on sale that week (nearest 50 cents a can). But, I'm not a boutique beer drinker, I'm a "just got off a 10-hour shift outdoors, and I'm hot, tired, and thirsty, and wanna make the noise and dirt and heat of the day go away awhile" -kinda beer drinker.
That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it. :laugh4:
I tend to be suspicious of people who are willing to spend that much dough just for the taste of something. I can see it on a special occasion, but drinkin fancy beer all the time would be like going out to a restaurant every week. All beer is an acquired taste and the cheep stuff tastes good after a little while. PBR is excellent for this purpose.
Isn't that a malt liquor?
Malt liquor is beer :2thumbsup: technically it's just an extra strength lager and that's what it's called on other countries.
Not sure on the origins of the term, but when I looked around I found this:
https://img99.imageshack.us/img99/2867/partybrewdn4.jpg
Doesn't answer the question but it's pretty funny :laugh4:
Used to be a country club drink!
Now, I realize you guys have more high-falutin' palates than mine, so don't hate me, please; if "favorite" = most often purchased, then it's Budweiser or Miller, which ever is on sale that week (nearest 50 cents a can). But, I'm not a boutique beer drinker, I'm a "just got off a 10-hour shift outdoors, and I'm hot, tired, and thirsty, and wanna make the noise and dirt and heat of the day go away awhile" -kinda beer drinker.
That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it. :laugh4:
For us lily livered types only drinking a bottle a day (maybe two, cough), spending the extra dough isn't too much of a hit. Mind you, I bought a six-pack of my Trois Pistoles beer a few weeks ago and it cost me about $15. I'll bet you can get Bud for less than that.
One enjoyable aspect of the variety is that I can bring a different beer every Sunday when I visit my buddy and we have ourselves a taste test. We've found several micro-beers that aren't too great, and at least two that were completely undrinkable. Most are ok, and sometimes you come upon a real gem. My guess is our local corner store stock an honest 100 different micro beers. Some I'll never drink as they cost $5.99 for a standard bottle size. With taxes that's over $40 for a six pack. Imagine buying a 2-4 for $160 and not liking it. Gah!
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
04-28-2008, 03:51
Altbier, I don't like any other ones. You'll most likely never know cause you don't live in Düsseldorf area. :wall:
I like all kinds of beer: stouts, lagers, lambics, wheat, etc. But a true beer-drinker needs his go-to, utility beer, and mine is Moosehead. The exchange rate is killing me now, but much love to the folks north of the border. ~:cheers:
Samurai Waki
04-28-2008, 05:11
Redhook ESB.
We've got some good microbreweries out on the Washington coast.
CR
Redhook is actually really good, I'm a fan of the IPA. I also find Alaska, Pilsner, and Big Sky Pleasing to the palate.
EDIT: My Favorite Beers Imported Leffe (if it can be found, bought a six pack in Montreal last year), and Favorite Domestic Rogue Ale of Any Kind.
If I go by price it'd be Toohey's Pils, pretty decent Aussie beer for the low price.
If I disregard price it'd be Peroni, imported goodness, way better than any of the crap made in Aus.
I've had a few of those recently and found them quite good. :2thumbsup:
I think the single beer I've drank the most of is Shiner. Negra Modelo is also nice, and also pretty widely available in Texas where I used to live. Drank a lot of Bass when I was a little younger. Still drink guiness from time to time.
Redhook is actually really good, I'm a fan of the IPA. I also find Alaska, Pilsner, and Big Sky Pleasing to the palate.
EDIT: My Favorite Beers Imported Leffe (if it can be found, bought a six pack in Montreal last year), and Favorite Domestic Rogue Ale of Any Kind.
Strike For The South
04-28-2008, 06:37
whiskey
Pils:
1) Moortgat; BEL pils (from the makers of the much more famous Duvel)
2) Moortgat; Vedett (same)
3) Jupille; Jupiler
4) Leuven; Stella Artois
5) Haacht; Primus
Stronger blond beers:
1) Moortgat; Duvel
2) Westmalle, Westmalle trippel
3) Moortgat; A chouffe; La chouffe
4) Grimbergen; Grimbergen blond
5) Leffe; Leffe Blond
Strong brown:
1) Chimay; Chimay trippel
2) Grimbergen; Grimbergen bruin
3) Rochefort, Rochefort 10
4) The Netherlands! (all others are Belgian); La trappe
5) Leffe Bruin
And no I didn't forget West-Vleteren.
macsen rufus
04-28-2008, 12:24
With me it's situational:
Winter brew: Guiness - I know it's spring when I lose my taste for it and order something else....
Summer: Marston's Pedigree (well, that's my usual "habitual beer" at the local....) but when at less regular places I like to try something different. Green King "Abbot Ale" is about the most drinkable pint in London pubs, and goes down WAY too easily. There's a small area around Sheffield where Stones is really good, like drinking alcoholic ice-cream, very smooth, and very pale for a bitter.
When travelling: check what the locals are drinking :2thumbsup: In Worcestershire I developed a real taste for the perry ("pear cider") that I could buy from the farm down the road, straight out of the barrel. Excellent summer drink (and rather effective, too ~D) In the Netherlands I got quite a taste for Hooegaarten, but don't think I'd drink it anywhere else.
In Oz (I think I might be about to make Rythmic cringe, here :laugh4: ) I used to drink VB - I love that Aussie tradition of buying by the jug and distributing it at the table :2thumbsup:
In my brief spell in the US (Miami) I came across a really tasty micro-beer, alas I can't recall it's name or where it was brewed, but it was quite spicy and flavoursome, a bit like liquid ginger biscuits.
When buying bottles for drinking at home (you know, the ones that help to keep the lawnmower running etc) then it's been Hobgoblin of late, which is quite a nice spicy one, but I'll probably revert to Bluebird when the weather gets a bit hotter.
My local brewery is Everards, and I won't touch their dishwater with a bargepole - although their "exports" to other parts of the country seem to be quite popular. I think they just save the dregs for the locals.....
:clown: Now this is making me thirsty....
CountArach
04-28-2008, 12:31
I'm not a beer drinker - give me spirits any day.
In Oz (I think I might be about to make Rythmic cringe, here ) I used to drink VB - I love that Aussie tradition of buying by the jug and distributing it at the table
Haha, too true. VB's alright since it's so damn cheap, but other's like Carlton Draught (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mv5U0W8FDDk) :sick:. Cat piss for sure. Especially since it costs only a few dollars less than imported beer!
CountArach
04-28-2008, 13:21
Haha, too true. VB's alright since it's so damn cheap, but other's like Carlton Draught (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mv5U0W8FDDk) :sick:. Cat piss for sure. Especially since it costs only a few dollars less than imported beer!
Bleugh! Carlton Draught = bottled vomit...
Vladimir
04-28-2008, 13:37
Lest we forget (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=76157=Leffe).
Lest we forget (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=76157=Leffe).
Indeedely-doodely. We just may have to move all this over to the next town.
Give that man a cigar!
Cough-cough... testing...
By the by, there's something I've never fully understood: What's the difference between lager and ale? Is it in the ingredients, and/or in the way they're made? Even my beer-snob friend couldn't really explain it to me. :help:
By the by, there's something I've never fully understood: What's the difference between lager and ale? Is it in the ingredients, and/or in the way they're made? Even my beer-snob friend couldn't really explain it to me. :help:
It's the yeast. Ale uses top-fermenting yeast, which generally works quickly at higher temperatures. Lagers use bottom-fermenting yeast, which run at colder temperatures and enables lagering, or extended fermentation at lower temps.
Personally I love spaniard beers. Estrella Damm is probably my favorite, but I also love San Miguel, Mahou or Coronita.
Talking about non-spaniard, Judas and Guiness are the number ones for me.
La bump.
I'm drinking an Alexander Keith's India pale Ale right now, just FYI.
Reverend Joe
05-27-2008, 00:53
Oh, man... I really apologize -- I had no idea this existed. :embarassed:
I guess I'll repost my favorite beers here.
Edit:
Personally, when I have to consider how much money I am spending, I would have to go with Heineken. At around $7.50 per six-pack, it's still not exactly cheap, but I have high-quality tastes when it comes to beer. And it's a damn good beer considering that it is a big-time label, something that usually implies low quality in the beer world. It's also very easy to find.
When I can find it, though, I prefer Elephant, a Danish Malt Liquor. It sells for around the same price as Heineken in DC, but it's a damn good beer. Beer enthusiasts may be put off by its lack of hops, but I find it to be a very smooth beer; and besides, it has an alcohol content of 7.5%. Only problem is, it's harder to find than a Leperchaun; I've only seen it once, and that was in the liquor store in the Watergate, which is pretty far away from where I live.
If money is no object, on the other hand, my favorite beer of all time is most definitely Duvel. True to the name, it kicks like a devil: it has an alcohol content of 8.5%! I love the flavor, as well; some may find it too sharp, but for me it hits the spot, bigtime. Only problem is, it sells for around $13-14 a four-pack, so it's a special-occasion only beer.
Edit 2: No way am I reposting all those pictures. However, I felt it necessary to mention that I am currently getting drunk on Leffe... not bad. Not one of my favorites, but not bad.
However, I felt it necessary to mention that I am currently getting drunk on Leffe... not bad.
Frontroomish behavior if I ever saw it. ~:cheers:
Oh, man... I really apologize -- I had no idea this existed. :embarassed:
I guess I'll repost my favorite beers here.
Edit:
Personally, when I have to consider how much money I am spending, I would have to go with Heineken. At around $7.50 per six-pack, it's still not exactly cheap, but I have high-quality tastes when it comes to beer. And it's a damn good beer considering that it is a big-time label, something that usually implies low quality in the beer world. It's also very easy to find.
When I can find it, though, I prefer Elephant, a Danish Malt Liquor. It sells for around the same price as Heineken in DC, but it's a damn good beer. Beer enthusiasts may be put off by its lack of hops, but I find it to be a very smooth beer; and besides, it has an alcohol content of 7.5%. Only problem is, it's harder to find than a Leperchaun; I've only seen it once, and that was in the liquor store in the Watergate, which is pretty far away from where I live.
If money is no object, on the other hand, my favorite beer of all time is most definitely Duvel. True to the name, it kicks like a devil: it has an alcohol content of 8.5%! I love the flavor, as well; some may find it too sharp, but for me it hits the spot, bigtime. Only problem is, it sells for around $13-14 a four-pack, so it's a special-occasion only beer.
Edit 2: No way am I reposting all those pictures. However, I felt it necessary to mention that I am currently getting drunk on Leffe... not bad. Not one of my favorites, but not bad.
Duvel indeed is one of the best beers. If not the best. Its sad you have to pay that much for Duvel in the US. I like Leffe too. What Leffe are/were you drinking if I may ask? Though I can't understand you liking Heineken :no:. How much is a stella six-pack , it can't be that much more expensive?
Heineken is a bit of an enigma, sometimes it tastes great and sometimes it tastes like crap. Certainly not our best beer, that would be Hertog Jan or Brand.
Heineken is a bit of an enigma, sometimes it tastes great and sometimes it tastes like crap. Certainly not our best beer, that would be Hertog Jan or Brand.
Zijt ge heel zot. La trappe, de enige Nederlandse trappist, owns Hertog Jan en Brand by far!
Zijt ge heel zot. La trappe, de enige Nederlandse trappist, owns Hertog Jan en Brand by far!
Didn't know that was dutch, it's indeed pretty good. Nah I'll just get the quality beers from you guys nobody can beat the belgium brewers. Hertog Jan and Brand are excellent pils though, especially Brand, imho the best pils in the world comes from the czech republic, and Brand gets it ingredients there, it's the closest we got to that bliss.
Reverend Joe
05-27-2008, 19:04
Duvel indeed is one of the best beers. If not the best. Its sad you have to pay that much for Duvel in the US. I like Leffe too. What Leffe are/were you drinking if I may ask? Though I can't understand you liking Heineken :no:. How much is a stella six-pack , it can't be that much more expensive?
I was drinking the Leffe Blond. That stuff laid me out; I was surprised.
Never had Stella Artrois... perhaps I should give it a taste. Then again, Heineken is a good dinner-beer; it is watery enough to be refreshing, but it still tastes a kinda like real beer.
Edit: If you were talking about the Trappist I had once, by the way, that was some of the worst beer I have ever had. :brood: It tasted like funky apple juice.
Gotta second Fragony, Czech pils is easily my favourite beer. Perhaps it is indicative that at the party I had last weekend, all the Czech beer I laid on got drunk, and I was left with a whole case of Becks which someone had brought :thumbsdown:
I was drinking the Leffe Blond. That stuff laid me out; I was surprised.
Never had Stella Artrois... perhaps I should give it a taste. Then again, Heineken is a good dinner-beer; it is watery enough to be refreshing, but it still tastes a kinda like real beer.
Edit: If you were talking about the Trappist I had once, by the way, that was some of the worst beer I have ever had. :brood: It tasted like funky apple juice.
funky apple juice Trappist? Are you sure you didn't pop some Cider?
Anyway when it comes to pils well Czech pils indeed is good. If you want something light and refreshing you might want to try a Hoegaarden. Which is the perfect summerbeer. Add a slice of orange and it's even better. You shouldn't use Lemon like the dutch do, but orange. Cause it actually has Orange in it.
Another light refreshing beer is Rodenbach. A bit sour, but great when you are thirstie.
Add a slice of orange and it's even better. You shouldn't use Lemon like the dutch do, but orange. Cause it actually has Orange in it. .
Didn't know that, got to try that. It's also good with lemon though.
Too bad you didn't like it. Anyway I'm going to pop a botle of rodenbach and take a short break from learning. I hate exam periods.
Well it was a rather sugary orange didn't really work, I'll try a more sour variety.
Reverend Joe
05-29-2008, 18:20
I've never understood adding orange flavor to beer. Is it really supposed to improve the flavor?
Then again, the only beers I have ever had with orange flavor were bottled with the flavor added already. I never liked it; I think it detracts from and hides the flavor of the actual beer. These weren't cheap beers, either; they were American pale ales.
It's for a special type of beer that is only made in Belgium and Holland,' witbier' (' white beer')
http://www.hoegaarden.com/_img/witbier.png
It's very refreshing, a tad sour, shouldn't see it as traditional beer.
see my beer review. for more info. (Or was I lazy that day?)
Big King Sanctaphrax
06-01-2008, 21:57
I've just found an excellent new small Welsh brewery-Rhymney. I think they're based in Merthyr Tydfil, and I doubt anyone outside of Wales will ever see any of their ales, but if you do I heartily recommend them. Their stout, in particular, is delicious, wonderfully chocolatey.
Reverend Joe
06-02-2008, 18:36
Found a place that sells Carlsberg Elephant Malt Liquor. :2thumbsup: Ten dollars a six-pack, but that's all you need to get ripped for the night.
6 bottles to get ripped? Dear god where are the times that'd work for me.
Does the job for me, never drink more then that, 3 or 4 in weekends usually
Well if I'm feeling like it, it can be up to and perhaps more than 30. Though I usually only find out by recounting the money I have left the day after.
Strike For The South
04-20-2009, 01:24
https://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9914/abar.gif
That is all.
Sasaki Kojiro
04-20-2009, 01:30
I hate it when they try and sell attitude. Just make a joke or show me some giant horses jogging please.
Reverend Joe
04-21-2009, 23:42
https://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9914/abar.gif
That is all.
...What does it actually taste like?
I hate it when they try and sell attitude. Just make a joke or show me some giant horses jogging please.
With beer I don't really mind, but when your cornflakes are called Xperience (was something ike that) with on the backside things like how X are you with weird trendy people with odd glasses being cool then I am kinda meh it are cornflakes. Now you ask why did you buy it, dunno.
Vladimir
04-22-2009, 18:17
Has anyone tried Gulden Draak (http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/48/155)? And if so, should I buy a bottle from 1997 for $25? The description sounds great for game food.
Has anyone tried Gulden Draak (http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/48/155)? And if so, should I buy a bottle from 1997 for $25? The description sounds great for game food.
It has so many tiny bubbles it's like swallowing a sponge, I don't like it. And it has this odd sweet taste, for some odd reason it taste like death to me, I expect that smell to hang over the battle of the Somnes or something like that.
Vladimir
04-22-2009, 18:56
Ahh, to savor the sweet taste of death! :skull:
:laugh4:
Thanks, I think I'll try the cheap bottle first. I read good but mixed reviews.
It has so many tiny bubbles it's like swallowing a sponge, I don't like it. And it has this odd sweet taste, for some odd reason it taste like death to me, I expect that smell to hang over the battle of the Somnes or something like that.
Blasphemy. You and you're sponges always. What doesn't tatsle like a sponge to you? First Duvel, now Gulden Draak.
About Gulden Draak it's a good Belgian style beer if you ask me. Not the best, but better than most. I think I recommended it in the past. Now I never tried a ten year old one, and while some beers (especially trappist) get better even when they're officially expired. If you buy trappist beer always leave a couple of bottles alone for a year or 5. And you've got even better beer. However 10 years is a bit long. Note it varies from beer to beer, some you should throw away after being expired, but you haven't lived untill you tried a 5 year old Westvleteren 8.
Ten years is a heck of a long time and my bottles of Gulden Draak (usually 75cl ones) never lasted that long. I'd buy a some normal ones, they're good.
Evil_Maniac From Mars
04-26-2009, 04:14
...What does it actually taste like?
From the description, I believe it tastes somewhat like napalm in the morning.
vBulletin® v3.7.1, Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.