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!
12-27-2006, 00:55
Hosakawa Tito
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
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:
12-27-2006, 01:10
Big King Sanctaphrax
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
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?
12-27-2006, 02:13
Vladimir
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Big King Sanctaphrax
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!
12-27-2006, 03:35
Big_John
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
whenever i see "beer" and "trader joe's" in the same setance, i feel anxiety. not familiar with this leffe though.
12-27-2006, 10:13
Andres
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hosakawa Tito
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:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vladimir
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:
12-27-2006, 11:12
Peasant Phill
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
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.
12-27-2006, 11:35
Beirut
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
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.
12-27-2006, 12:13
Fragony
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
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
12-27-2006, 14:22
Sir_Hawkwood
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
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)
12-27-2006, 14:26
Sjakihata
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
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.
12-27-2006, 14:28
Sjakihata
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fragony
you want Leffe double
or triple
12-27-2006, 14:29
Moros
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Leffe Brown>Leff Blond.
Leffe's good, but far from the best. But I bet it's much better than all that American ****.
12-27-2006, 14:34
Fragony
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sjakihata
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..........
12-27-2006, 14:35
Andres
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gertgregoor
Leffe Brown>Leff Blond.
Grimbergen Brown > Leffe Brown
~:idea:
Is there still no beer thread in the Frontroom?
12-27-2006, 14:38
Fragony
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by AndresTheCunning
Grimbergen
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fragony
Grimbergen
beat you to it :yes: Good taste sir.
God how I love discussing beers.
12-27-2006, 14:41
Sjakihata
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Do you gentlemen know of a beer called Youngs double chocolate?
Im in love with it.
12-27-2006, 14:43
Moros
Re: Leffe: I finally found 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.
12-27-2006, 14:50
Fragony
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
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
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:
12-27-2006, 15:01
Fragony
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vladimir
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.
12-27-2006, 15:07
Stig
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
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
12-28-2006, 06:33
Strike For The South
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
coors light:2thumbsup:
12-28-2006, 08:56
Peasant Phill
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
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
12-28-2006, 11:04
Sir_Hawkwood
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
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.
12-28-2006, 11:39
Beirut
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sir_Hawkwood
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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vladimir
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?
12-28-2006, 12:26
Banquo's Ghost
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vladimir
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:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
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.
12-28-2006, 12:28
Banquo's Ghost
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Beirut
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:
12-28-2006, 12:37
Big_John
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
i guess this is the new beer thread. my fav type of beer is belgian strong pale ales. here are my perennial choices:
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!
12-28-2006, 13:13
KukriKhan
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
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.
12-28-2006, 14:33
Moros
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
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.
12-28-2006, 15:00
Pannonian
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
I haven't seen this one come up in these discussions before.
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.
12-28-2006, 15:30
Andres
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
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.
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).
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.
And Duvel, it's a bit overrated if you ask me. Not bad, just overrated.
yup.
12-28-2006, 16:39
Geoffrey S
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Ah, Piraat and Chimay. Two splendid examples of fine beer. Makes me long for a Café België in Leiden...
12-28-2006, 18:06
Vladimir
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
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 like we have in DC (or the UK), how can we sample these beers?
12-28-2006, 19:02
Hosakawa Tito
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
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.
I once belonged to the Beer-of-the-Month Club; 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.
12-28-2006, 19:12
Big_John
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
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/reposit...inking-018.gif
12-28-2006, 20:18
Vladimir
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Big_John
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/reposit...inking-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?
12-28-2006, 21:34
Adrian II
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Geoffrey S
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...
12-28-2006, 22:04
Big_John
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vladimir
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. ~:)
Quote:
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.
12-28-2006, 22:12
Sir_Hawkwood
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
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?
12-28-2006, 22:19
Vladimir
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Big_John
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:
12-28-2006, 22:23
Big_John
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
i capitalize abbreviations. fix it back. :brood:
12-29-2006, 00:05
Geoffrey S
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Adrian II
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...
12-29-2006, 04:45
Big King Sanctaphrax
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Why does everyone like lager so much? Come to the UK, drink some cask conditioned bitters, and see what a proper beer is like.
12-29-2006, 10:39
Peasant Phill
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Big_John
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.
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:
12-29-2006, 11:54
Adrian II
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Geoffrey S
(..) let alone the restrictions established by Asopos...
Georffrey my man, are you an Asopooier? And a wedstrijdroeier, too?
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/...oisewk3.th.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.
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.
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.
12-29-2006, 22:01
Big_John
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
more of a gueuze man when it comes to lambics.
12-30-2006, 12:34
Red Peasant
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
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.
12-30-2006, 16:12
Adrian II
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Big King Sanctaphrax
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.
12-30-2006, 17:21
The Wizard
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Palm, Leffe (Dubbel), Hertog Jan. The Holy Trinity.
12-31-2006, 01:09
Geoffrey S
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Ah, Palm. If possible that's the one I'll usually start with before moving on to heavier options.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Adrian II
Georffrey my man, are you an Asopooier? And a wedstrijdroeier, too?
Hetairos!
Indeed a westrijdroeier, and enjoying every moment of the experience!
Hetairos!
12-31-2006, 20:44
Adrian II
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Geoffrey S
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:
01-01-2007, 12:00
Geoffrey S
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Adrian II
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.
01-01-2007, 15:02
Bava
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
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
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pannonian
We need a stickied and moderated beer thread that's also searchable.
Seconded.
01-02-2007, 01:10
Bijo
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
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.
01-02-2007, 02:36
GoreBag
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
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...
01-02-2007, 02:59
Vladimir
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by GoreBag
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:
01-02-2007, 23:34
Vladimir
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
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.
01-03-2007, 11:31
Andres
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pannonian
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" ?
01-03-2007, 12:08
Beirut
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by AndresTheCunning
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:
01-03-2007, 12:20
Andres
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Beirut
The pleasure is to serve. :bow:
Thank you very much :bow:
All hail to Vladimir for this wonderful thread! ~:cheers:
01-03-2007, 15:25
Prodigal
Re: Leffe: Vladimir's Beer Thread
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.
01-03-2007, 16:08
Fragony
Re: Leffe: Vladimir's Beer Thread
Duvel has too many bubbles in it, drinking it is like swallowing air.
01-03-2007, 16:30
Bava
Re: Leffe: Vladimir's Beer Thread
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:
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).
01-03-2007, 16:58
Andres
Re: Leffe: Vladimir's Beer Thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by Prodigal
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.
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:
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.
01-03-2007, 17:45
GoreBag
Re: Leffe: I finally found it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vladimir
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.
01-03-2007, 18:58
Bava
Re: Leffe: Vladimir's Beer Thread
Well, sorry for the linguistic faux pas on my part, i meant "with dinner", obviously. ~D
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vladimir
]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.
01-03-2007, 19:06
Vladimir
Re: Leffe: Vladimir's Beer Thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bavarian Barbarian
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)
01-04-2007, 10:07
Talbot
Re: Leffe: Vladimir's Beer Thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vladimir
: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?
01-04-2007, 14:51
Big_John
Re: Leffe: Vladimir's Beer Thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by Talbot
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.
01-04-2007, 16:24
English assassin
Re: Leffe: Vladimir's Beer Thread
Quote:
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.
01-05-2007, 20:35
Bijo
Re: Leffe: Vladimir's Beer Thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by Prodigal
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.
01-06-2007, 14:51
Big_John
Re: Leffe: Vladimir's Beer Thread
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!
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.
