Leffe: Vladimir's Beer Thread

[Moros]

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]

I haven't seen this one come up in these discussions before.

Adnam's Broadside

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

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.

[Andres]

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).

You can find some more info here:

http://www.3fonteinen.be/index_e.htm

[Big_John]

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]

Ah, Piraat and Chimay. Two splendid examples of fine beer. Makes me long for a Café België in Leiden...

[Vladimir]

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?

[Hosakawa Tito]

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

[KukriKhan]

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.

[Big_John]

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.

[Vladimir]

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.

Yes, DC for know but God knows where come February.

I found your statement hilarious . 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]

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]

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 . 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]

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]

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

[Big_John]

i capitalize abbreviations. fix it back.

[Geoffrey S]

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]

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]

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?...e20biervm9.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.

[Adrian II]

(..) let alone the restrictions established by Asopos...

Georffrey my man, are you an Asopooier? And a wedstrijdroeier, too?

Hetairos!

[Andres]

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



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


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


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

[Moros]

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]

more of a gueuze man when it comes to lambics.

[Red Peasant]

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

Duvel reigns supreme. Two drinks for the price of one! And delicious to boot.

[Adrian II]

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]

Palm, Leffe (Dubbel), Hertog Jan. The Holy Trinity.

[Geoffrey S]

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]

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?

[Geoffrey S]

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?

To be honest, I don't know, we haven't used skiffs yet. I'll check around after kerstreces.

[Bava]

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!

We need a stickied and moderated beer thread that's also searchable.

Seconded.

[Bijo]

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.