The best beer I've ever had.

[fonseca]

I recently returned from a month in Germany, where a .5 liter bottle of beer is one-third the cost of a bottle of water (.40 Euros vs 1.25 average). Needless to say, the vast majority of my caloric intake came from Hefeweizens and Altbiers.

But the best beer I tried was Belgian, not German. I hope I can find a source in VA, because I'm down to my last bottle, and have to have more.

Grimbergen Optimo Bruno, 10% ABV but it sure doesn't taste like it. I'm not one to often refer to a beer as "complex" but this can take the place of a late night glass of scotch or brandy any time. If you like full-bodied, dark beers and can find it, I highly recommend this one. They have half a dozen other varieties, but this was by far the best.

[Repack]

The picture on the left needs to have a "Bow Down!" banner flying above it or something. Very impossing. Cool bottles.

[fonseca]

It's worthy of worship.

I actually found a local beer and wine store that can get it, but at $7 a bottle (#$!$^&#!) with a minimum order of 6 and high shipping, it's not going to be a frequent purchase.

[DaveW]

Yeah the Belgium stuff is pretty good.
But Cezchlovakian (sp?) beer is the best! :thumb: :D

[narlus]

in about 4 weeks i'll be in prague, so i'll be able to sample some. i hope they can match the high standard the belgians have.

[Silver]

in about 4 weeks i'll be in prague, so i'll be able to sample some. i hope they can match the high standard the belgians have.

Not going to happen, unless you're a huge fan of Bohemian Pilsners ;)

[valve bouncer]

Yep, the old Grimbergen is a nice drop, had a few myself when i was in Germany. Partsbara swears by them.

[-BB-]

If you like that beer, try Ommegang, Rar Vos, Affligem Double, or Delerium Tremmons.
The first two are brewed in the US but are belgain style. The rest are brewed in belgium. All of them though are nice dark "double" style beers

[llkoolkeg]

[QUOTE=fonseca]But the best beer I tried was Belgian, not German. I hope I can find a source in VA, because I'm down to my last bottle, and have to have more.
QUOTE]

http://www.kingdomofbeer.com/

Go to page #2 of "Abbey Beers" and it's the 7th down from the top.

[fonseca]

If you like that beer, try Ommegang, Rar Vos, Affligem Double, or Delerium Tremmons.
The first two are brewed in the US but are belgain style. The rest are brewed in belgium. All of them though are nice dark "double" style beers

I'll look for those the next time I hit the beer and wine store. I'm limiting myself to 1-2 beers (or any alcohol) a week now in an effort to finally eliminate ye olde beergut, so I'm definitely going for quality over quantity.


http://www.kingdomofbeer.com/

Go to page #2 of "Abbey Beers" and it's the 7th down from the top.

Nice site, great selection. Unfortunately the $3.70 a bottle gets more expensive after $22.20 tax for 6 bottles. And shipping is a bit steep at $60. $%#!@!. I think I'll get a friend to mail me a few bottles from Germany.

That site also lists the Grimbergen Triple, which unlike the Optimo was very strong tasting and over-hopped, not my favorite but interesting. I haven't tried the Cuvée Ermitage.

I'm looking forward to sampling other abbey beers, as I'm just getting into this variety (feel like I've been missing out). But tonight a bottle of Arrogant Bastard will have to do. Not a brand I normally buy (cheesy reverse marketing annoys me), but it was on sale. Cheers.

[Silver]

I'm looking forward to sampling other abbey beers, as I'm just getting into this variety (feel like I've been missing out). But tonight a bottle of Arrogant Bastard will have to do. Not a brand I normally buy (cheesy reverse marketing annoys me), but it was on sale. Cheers.

Stone is guilty of cheesy reverse marketing, but they do brew good beer. That'll be a nice bottle to enjoy tonight. Just don't drink it too cold.

Ommegang is great and VERY reasonably priced...my favorite from them is the Hennepin. You might also want to check out Unibroue.

[fonseca]

You might also want to check out Unibroue.

I picked up a 4-pack of Unibroue La Fin Du Monde the other day. Triple fermented. $9.

It was pretty good, although I think I would have liked one of the other three varieties they had better. I generally prefer not to be able to see through my beer. :) Nonetheless, it's decent.

[arsenic]

i never had this one till a couple weeks ago...

http://www.youngs.co.uk/images/products/img_product_12_image.gif

young's double chocolate stout. yummy !

[fonseca]

I haven't tried that myself, but Young's Oatmeal Stout is awesome. So is their Special London Ale.

[arsenic]

hmmm... i'll look for it !

i really gotta dust off my kettle n make some beer again. i only did a couple batches many years ago, it wasn't that great, but it was loads of fun!

[fonseca]

hmmm... i'll look for it !

i really gotta dust off my kettle n make some beer again. i only did a couple batches many years ago, it wasn't that great, but it was loads of fun!

As soon as my current batch of blackberry wine is done, my homebrewing equipment is going in storage. I don't have the self control to abstain when I have yummy homebrew in the house.

Or any good beer for that matter. My 1-2 beer a week goal has been more like 4-5 a week. The last bottle of Uni is going down right now...

[fonseca]

I've been sticking to a two beer per week ration. It's been tough...

Number two for this week: Unibroue Maudite. Suprisingly I liked the La Fin Du Monde more, perhaps because it was more bitter. This one is a little too mild even though it's called a strong ale, and it has a slightly sour/musky aftertaste.

Next week is a $9 pint of Affligem Double. I'm planning a meal around that one. Picked it up based on -BB-'s recommendation, and the reviews online make it look promising...I'm searching for a beer that is as good as the Grimbergen Optimo.

[Silver]

Try to get ahold of the Unibroue 2004 Edition if you can. It's very very nice.

[fonseca]

Try to get ahold of the Unibroue 2004 Edition if you can. It's very very nice.

I think my local specialty beer store had that. I'll pick a bottle up. I'm enjoying Unibroue overall; despite my nitpicking above it's excellent, worlds better than anything to be found in a supermarket.

[Silver]

I'm searching for a beer that is as good as the Grimbergen Optimo.

I haven't had the Optimo, but I looked up it's description, and based on that you might want to try some stuff from De Dolle. The Optimo is described as being pretty sweet, and the some of the sweetest Belgians I've had were from De Dolle.

Otherwise, in that category keep an eye open for Abbey de Rocs, St. Bernardus (I like the Prior 8 better than the Abt 12...some people dislike the yeast they use though), Westmalle (fantastic dubbel, expensive though), and if you can find them 2 of the best would be the Rochefort 10 and the Westvleteren Abt 12.

You'll probably have the most luck finding the St. Bernardus. Chimay is always a great option, and if you haven't tried Orval yet, give that a shot. It's a lower alcohol beer, but it's got some really unique and fantastic flavors and aromas.

[quadricolour]

Altbier? Were you in Duesseldorf? Fuechschen! :drool:

[fonseca]

After getting stuck on Chimay and Unibroue 2004 Special for quite a few weeks, I have strayed from Belgium somewhat. Haven't seen any of the ones you mentioned Silver. I've been sampling brews by Dogfish. No definite favorite, but the Raison D'Etre (http://www.dogfish.com/beer/raisondetre.cfm) is in the running for first.

A deep mahogany ale brewed with beet sugar, green raisins, and Belgian yeast. 8% ABV

Okay, so I didn't stray very far. :)

I've been missing out on so many good beers....it won't be easy to make up for lost time, but some how, some way, I shall persevere.

[fonseca]

Altbier? Were you in Duesseldorf? Fuechschen! :drool:

Nope, Leipzig and Weimar were as far south as I made it this time around. A good bit east of Duesseldorf, but still plenty of altbiers to be found for those willing to look.

The beerfest in Weimar didn't hurt either.

As the best man in a wedding last week, I did an excellent job providing a variety of delectible libations. A few growlers of locally-brewed scottish and golden ales, and plenty of Uni (Ignore that Mikes...some people just don't like real beer). We managed to kill the last few bottles after the rehearsal dinner. The Special 2004 really packs a punch. For me it was a sad occasion: one more riding buddy gets married and bites the dust. They're dropping like flies...

[fonseca]

I located a 6-pack of Affligem Blonde over the weekend, and having just about finished the first one right now, I can say with 100% certainty that Belgian blondes are not for me. Give me a burnette--er, brown, any day.

It reminds me of the few Grimbergen blondes I tried, noticeable alcohol taste, somewhat bitter, and very yeasty-tasting. Definitely not the best beer I've ever had. In fact, I'm kicking myself, because it was 2x the cost of the Dogfish Raison D'Etre, which I highly recommend to those of you who enjoy Belgian style browns.

I also picked up a pint of Delerium Tremmons, first time I've seen it anywhere. I carry a list of beers to try with me, based mostly on -BB- and Silver's recommendations. If anyone has suggestions, please chime in.

[Silver]

Try the Indian Brown from Dogfish Head. Like a Newcastle, but it's good :D

[norco_nut]

You guys ever tried Polish beers? they are lighter but are pretty tasty too...

Zyweic (sp?) pronounced "je vee ettes"
Warka
Tyske

[BikeGeek]

I've been drinking this for a couple of years now. It's still one of my favorites. Everything that's good about a Belgian ale, but brewed in Cooperstown, NY so it's only around $4.00

[Silver]

I've been drinking this for a couple of years now. It's still one of my favorites. Everything that's good about a Belgian ale, but brewed in Cooperstown, NY so it's only around $4.00

I always have a bottle of Hennepin from them hanging around. Great stuff.

[biggins]

Try the Indian Brown from Dogfish Head. Like a Newcastle, but it's good :D


dogfish head chicory stout

[BikeGeek]

I always have a bottle of Hennepin from them hanging around. Great stuff.

Holy crap! Have you had the Three Philosophers from Ommegang? I just read this:
"A rare international blend of dark and malty quadrupel from Ommegang, and cherry-infused lambic from Lindemans in Belgium. It is a masterful blend that is greater than the sum of its parts - a rich, ruby brew that weaves a port-like subtle fruit into a creamy elixir of chocolaty caramel effervescence."

:drool:

[Echo]

My sister lives in Belgium, and will be visiting for Xmas... I just figured out what I'm going to ask her to bring me :D

Deyv is in good with the Unibroue people, and yes their beers are top notch :thumb:

[Silver]

Holy crap! Have you had the Three Philosophers from Ommegang? I just read this:
"A rare international blend of dark and malty quadrupel from Ommegang, and cherry-infused lambic from Lindemans in Belgium. It is a masterful blend that is greater than the sum of its parts - a rich, ruby brew that weaves a port-like subtle fruit into a creamy elixir of chocolaty caramel effervescence."

:drool:

It's good stuff. I happen to have a 750ml bottle aging as we speak. You can still find it at stores. Amazing mouthfeel.

[Gelbwurstbrot]

http://www.steinbach-braeu.de/images/glaeser.jpg

Steinbach Bräu :thumb:

[GumbaFish]

Yeah Ommegang is good...its kind of off the subject since its completely away from Belgian ales..but damn I love Black Douglas, very good scottish ale

[fonseca]

I haven't updated this thread recently, since I've been stuck on Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre for weeks. I've gone though 36 of them in the last month. This has to stop. It's just too good. Not Grimbergen double good, but so damned close I wouldn't mind the substitution.

Unfortunately, Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale isn't the beer to break the cycle. It's certainly up to SN standards, but just doesn't do it for me. A little overhopped, not quite high enough ABV. I need belgian, baby! But I'll have to finish this sixer first. Waste not want not, eh?

This doesn't quite deserve the glass treatment.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/VSluiter/fons/SNceleb.jpg

BTW, I just bought a pint of Ommegang since several of you enjoy that, and the local beer store had it. That's next.

[Silver]

I don't think the 2004 Celebration is as good as last year. I kinda liked the hop blast it had...this one tastes a little more mellowed out.

[Lefty]

If you like that beer, try Ommegang, Rar Vos, Affligem Double, or Delerium Tremmons.
The first two are brewed in the US but are belgain style. The rest are brewed in belgium. All of them though are nice dark "double" style beers

Delerium Tremmens. ..Will give you a Delerium in your head . That's for shure. I had them to..

http://www.cripplefight.com/smileys/lush.gif

[fonseca]

Well, this marks the last night of my life of excess, at least for the immediate future. Back to the one beer a week limit starting tomorrow. Of course, that one beer may just be a whole pint of Belgian goodness. But it's been more like 1+ a day since October. Evil stuff, beer is.

Especially Gouden Carolus Noel, a great Belgian Ale at a very low price, although that may not hold true outside of Virginia, since the importer is located in-state. $6.something for a big-arsed corked bottle. A touch too sweet for my tastes, but packed with layers of flavor and a pleasant alcohol burn in the throat. I thoroughly enjoyed it. 10% ABV. And yes, it is as dark as it looks in the first photo.

I drank my last beer brought back from Germany this evening too. A cherry Lambic, suprisingly dry, especially compared to other cherry Lambics I tried. And a Grimbergen Optimo Bruno. I'd forgotten how good it is; I still haven't found anything that compares. I hate to use food comparisons, but the honey-like aroma is amazing, the it has a definite sour-apple flavor, with just a slightly bitter aftertaste, and an extremely mild alcohol burn for a 10% beer. I would guess 6% if I didn't know better. Very complex. Nothing I have tried in the last six months comes close. The Dogfish Raison is nearly as good, although entirely different: very dry, less fruity.

Beer is good.

[Lefty]

Kriek Lambic is always a good choice. If yer thursty... and it is a hot summer.
Very tasty with the fruit flavor. Mort subite is a funny name for the " dead will follow shortly" if you will translate it. The Optimo Bruno i never had one of those. The first one looks as dark as coke. I really don;t like the dark beer.

[Mackie]

Mort subite is a funny name for the " dead will follow shortly" if you will translate it

The poeple who worked in the Mort Subite cafe in Belgium said it meant "Sudden Death".

[Fathead]

I haven't updated this thread recently, since I've been stuck on Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre for weeks. I've gone though 36 of them in the last month. This has to stop. It's just too good. Not Grimbergen double good, but so damned close I wouldn't mind the substitution.

I finally picked up a 6er of Raison the other night. WOW!!! I can't believe how good that stuff is for the price. To my taste, it offers the quality and strength of a Belgian trippel at about half the price I'm used to paying.

[Lefty]

The poeple who worked in the Mort Subite cafe in Belgium said it meant "Sudden Death".


Yes that's correct.

[fonseca]

I finally picked up a 6er of Raison the other night. WOW!!! I can't believe how good that stuff is for the price. To my taste, it offers the quality and strength of a Belgian trippel at about half the price I'm used to paying.

I agree wholeheartedly. The best Dollar-to-taste ratio I know of. The true belgians I've tried that I would rate as just as good cost at least double. For that reason I'm singlehandedly responsible for a surge in Dogfish sales in my town. :) And I know some friends are hooked on it now as well, since they ask if I have any when at my house. That's the reason I have a strictly limited stock of chilled beer on hand, and the rest gets hidden away. Gotta keep my stash protected. :sneaky:

Saranac is a great deal for the price too, which is a good fallback when at a store with limited selection. I picked up a 6er of caramel porter for $4.50 this evening. A good cold weather brew served just slightly chilled.

[Fathead]

For that reason I'm singlehandedly responsible for a surge in Dogfish sales in my town. :) And I know some friends are hooked on it now as well, since they ask if I have any when at my house.

Yah, I'm trying to limit my "Raison" stock, so I don't drink so much of it. I picked up their "Indian Brown" last night and it is very good too. Definitely a good "sit and watch football" ale.

It blows me away that the grocery store on my way home (white-bred suburbs) from work carries this stuff--they even had shelf space for the 90 minute IPA, tho none in stock. When I was first exploring the world of beer we had to drive 30 minutes into Houston to find decent brew.

[Fathead]

That's the reason I have a strictly limited stock of chilled beer on hand, and the rest gets hidden away. Gotta keep my stash protected. :sneaky:

I forgot to mention: When I was a starving student, it was mooching pals that helped drive me to stouts and Scotch ales. . . I'd keep a couple of cheap malt liquors in the dorm frig for the moochers, and they wouldn't touch my Guiness :D

Now my buds have tastes like mine. Good thing they have jobs too!

[vogey40]

My favorite beers are Australian. They know how to drink down under. Victoria Bitter and Toheys New are my favorites. Havent been able to find any though since I got back to the states.

[narlus]

i will have to try some of the raison d'etre. i've been impressed w/ the other dogfish stuff i've had (w/ the exception of the completely over the top 120 min IPA).

[rigidhack]

A few of my recent favourites:

Stone Imperial Stout - closest thing to liquid Vegemite I've ever had. Great stuff, if you like Vegemite.

Weyerbacher Old Heathen Imperial Stout - solid, dark, heavy. Makes you want to dance naked in the snow - which, at 10% is understandable.

Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout -North Coast Brewery (CA) - (are you seeing the pattern yet?) THIS STUFF RULES THE WHOLE WORLD.

Dogfish World Wide Stout - crazy barlywine stuff. 24%. Mix with water for a "normal" stout. Mix with Old Rasputin for a true kick in the head (and liver) which I affectionately dubbed a "World Wide Conspiracy."

[narlus]

how the hell can they get 24%? don't yeast konk out at about 16% or so? they must either fortify or distill it.

[rigidhack]

I know just about nothing about brewing, but I think the Dogfish is actually a (barley) wine rather than a beer. I don't really know much beyond that, but it sure packs a punch. Going on the smell of the stuff alone, it is well beyond 16%.

[Silver]

how the hell can they get 24%? don't yeast konk out at about 16% or so? they must either fortify or distill it.

More than one yeast, and I'm pretty sure they must use champagne yeast as well. It's not distilled or fortified though...

[Lefty]

This is interesting. Alcohol without liquid (or a hangover) :sneaky:

http://www.gizmo.com.au/go/2633/


Never drunk anymore:

http://www.gizmo.com.au/pictures/2633_02.jpg http://www.gizmo.com.au/pictures/2633_03.jpg

:p

[fonseca]

24% barleywine...I'm not sure I could stomach that. I've had a few growlers filled with 14% and that's enough to knock me out. On the subject of strong "beers", Sam Adams Triple Bock is something I don't care to ever try again. A few bottles of that left me doubled over in pain. I'll spare everyone the details...

Here's the Dogfish Barleywine (http://www.dogfish.com/beer/limitededitionbeers.cfm) page.

I really like the looks of the Immort Ale. Why can't I have a brewery like them near me? :mad:

[narlus]

After getting stuck on Chimay and Unibroue 2004 Special for quite a few weeks, I have strayed from Belgium somewhat. Haven't seen any of the ones you mentioned Silver. I've been sampling brews by Dogfish. No definite favorite, but the Raison D'Etre (http://www.dogfish.com/beer/raisondetre.cfm) is in the running for first.

i picked up a 6 of this and victory's golden monkey (http://www.victorybeer.com/Beers/GoldenMonkey.htm) yesterday, and i was not impressed w/ the raison d'etre (despite the cool name). just not the flavor for me. it had hints of "bockness" and i'm not a bock fan at all. the golden monkey wasn't bad, though.

[valve bouncer]

My favorite beers are Australian. They know how to drink down under. Victoria Bitter and Toheys New are my favorites. Havent been able to find any though since I got back to the states.
Aussie mass produced beer is crapola with the notable exception of Coopers.

[narlus]

i wasn't impressed w/ the bottle of VB i bought from my local store when i was in ireland, but it was probably 1 year old by the time it made the trip.

[valve bouncer]

i wasn't impressed w/ the bottle of VB i bought from my local store when i was in ireland, but it was probably 1 year old by the time it made the trip.
Mate it wouldn't have mattered how fresh it was mate, it still would have been very very ordinary.

[rigidhack]

VB (aka Victoria Bitter, aka Vitamin B) is less than impressive, even when not old. Granted, it can be really nice on a hideously hot day, or if you are looking to just fall down. When I was living in Australia, the guy at the end of my block would have a good half dozen of these things finished by 7 am -EVERY DAY. No kidding, I'd walk to the beach for a surf just after sun up and he'd stumble out onto his crappy little patio in a house coat with a VB (always a VB). By the time I got back from my mornign surf, the crappy little table o his crappy little patio wuld have at least 6 empties sitting on it.
I mean, get a life!

[Fathead]

VB (aka Victoria Bitter, aka Vitamin B) is less than impressive, even when not old. Granted, it can be really nice on a hideously hot day, or if you are looking to just fall down. When I was living in Australia, the guy at the end of my block would have a good half dozen of these things finished by 7 am -EVERY DAY. No kidding, I'd walk to the beach for a surf just after sun up and he'd stumble out onto his crappy little patio in a house coat with a VB (always a VB). By the time I got back from my mornign surf, the crappy little table o his crappy little patio wuld have at least 6 empties sitting on it.
I mean, get a life!

How else should a pimp wind down after a long night's work?

[Dartman]

i will have to try some of the raison d'etre. i've been impressed w/ the other dogfish stuff i've had (w/ the exception of the completely over the top 120 min IPA).

Raison d'etre. Weird but good. The first beer I've had that tastes like white wine.

Mike

[-BB-]

I agree wholeheartedly. The best Dollar-to-taste ratio I know of. The true belgians I've tried that I would rate as just as good cost at least double. For that reason I'm singlehandedly responsible for a surge in Dogfish sales in my town. :) And I know some friends are hooked on it now as well, since they ask if I have any when at my house. That's the reason I have a strictly limited stock of chilled beer on hand, and the rest gets hidden away. Gotta keep my stash protected. :sneaky:

Saranac is a great deal for the price too, which is a good fallback when at a store with limited selection. I picked up a 6er of caramel porter for $4.50 this evening. A good cold weather brew served just slightly chilled.

So how did you like the Delerium Tremens?
They also ahve a Noel that is tasty.

If you are ever in Philly, got to Monks Cafe.
They have over 100 belgains.
(I think I've had about 75 ;) )

[fonseca]

So how did you like the Delerium Tremens?
They also ahve a Noel that is tasty.

If you are ever in Philly, got to Monks Cafe.
They have over 100 belgains.
(I think I've had about 75 ;) )

Funny you should ask! Because guess what's going down right now...

Notes from my beer journal before I started the feel the effects of this stuff:

Well, it's certainly not BAD. A honey-colored Belgian with some hops? If that's not hops it's something tart. It honestly reminds me of a very dry sparkling wine. Highly carbonated, reminiscent of nitrogen-carbonated beers with all the bubbles. Little hint of sweetness, dry to the point of being almost bitter. Definitely a crisp apple/pear flavor and aroma. A little too yeasty. A dry aftertaste, leaves the same numbness on my tonge as a tannin-loaded dry wine.

I definitely prefer doubles over whatever this is (Trippel?).

However, I am curently feeling the pleasant effects of intoxication, as with most of my posts in this thread. So I can't complain. :love:

Hmm, google tells me that:

Delirium tremens is a disorder involving sudden and severe mental changes (psychosis) or neurologic changes (including seizures) caused by abruptly stopping the use of alcohol. Rapid pulse rate, elevated blood pressure, and temperature elevation also may be present.

Yeah...I guess that explains the pink elephants and marching 'gators on the label. Overall, a damned tasty brew, but not the best beer I've ever had by a significant margin. I'd buy it again though. Very unique.

If I'm ever in Philly, I'm sure I will hit that place up.

[fonseca]

i picked up a 6 of this and victory's golden monkey (http://www.victorybeer.com/Beers/GoldenMonkey.htm) yesterday, and i was not impressed w/ the raison d'etre (despite the cool name). just not the flavor for me. it had hints of "bockness" and i'm not a bock fan at all. the golden monkey wasn't bad, though.

It's definitely unique. I remember wondering wtf was going on in my mouth when I took my first sip. But it keeps growing on me. I put it in the top 5 of all time. There's no accounting for taste after all. :)

I really want to get my hands on some of the Dogfish limited brews.

Edit: So do you recommend the Monkey? I've seen that at my natural food store. I think it's $9.

They also have hoegarden, but it's $13 a 6-pack, 4x as much as in Germany. I need to arrange a big shipment of beer from Europe, cut out all the middlemen...

Edit 2:

Raison d'etre. Weird but good. The first beer I've had that tastes like white wine.

Mike

You need to share some recommendations too Mr. Dart. I know I can get anything you can. :D

[Silver]

Golden Monkey ain't bad at all. It's a tripel, but a nice one.

Have you tried your Ommegang yet? :D

[fonseca]

Golden Monkey ain't bad at all. It's a tripel, but a nice one.

Have you tried your Ommegang yet? :D

I have yet to try Ommegang. It's queued up though. It will have to wait until I kill the big bottle of Chimay in the fridge this weekend. I'll comment on that one for sure. Both of 'em I guess.

I've been looking for Three Philosophers and Hennepin, but have yet to see either anywhere. Just the standard ale.

[Silver]

3 Philosophers is a bit tough to find, but you can't get Hennepin? Heck, it's all over the place here, and I'm on the other side of the country :D

[SkaredShtles]

Yeah the Belgium stuff is pretty good.
But Cezchlovakian (sp?) beer is the best! :thumb: :D
Ummmm....... there is no Czechoslovakia anymore...... ;) So what's the best - Czech beer or Slovak beer?

-S.S.-

[narlus]

the czech rep beer is really good if you like pilsners...for the rest of us, at least it's dirt cheap. :thumb:

[Silver]

the czech rep beer is really good if you like pilsners...for the rest of us, at least it's dirt cheap. :thumb:

Skunks easy though, it can be hard to find a good one.

[fonseca]

Alright, no more beer for me. I have no self control whatsoever. :oink: If there's beer in the house I drink it, the weekly ration idea has been a complete failure.

Except for Christmas and New Year's Eve, I'm going to abstain from alcohol entirely until February. Gotta get in shape for an upcoming ski trip.

So this is it for a while: Chimay. Like Delerium Tremens it's dry (not as dry) and highly carbonated, and a nice fruity flavor, but I prefer a slightly sweeter brew. Like Raison. :) No yeasty taste despite the layer at the bottom of the bottle. The last glass was much better than the first since it had come closer to room temperature. It's good, not the best: I really enjoyed the Gouden Carolus Noel more than anything else in the last few weeks. I might buy a few of those since they won't be around for long. Save 'em for the holidays.

Skunks easy though

That's the biggest problem with buying imported lagers, especially pilsners. By the time they arrive (after months crossing the Atlantic) they are often skunked. I have yet to get a Pilsner Urquell in the US that hasn't been skunked.

[fonseca]

i picked up a 6 of this and victory's [QUOTE=narlus]i picked up a 6 of this and victory's golden monkey (http://www.victorybeer.com/Beers/GoldenMonkey.htm) yesterday, and i was not impressed w/ the raison d'etre (despite the cool name). just not the flavor for me. it had hints of "bockness" and i'm not a bock fan at all. the golden monkey wasn't bad, though.

Alright, on the advice/comments of Narlus and Silver, I picked up a sixer of Golden Monkey. After having drank (drunk?) all six, part of me wants to shout "Touch my monkey!" Mike Myers style, but the beergut part of me says "WTF did you just do?" And the brain says it's time to post on RM.

Um, anyway. It wasn't too costly at $9.50 a six pack. No comparison to Raison (Sorry Narlus, our tastes must differ substantially), but not bad at all. In fact, it's much better than the true Belgian Trippels I have tried, as it lacks the sour, yeasty note. Although there is definitely unfiltered yeast in my glass. It's a damned good beer. I'll put it at #30 in my top 100.

I'm headed to CO for a week of skiing this coming Sunday. You can bet I'll be looking for some good local brews while in Denver.

[SkaredShtles]

<snip>I'm headed to CO for a week of skiing this coming Sunday. You can bet I'll be looking for some good local brews while in Denver.
Go to the Bull-n-Bush. Oh, and if you can find it, Great Divide brewing has a brewpub somewhere............

-S.S.-

[sayndesyn]

I live in Germany via US military and I can get .33 liter glasses of Grimbergen for 50 cents on Thursdays at the Belgium NCO club on base. Good beer, sure hurts in the morning though.

[fonseca]

I live in Germany via US military and I can get .33 liter glasses of Grimbergen for 50 cents on Thursdays at the Belgium NCO club on base. Good beer, sure hurts in the morning though.

OMG. Maybe I need to join the military. :D I'm fluent in German after all, probably a good chance I'd be stationed there. Or would I end up in Iraq...I'm alover not a fighter. :love:

It'd be worth it just for the beer!

Go to the Bull-n-Bush. Oh, and if you can find it, Great Divide brewing has a brewpub somewhere............
-S.S.-

I'll look for 'em. I have one day and night in Denver with no skiing, and I've already told friends going with me that we will be searching out brewpubs. :o:

More Golden Monkey is going down right now. I may have found a new short term favorite.

[SkaredShtles]

<snip>
I'll look for 'em. I have one day and night in Denver with no skiing, and I've already told friends going with me that we will be searching out brewpubs. :o:
If you're lucky the Bull-n-Bush will have their Royal Arms IPA in a cask conditioned variety.... :drool:

Another good pub to seek out is Golden City Brewery in, ummmmm..., well, Golden. :D Their hours are a bit freaky, though. Something like 11:30-18:30.

-S.S.-

[fonseca]

I'm currently in Winter Park, CO, skipping a week of school for skiing. I don't think I'll ever want to ski on the east coast again after being spoiled like this. I'm wondering if five days of skiing is enough time to even hit all the runs here. I'm gonna try...

Plenty of excellent brews to be had in the area. Moffat Station (http://www.winterparkhotel.com/moffat.cfm) brags that they are the only microbrewery in town. That doesn't mean they have good beer, unfortunately. They had one passable scottish ale, and two not so passable lagers. Cheap, but I won't be going there again.

Dinos in town, on the other hand, is great, nice atmosphere and much better service. Lots of great beers on tap, but last night I stuck with Flying Dog's K-9 Cruiser High Altitude Ale. (http://www.flyingdogales.com/02_litter_brews/litter_k9.html) A really nice dark ale with a touch of hops. A really great beer, I highly recommend it to those who like strong ales. Flying Dog is available in VA, but there's no comparison with a fresh draught. I hope to visit their brewery in Denver.

Other samplings include Grand Lake Brewing COs Red Ale, which was quite tasty, and their Plaid Bastard, an 8% ABV scottish Ale which was way too smokey tasting for me to enjoy. Yuck.

Fat Tire ale signs are everywhere here.

[narlus]

the only reason i know flying dog is their eye-catching labels done by ralph steadman.

i'd love a steadman original, but don't want to be destitute.

[qualude]

Man...so many great selections of beers here, and to me, they all sound good!!
I'll add a few of my faves, too:
cold weather-Old Rasputin Russian Imperial.
Summer/all day beer-Magic Hat Fat Angel
Regular beer-after-work beer-Brooklyn Brewery Brooklyn Lager
Dessert/once in awhile beer-Rogue breweries Shakespeare Stout.


Those are ones I am kind of hung up on right now..Always subject to change!

[Westy]

The best beer I'll ever have is always the next one I'll have.

[fonseca]

The best beer I'll ever have is always the next one I'll have.

I don't know. Sometimes the next one I have turns out to be pretty crappy. But maybe you look to the future and I look to the past. I can't remember the terminology for those mindsets...too much beer (New Belgium Abbey Ale, a good example of not the best beer I've ever had. I feel let down, considering how good fat tire is.).

[SkaredShtles]

I don't know. Sometimes the next one I have turns out to be pretty crappy. But maybe you look to the future and I look to the past. I can't remember the terminology for those mindsets...too much beer (New Belgium Abbey Ale, a good example of not the best beer I've ever had. I feel let down, considering how good fat tire is.).
Me too. Like the Hop Devil from Victory. For me a big disappointment. Oh - and Fat Tire. Blech. Maybe I've drunk too much of it over the last decade. :p

-S.S.-

[narlus]

you didn't like hop devil? really?

[SkaredShtles]

you didn't like hop devil? really?
Yeah. Didn't have enough balancing bitters. Was too sweet for me. Maybe I got a bad batch? I tend to prefer my IPAs hoppy and pretty bitter. I don't mind a little sweetness, but it better have some noticable bitters.

-S.S.-

[fonseca]

My Colorado trip is over, but the beers are still available thanks to a 50lb carry-on suitcase dedicated to bottled brew. I was "Selected for special screening" at the Denver airport. They make it sound like an honor to have your belongings removed from their bags and left scattered across several tables. One of the security guys asked if it was really beer in all the bottles, and said [in seriousness] that they might need to open them. I didn't find that amusing. Fortunately none were sacrificed for the safety of our nation, and only my dignity was violated as I was searched/groped by an obese security officer in front of a long line of onlookers.

Brought back some 22oz bottles of Fat Tire. I can't remember ever seeing it for sale around here Skared, so it has the newness factor going for it. In the words of Austin Powers, it's a bit nutty. It seriously has a roasted peanut taste. It's decent, especially for the price, but I don't understand all the fuss. In fact, I wasn't too impressed with any of New Belgium's offerings. None of them did anything for me, especially the double and trippel, ugh. So I'm finishing off the last one tonight to get to the good stuff.

Speaking of good stuff, Pyramid's Apricot Ale is without a doubt the best fruit-flavored beer I've ever tried. I'm not usually a fan of the genre, but wow. Pleasant apricot taste with none of the usual overpowering fruitbeer sweetnes. I hope I can get this in VA. I love it. This could be my new regular. Anyone looking for a new beer to try, TRY THIS. I've had non-beer drinkers sample it, and even they found it to be good. It's a crowd pleaser while still having appeal for the beer aficionado. This was the only non-Colorado beer I tried while there, and had to bring a supply back.

A supply which is quickly dwindling...

[fonseca]

Tonight's beer of choice is Tommyknocker's Maple Nut Brown Ale.

Very rich maple syrup aroma, and more than a hint of sweet maple flavor. A nice medium-bodied brown, but not really what I look for in a brown. I couldn't drink more than one of these at a time. So I'm switching to...

[fonseca]

...Tommyknocker's Ornery Amber. Now this I can drink several of. In fact I just did. What the heck, I'm off tomorrow. Nice hoppiness, awesome fruity aroma, great rich, dry taste. I'd buy this again for sure, unlike the brown ale. Great amber.

[SkaredShtles]

<snip>
Brought back some 22oz bottles of Fat Tire. I can't remember ever seeing it for sale around here Skared, so it has the newness factor going for it. In the words of Austin Powers, it's a bit nutty. It seriously has a roasted peanut taste. It's decent, especially for the price, but I don't understand all the fuss. In fact, I wasn't too impressed with any of New Belgium's offerings.
Ummmmm....... I could've warned you. :p

[snip]Speaking of good stuff, Pyramid's Apricot Ale is without a doubt the best fruit-flavored beer I've ever tried. I'm not usually a fan of the genre, but wow. Pleasant apricot taste with none of the usual overpowering fruitbeer sweetnes. I hope I can get this in VA. I love it. This could be my new regular. Anyone looking for a new beer to try, TRY THIS. I've had non-beer drinkers sample it, and even they found it to be good. It's a crowd pleaser while still having appeal for the beer aficionado. This was the only non-Colorado beer I tried while there, and had to bring a supply back.

That was my wife's intro to "micro" beer. She had that years ago when she lived in California. I never cared for it much, but she certainly liked it alot.

Didn't get any Great Divide Hercules, eh? Oh - I also should've told you about the GIANT liquor store right off I-70 on your way up the ski resorts..... sorry.

-S.S.-

[fonseca]

Didn't get any Great Divide Hercules, eh? Oh - I also should've told you about the GIANT liquor store right off I-70 on your way up the ski resorts..... sorry.

No Hercules.

I saw that liquor store, wish I had stopped.

Didn't make it to Flying Dog in Denver either. It was fustrating. Here we were in CO with all these awesome things to see and do, and my group was only interested in skiing and then watching TV at the lodge afterwards. We could have hit up several good breweries in Denver, but I was overruled and we ate at Bennigans and a Wendys instead. Ugh. Same sh*t you can get in any city in the US.

I'm off the Tommyknocker, wish I hadn't brought back so much now. The Wheat Ale With Lemon Grass is what did it. Not worthy of a photo. Tastes like yeasty overcarbonated club soda with ass. This really had me regretting buying all the TK I did. I rate it as the worst beer I have ever had.

I did drink a few of the "Butthead Doppelbock Lagers" before that, which is an excellent lager, with the strength of an ale if not the body. But I had to go and buy a sixer of Raison this past week to purify myself of the TK wheat ale experience. The taste still makes me shudder.

So it's back to Belgium. The Val Dieu abbey ale was cheap compared to most belgians, although it seems to be a new creation "based" on an old recipe, which may be why. Cloudy with yeast, mildly astringant, champagne-like carbonation, and a great flavor. Belgian ales are my true calling. :drool:

[Silver]

I've had the Val Dieu Noel, and really enjoyed it. I've never seen that one though...I'm jealous.

[SkaredShtles]

No Hercules.

I saw that liquor store, wish I had stopped.

Keep it in mind for next time. But remember - no credit cards.

Didn't make it to Flying Dog in Denver either. It was fustrating. Here we were in CO with all these awesome things to see and do, and my group was only interested in skiing and then watching TV at the lodge afterwards. We could have hit up several good breweries in Denver, but I was overruled and we ate at Bennigans and a Wendys instead. Ugh. Same sh*t you can get in any city in the US.

Sounds like your group needed a good :nuts:

I'm off the Tommyknocker, wish I hadn't brought back so much now. The Wheat Ale With Lemon Grass is what did it. Not worthy of a photo. Tastes like yeasty overcarbonated club soda with ass. This really had me regretting buying all the TK I did. I rate it as the worst beer I have ever had.

Yeah - TK is really pretty bland. The other thing is they're *really* inconsistent. I've had decent IPA and bad IPA there.....

I had a cask-conditioned Scottish ale at the brewery once that was *terrible*.......

-S.S.-

[Qman]

Shakespeare Stout from Rogue Brewery in the PNW. It's a meal in a glass: appetizer, main course and dessert.

[narlus]

We could have hit up several good breweries in Denver, but I was overruled and we ate at Bennigans and a Wendys instead. Ugh. Same sh*t you can get in any city in the US.

that's the worst. f those people.

[valve bouncer]

Recently Kirin have been putting out some interesting brews. No additives stuff that have to be drunk within 60 days. The have a white ale which is very nice. Definitely the nicest Japanese beer I've ever had. Little more pricey than the usual swill but worth it. They also have a latte stout which is not really my cup of tea but good in the sense that there are no domestic stouts that I know of apart from Asahi stout that is only available on tap at selected bars. I hope their experiments continue.

[fonseca]

Recently Kirin have been putting out some interesting brews.

I'll admit to downing the occasional Kirin/Asahi/Sapporo when eating sushi, but that's as far as I'll go. At least they have the honesty to admit it's a rice beer, unlike the US domestics that pretend to be the real stuff. They may even be proud of it. :think: I've never seen anything but the regular lagers, but then again I've never really looked. I know microbrews are getting popular in Japan though.

My recent choices have included some new ones for me. Sierra Nevada's Bigfoot Barleywine, for instance. Decent, up to SN's usual standards. Just like I'd expect a good barleywine to taste. But local Richmond brewery Richbrau does it better IMO, maybe because bottled can't be compared to a fresh draught. I wouldn't buy it again for the $10 per sixer it sells for. Too many other great brews at that price.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/VSluiter/fons/bigfoot.jpg

Bear Republic's Hop Rod Rye Ale, on the other hand, will definitely make its way into my fridge again. Damned good. Very apparent rye aroma and pleasant rye flavor balanced well with the strength and moderate hoppiness of the ale (geez I sound like a wine snob). Loads of sediment in the bottle, pours cloudy, and it really opens up as it comes closer to room temperature. Next time I'm not serving it till it's well over 50 degrees.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/VSluiter/fons/hoprod.jpg

And finally, I have been drinking local stuff, and paying too much even by the growler, but local breweries Legend and Richbrau are distributed in bottles somewhat, which is a bit cheaper (although why I'll never understand). So I picked up a few bottles of Legend's Trippel. Although I prefer doubles more than trippels, I'll still take a trippel any day, and this one is excellent. I must say that my favorite local brewery got this one right. Perfect amount of carbonation, not the overdone champagne-like amount which seems somewhat common. Dry, but not to the point of tartness like some other trippels, and the slight sour yeastiness is just right. 10% ABV could be a bit higher, this lacks only the alcohol burn that some of the stronger Belgian trippels have. Doesn't taste any fresher than any other bottled microbrews though.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/VSluiter/fons/legendtrip.jpg

That's it for this past week (Yes it's Monday. Holiday weekend means an extra day of laziness). No real winners. The search continues.

[fonseca]

I've tried some great beers in the last month.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/VSluiter/fons/aprihop.jpg

Nothing like Pyramid's Apricot Ale. Tart, very subdued apricot taste and aroma that's closer to mariju--er, hemp in flavor than apricots. It adds a pleasant dimension, but it's definitely an IPA first and fruit beer second. A bit spendy at $9 per 4.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/VSluiter/fons/deadale.jpg

Rogue's Dead Guy Ale is excellent. Not enough kick for my tastes, but I'd buy it again.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/VSluiter/fons/doppelbock.jpg

Legend's Doppelbock is awesome. I can't believe I like a lager this much. I recommend it if you can get it in your area.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/VSluiter/fons/rednectar.jpg

Another Humboldt brew. I like it. Very mild, pleasant beer, with a delicate honeyed aroma and taste. Good choice for Summer. Not enough kick to be a regular choice for me.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/VSluiter/fons/salvator.jpg

Not what I expected from Paulaner. It was only okay.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/VSluiter/fons/tilburg.jpg

I bought this one solely for the Bosch artwork on the label. I think this could have been decent, but sadly it was skunked.

I have a bunch of good belgian stuff in the fridge. Dogfish Raison is still the undefeated champion. I've also been drinking A lot of Arrogant Bastard.

[fonseca]

Man, this forum is dead. Everyone must be abstaining in preparation for the coming riding season.

Not Me. :thumb:

I've finally found something as good as Grimbergen's double. Really. Avery Brewing CO's The Reverend, a Belgian style quadruple ale, 10% ABV. It's freaking awesome. Especially after two 22oz bottles, even more. . .awesome. Brewed with Belgian candy sugar, it has a taste and body almost identical to Grimbergen, but at exactly 1/5th the cost as it's brewed in CO. I love it. Although I've tried some other brews over the last half year that are just as good, if not better. Maybe not the best, but in the top five for sure.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/VSluiter/fons/TheReverend.jpg

[Fathead]

I've finally found something as good as Grimbergen's double. Really. Avery Brewing CO's The Reverend, a Belgian style quadruple ale, 10% ABV. It's freaking awesome. Especially after two 22oz bottles, even more. . .awesome. Brewed with Belgian candy sugar, it has a taste and body almost identical to Grimbergen, but at exactly 1/5th the cost as it's brewed in CO. I love it. Although I've tried some other brews over the last half year that are just as good, if not better. Maybe not the best, but in the top five for sure.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/VSluiter/fons/TheReverend.jpg

Yes, the Reverend Rocks. In fact, he's rocking my beer frig right now. Hmmm, may have to open that one up. Thanks for the reminder!

BTW, I'm a little surprised that you didn't like the Salvator. It's one of my all-time favorites. A little cloying in large quantities, but that's why they make a hefe-weizen (to wash the Salvator down with!).

[BikeGeek]

Had some Ommegang Rare Vos Friday night and some Beamish on Saturday. Just picked up some Young's Ramrod. :drool:

[narlus]

last wed had some lagunitas IPA, and a couple of Rogue Chocolate Stouts. oh so good from the tap.

[berkshire_rider]

Man, this forum is dead. Everyone must be abstaining in preparation for the coming riding season.

Not really, just have a bunch of beer in the fridge, and haven't needed to buy any lately. However, I picked up these today:

[SkaredShtles]

<snip>
I've finally found something as good as Grimbergen's double. Really. Avery Brewing CO's The Reverend, a Belgian style quadruple ale, 10% ABV.
Hmmmm....... just had an Avery Maharaja Imperial IPA on Saturday. Too bad I was already $hitty from the mojitos. It was tasty, though, even in my inebriated state:

"The newest beer to the Avery family is now available. The Maharaja - Imperial IPA is royally welcomed to Colorado. Weighing in at a huge 112 ibs's, and 9.7% abv, The Maharaja is a maniacal display of hops and malts. This newest Avery Dictator completes the "Dictator Series" joining the likes of The Kaiser & The Czar. Be aware that the Maharaja is a limited release only available for the summer. Welcome to his kingdom!"

[JRogers]

Not really, just have a bunch of beer in the fridge, and haven't needed to buy any lately. However, I picked up these today:

Neat, I dig the Fat Angel.

I bought a growler (64 oz jug) of Otter Creek Copper Ale this weekend. Friends and I enjoyed.

[Silver]

I hated the Reverend. Thought it was way too sweet. Maybe they've tuned down the sugar in that last couple of years?

[berkshire_rider]

Nothing like Pyramid's Apricot Ale. Tart, very subdued apricot taste and aroma that's closer to mariju--er, hemp in flavor than apricots. It adds a pleasant dimension, but it's definitely an IPA first and fruit beer second. A bit spendy at $9 per 4.

:stupid:

The Fat Angel was better than the Dogfish Apricot, although it wasn't bad.

[bluebug32]

Hey,

It's awesome to see that so many people have discovered Ommegang. I live near the brewery and it's a great place to check out if you're ever near Cooperstown. There's another brewery just down the road too.

Besides Ommegang, one of my favorite beers is Magic Hat number 9 (though all of their brews are great!) from VT.

Beth

[spin02]

I really dig some Corsendonk, Abbey Brown. Mmmm

[fonseca]

Speaking of Ommegang...

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/VSluiter/fons/Ommegang.jpg

Just look at that caramel-colored head. I should have taken a photo with light on the glass, as this beer has such a nice ruby color.

It's very good indeed, although there's something strange about it. Almost a wine tannin quality, it has a bitter spice taste or something. I can't describe it, but after drinking two in a row it really started to bother me. Of course, after 44oz of strong brew my mind doesn't always do right. :o:

Anyway, I'm done with it for a while. The good news is that I have a bottle of Rare Vos and Three Philoshophers, neither of which I have ever tried. And I can almost guarantee that I bought every bottle of The Reverend that's in Richmond. I'm stocked up through the Summer. Probably longer, since I'm going to try and strictly limit my beer intake after April. This has to stop. I could have bought some nice bike parts with what I've spent on beer since December. Silver, The Reverend is a bit on the sweet side, but I really like it, it balances well with the strength.

I've never seen fat Angel before, but I'll look for it.

BTW, I'm a little surprised that you didn't like the Salvator. It's one of my all-time favorites.

It was good, but I had no idea I was getting something like that. I had also had a few light weizens before it, so it came as a suprise. I'll pick it up again sometime and drink it more objectively.

[scoundrel]

Hmmm. I don't have much in the way of a Favorite beer, but heres a list of what I sample regularly. I usually choose beer based on alcohol content which is odd, but the high octane beers do taste great.


Dead Guy Ale from Rogue is awesome...actually anything from Rogue brewery in Oregon is awesome.

Brother David's Trippel from Anderson Valley Brewing is about a 10% alcohol content beer and tates yummy... other good beers from Anderson Valley are they're Hop Ottin IPA, Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout.

Lagunitas Hairy Eyeball and Sirius ales are really good

Stone Arrogant Bastard, Double Bastard, and Ruination Ipa are favorites

Delirium Tremens and Nocturnum are tasty and come in cool bottles

Mendocino Brewing has Eye of the Hawk and Talon Barleywine which are awesome

North Coast Brewery has Pranqster, Old Rasputin Imperial Stout which are great

I dunno, I like a lot of beers. My grocery store has a huge selection of microbrews, foreign, domestic, and everything in between...we even have mead.

[narlus]

i got some Rogue Brutal Bitter last Friday and that's pretty good. i don't like the Rogue porter, but the dead guy ale and shakespeare stout are all very good.

i also found some anderson valley hop ottin IPA a few weeks ago which was good. currently enjoying a Magic Hat HI.P.A, which is nice.

heading to the real ale fest this week (www.nerax.org); any other boston-area people gonna make it? am thinking of hitting the thursday night time.

[BikeGeek]

The good news is that I have a bottle of Rare Vos and Three Philoshophers, neither of which I have ever tried.

Both very good. 3P is a sipper if I ever had one. It's definitely not something to be rushed.

Nice photo! :thumb: