What beer ya drinkin'?

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

Another great Belgian beer..... St Bernardus Apt 12

Very good!!! I've had a few of those this summer.

 

[Hugh Januss]

Budwiser!!

You misspelled that - it's "Budwizz"

 

[usedtobefast]

Another great Belgian beer..... St Bernardus Apt 12

Random review; "I expected a lot out of this beer, which has earned a 100th percentile rating at RateBeer. I’ve heard many people speak highly of it as one of the finest examples of Belgian brewing, and, honestly, I’m a bit embarassed that I had yet to try it.

Out of the bottle, this beer froths up immediately, even with a gentle pour. The massive head which billows above the rim of the glass smells of bananas and has a very sweet fruity flavor. You’re going to get to know this head, as it sits on the beer for some time and you have to do a little digging to get through to the actual beer. I love the amount of fruit that comes through in this beer, balanced by a serious kick of alcohol and a caramelly sweetness. Swish it around in your mouth and the flavors open up, as well as a good amount of foam. This isn’t a bad thing as the beer feels like a cloud as it passes through your mouth.

I said I had high expectations for this beer and all it did was meet them and possibly exceed them. A difficult beer for a novice to drink, seasoned pros should also be wary, as the 11 ounce bottle definitely slowed my evening down considerably. Don’t let this one stay on the shelf any longer."

True... this is about quality, not quantity.

where did you get it?

 

[Anonymous]

where did you get it?

BevMo. There is also a place called Beverage Warehouse down by LAX that you can buy Belgian beer en masse. I buy Buffalo Stout and Tripel Karmeliet there (among other things). They are really helpful. If the beer is imported to the US they can get it.

http://www.beveragewarehouse.com/search/more_info.php?item_id=352

http://www.bevmo.com/Shop/ProductList.aspx?N=41+190&area=Beer&Ns=Name%7c0


Edit: The wifer and I went to Watou to the St. Bernardus Brewery. The bad news is they did not have a tasting room. The good news is they were well on their way to constructing one and we were told it would be ready to go for the classics season. Oh yeah!

 

[Anonymous]

Here is an unusual but excellent Belgian Tripel. Most Tripels are golden in color but this one is dark. Note; Like many Belgian beers, Gulden Draak can be cellared like a fine Cabernet, hence the bottle designed to allow no light to reach the bottled beer. I'm told they get better with age but I'll never be able to wait.

A Review; "I gently pour the squat white bottle into my glass and out pours a dark brown-redish liquid with minimal head. The scent is unbelievably sweet. It smells like cotton candy with a hint of scotch. That’s a good thing. The flavor is very spicy. Sweet orange juice flavors with a caramel tone. I can tell it’s 10.5 abv but it’s not offputting. The mouthfeel is lighter then I expected with lots of carbonation. I’m halfway through my glass and I’m already feeling warm all over. This beer will kick your ass if you don’t pay attention. A sipper for sure."

Not in my top 5 but fantastic just the same.

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

 

[Anonymous]

Trappist beer is just so good. Koningshoeven is the only Trappist beer brewed outside of Belgium. Had a couple of the Quadruppel's on top of the Kappelmuur this past year and met James Startt of Bicycling Magazine. He is a really nice guy. He would not drink with us because he was "working". Sucked for him.

 

[Anonymous]

Here's some tips on tasting/rating beer you may have tried or want to try;

BEER TASTING

Introduction
Judging beer is a complicated task that requires a great deal of experience, dedication and patience (nobody wants a hangover). The enormous variety of styles readily available today will keep any beer lover on their toes and therefore demands a lot of knowledge by the reviewer in order to appropriately review every style. With that in mind, let your senses familiarize themselves with what each style has to offer so that you may judge with less prejudice (and everyone is biased to some degree). Consider the following to help yourself more objectively examine your well-deserved beer.

Appearance - 15 points maximum score
The appearance of your beer may very well be the most overlooked aspect to beer in general. It is the only one of your senses that you can literally hide. Never try judging a beer by drinking from the bottle (Every time you do, somewhere in the world, a brew master cries, and probably not an employee of Anheuser-Busch). Make sure you properly pour your beer into a suitable glass (which could be a whole chapter in its own right) and pay close attention. Notice how the bubbles behave as they are poured and surface to create the head. Note the size and formation of the bubbles and how long they last (I'm always mesmerized by a Duvel's never-ending growth of head). Look through the glass at the liquid to see how clear or cloudy it is. A cloudy beer is not usually a bad thing, so consider the style. A bottle conditioned ale, like most Belgian ales, will contain yeast in the bottle (don't be turned off, these living "critters" have a valuable nutrition bonus of vitamin B). Finally, observe the color of the beer. Hold it up to the light. Colors of beers vary greatly, from the lightest blonde, to cranberry red, to perfectly opaque black. All styles have their typical colors (however, the color of a beer has virtually no relation to its texture or alcohol content). Be sure to watch the beer all the way to the last drop. The remnants of foam on the side of the glass (called Brussels lace) will differ by the quality and style of the beer.

Aroma 15 points maximum score
Aroma is probably the next most ignored characteristic of beer. The shape of glass and turbulence of your beer will affect the wafting bouquet of scents. Some styles, such as a framboise lambic, will arouse all those at your table, while a lager may be much more subtle. Swirl the beer in your glass and put it to your nose. Certain styles are often heavier on either the malts or the hops. A malty beer could be grainy, toasty, coffee-like and even chocolaty. A well-hopped beer is usually pleasantly flowery or citrus. Numerous scents may be present in a complex beer, which can make the judging difficult but also exciting. Other common smells are alcohols, esters, fruits, nuts, spices and resins. Unfortunately, there are sometimes unwanted odors to poorly made or handled beers. These include phenols (plastic-like), oils, diacetyl (butterscotch), sulfur, cooked vegetables, moldy or wet cardboard, leather, skunk, metallic and stale smelling odors. Occasionally a beer may have an unusual aroma, but it is usually apparent when it is unintentional. Remember to take a periodic sniff of your beer. If you are unsure if the beer is up to par with the style, try another sample from a different batch and be sure to sample other beers of the same style. Aromas also become clearer as the beer warms (no wonder why you usually get your Bud served ice cold).

Mouthfeel - 30 points maximum score
The mouthfeel is how the beer physically feels throughout the consumption. Take a sip and let the fluid roll over your tongue slowly, being sure to cover your entire mouth before swallowing. Some beers may be smooth and gentle while others may take control and bite at first chance. Notice the carbonation, which could be almost non-existent or fizzy. The body is how thick and viscous the fluid feels as it flows. A light lager may pass like water (no surprise) and a complex ale may seem thick and almost chewy. The sensation of alcohol is usually the final touch in a stronger beer. After the swallow a Belgian strong ale may leave a cozy, warm feeling and an aged barley wine a manly burn (try the Samuel Adams Triple Bock at over 17% abv).

Flavor - 40 points maximum score
The most obvious element of a beer is its flavor. Of course, flavor and aroma partially overlap, working together to make a great couple. Take a sip of the beer and see what first comes to mind. Now think of the basics. Does it start sweet or bitter? Or maybe you find it tart or sour. If it's an ale, especially a Belgian, it may be fruity. What types of fruit do you taste? Or if it seems nutty, what types of nuts? A lot of styles are well hopped and can taste quite bitter. Remember that certain styles are supposed to be sweeter or more bitter than usual, so try not to bias your review because you prefer the opposite. Also, be sure to notice any changes as the beer travels past your tongue and down your throat. A beer will often start sweet and end bitter (because of the layout of your taste buds) along with changing character in your mouth. This means you may have to separate flavors from the start, middle and finish, or aftertaste. A well-made, complex beer's flavor will seem to morph from one flavor to the next. You may also notice different flavors with different sips. As with aroma, the flavor will also increase with temperature and usually seems to change with time. It is important to take your time when drinking. With many styles, spending 30 or 45 minutes before finishing a glass will rarely keep your taste buds bored.

Overall - 100 points maximum score
After you have finished your beer you will probably have a good idea as to your overall liking of it. The overall rating of a beer is where you can ignore the style and say what you really feel. Maybe you think it's not fit for human consumption (or perhaps only with a hot dog and chips). In contrast, there is that beer you are considering changing your middle name to.


If you are social try having a beer tasting party. They are fun, especially with beer novices.

 

[amp300]

I just found a place in my town that sells beer from Breckenridge brewery, absolutely made my week. Has been years since I last had one of their brews, and now I can get a steady supply.

 

[badboyberty]

Trappist beer is just so good. Koningshoeven is the only Trappist beer brewed outside of Belgium. Had a couple of the Quadruppel's on top of the Kappelmuur this past year and met James Startt of Bicycling Magazine. He is a really nice guy. He would not drink with us because he was "working". Sucked for him.

It's discussions like this that make me wish I lived in a hops growing region instead of a wine producing one. I can choose from a hundred or more big reds locally but I can only get Trappist ales from one local cafe (and he's got a three beers a time limit in his licence and generally only one of those is an ale).

 

[Anonymous]

Well, 'tis Friday afternoon (West Coast USA) so I thought I'd make a recommendation for the weekend;

We have not discussed this the Belgian treat yet, so now is as good a time as any.

Scaldis Ale Review;

"This ale weighs in at 12% abv but is in no way cloying or sappy sweet as most other brews with this potency. Scaldis has a nutty, lightly sweet malty bouquet and flavor with a warming, complex dry finish. It is this dryness that makes this beer so drinkable and so deceiving. Dry enough to be an aperitif, but I would save it for after dinner (in a brandy snifter). Worth seeking out!"

Serve at about 60 degrees (F).

Cheers!

 

[biker9]

what beer you drinking

I have tried a few beers now on my travels,but i can't go passed a pint of Guinness.Just lucky we have Irish pubs here in melbourne or i would have to to the source.although that wouldn't be a bad compromise.

 

[Anonymous]

I had a chance to have one of these, Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock;

Random review -

"Real dark walnut colour nearly opaque with a great tan head that slowly dissipates leaving a decent lacing.

Aromas of molasses toasted malt and faint date scent in the background. Also quite a few doughy notes coming through.

Tastes like a combination of roasted hazelnuts molasses and some type of nut brittle all with a slightly darker tone too it. Finishes with a little bit of drying hops but not too much, definitely still a little sweet towards the finish as well as up front, but plenty of roasty balance to it.

Great smooth weighty feel to this beer, carries the intense roasted flavours very well thanks to this and goes down very very smooth.

For such an intense beer goes down very easily and carries the alcohol well"

If you can find one of these, by all means, try it.

 

[Hugh Januss]

I had a chance to have one of these, Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock;

Random review -

"Real dark walnut colour nearly opaque with a great tan head that slowly dissipates leaving a decent lacing.

Aromas of molasses toasted malt and faint date scent in the background. Also quite a few doughy notes coming through.

Tastes like a combination of roasted hazelnuts molasses and some type of nut brittle all with a slightly darker tone too it. Finishes with a little bit of drying hops but not too much, definitely still a little sweet towards the finish as well as up front, but plenty of roasty balance to it.

Great smooth weighty feel to this beer, carries the intense roasted flavours very well thanks to this and goes down very very smooth.

For such an intense beer goes down very easily and carries the alcohol well"

If you can find one of these, by all means, try it.

That reminds me. We went to the Back Abbey last friday night after setting up the cross course at Bonelli Park. That place rocks! Of course the first beer I ordered was a Leffe IPA then a Piraat. I realized my knowledge of Belgian beers is somewhat limited. OK very....

 

[Anonymous]

That reminds me. We went to the Back Abbey last friday night after setting up the cross course at Bonelli Park. That place rocks! Of course the first beer I ordered was a Leffe IPA then a Piraat. I realized my knowledge of Belgian beers is somewhat limited. OK very....

How cool! I'm glad you had a chance to get by there.

Don't worry about the knowledge part, the staff there is really helpful. The funny thing about Belgian beer is the range of what they make is really wide. For example, I don't really care for the Lambic's, but I am passionate about the ale's, dubbels, tripels and quadruppels (which includes the Trappist beers).

Next time you go have them pour a Buffalo Stout and a St. Bernardus Apt 12, then taste them side-by-side. I think you will really appreciate trying to decide which one you like better.

They also have Tripel Karmeliet on tap, which is another huge treat.

 

[pmcg76]

Great thread, its amazing but mention Belgium as a destination to most people and they wont give it a thought whilst I can automatically think of 2 great reasons for going to Belgium, Cycling & Beer.

My favourites are Duvel, Hoegarden, Delerium and Jupiler is the most down to earth enjoyable lager you can find anywhere. I cannot get into the Trappist beers however. Will have to try again next time I am over, hopefully November, some 'cross' & beer sounds good.

I am gonna plug a friends company in the US now, Allagash Breweries in Maine. My friend works for them so when I was last in the US I ended up drinking a lot of Allagash and I really liked it, of course they brew some Belgian style beers which are really good.

To think I am not really a 'drinker'

 

[El Imbatido]

To think I am not really a 'drinker'

Don't let the group here you say that, you'll be banished from the "Secret Beer Drinking Society" forever........

 

[derailleur]

It's discussions like this that make me wish I lived in a hops growing region instead of a wine producing one.

The point of hopping a beer is to preserve it (okay, to flavor it, but the hops are a preservative). This means hopped beers travel well. Farther. Extending the range beyond a more perishable product.

So if you live in a wine growing region, you probably also live in a hop-producing region, you just need to find a proper retailer to bring in the suds.

 

[Hugh Januss]

The point of hopping a beer is to preserve it (okay, to flavor it, but the hops are a preservative). This means hopped beers travel well. Farther. Extending the range beyond a more perishable product.

That's why IPAs are called IPA short for India Pale Ale. The English discovered that high hopping the beer would preserve it on the long seagoing trip from jolly old to the colonies in India.

 

[Bag_O_Wallet]

Great thread, its amazing but mention Belgium as a destination to most people and they wont give it a thought whilst I can automatically think of 2 great reasons for going to Belgium, Cycling & Beer.

My favourites are Duvel, Hoegarden, Delerium and Jupiler is the most down to earth enjoyable lager you can find anywhere. I cannot get into the Trappist beers however. Will have to try again next time I am over, hopefully November, some 'cross' & beer sounds good.

I am gonna plug a friends company in the US now, Allagash Breweries in Maine. My friend works for them so when I was last in the US I ended up drinking a lot of Allagash and I really liked it, of course they brew some Belgian style beers which are really good.

To think I am not really a 'drinker'

I had an Allagash Grand Cru a while back on holiday in Vermont. It was very nice. I had it a lunch, and had pleasantly buzzed afternoon.

Give you friend an "Atta Boy" for me.

 

[usedtobefast]

today...it will be very cold beer and yes American.

 

[Anonymous]

My own

I usually stick to what I brew at home. See above.

 

[Anonymous]

I usually stick to what I brew at home. See above.

Very nice.

What types (styles?) of beer are you brewing?

 

[dblueroom]

Great thread, its amazing but mention Belgium as a destination to most people and they wont give it a thought whilst I can automatically think of 2 great reasons for going to Belgium, Cycling & Beer.

My favourites are Duvel, Hoegarden, Delerium and Jupiler is the most down to earth enjoyable lager you can find anywhere. I cannot get into the Trappist beers however. Will have to try again next time I am over, hopefully November, some 'cross' & beer sounds good.

I am gonna plug a friends company in the US now, Allagash Breweries in Maine. My friend works for them so when I was last in the US I ended up drinking a lot of Allagash and I really liked it, of course they brew some Belgian style beers which are really good.

To think I am not really a 'drinker'

i dont drink vodka, tho i like margarita, tequila, champaign, drink wine but not excessively, so beer seems to be the casual alternative. my mother in law lives in main, so i sure will check out Allagash when i am there...