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Wine and Beer Enthusiasts
- Thread starter albertfallickwa
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I was rooting through some of our Photobucket and found a few photos from when I was in a beer club (got it a couple of years in a row for a Christmas present 
)
Figured Id just toss these up, basically it was 4 styles a month, sometimes 2 from the same brewery. I think Ive got a file where I recorded some drinking notes, Ill have to see if I can find it - otherwise, enjoy the pics
)Figured Id just toss these up, basically it was 4 styles a month, sometimes 2 from the same brewery. I think Ive got a file where I recorded some drinking notes, Ill have to see if I can find it - otherwise, enjoy the pics
In Wilmington, NC, there's a startup called "NextGlass" They're trying to be the Pandora of beer and wine. They're scientifically testing very beer and wine they can get their hands on and are using the data from this to reccomended similar drinks you may like. They haven't released a version to the public yet, but you can sign up as a beta tester for when the app is released. It seems like a very cool idea.
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We visited the Brouwerij 't IJ last year, and enjoyed some very nice beers and some moreish ossenworst in their old windmill. 'twas most lekker.
We visited the Brouwerij 't IJ last year, and enjoyed some very nice beers and some moreish ossenworst in their old windmill. 'twas most lekker.
I must compliment you on your obvious good taste in Special Beers. My personal favorites from this brouwerij are Zatte, and Columbus.
The Brouwerij t IJ is a newcomer but one of the really great special beer brouwers. It was started in 1983 by Kasper Peterson, I met him once at a Beer tasting fair, when he was just begining to make a name for his beers. (He had been in a minor Dutch pop group in the late 1970s)
The Brouwerij has the good luck to be situated nexted to a windmill, its very difficult to think of anything more Dutch than that.
I do hope that you enjoyed the rest of your vacation in the Netherlands.
We visited the Brouwerij 't IJ last year, and enjoyed some very nice beers and some moreish ossenworst in their old windmill. 'twas most lekker.
Ah, it is a good number of years since I last visited the Netherlands, and, I must say, my knowledge of excellent breweries was not part of my itinerary; however, I am always very interested to learn of some excellent breweries in any country, and more than happy to make their acquaintance
This evening, I paid a visit to a well stocked spot which sells a very good range of wines and beers, and made a few purchases, a number of which came recommended, but which I have not sampled before. However, tonight, I am sipping a glass of one of my favourite beers, a Belgian classic, called simply "Gouden Carolus Classic", a superb beer ..
Tonight, I drank a glass or two of Tokay……the legendary Hungarian wine (nicknamed 'Wine of Kings and King of Wines', and reputedly, a favourite of a number of monarchs…).
Many of the Tokays (sometimes spelt Tokaji) available for sale in western Europe are of variable quality, but this one was very pleasant, exceptionally well balanced, and not too sweet. The Tokaji I sampled is called 'Tokaji Aszu - St Stephen's Crown' and is graded at '5 Puttonyos', which, I was assured when I bought it, meant that it was rather good……...
Many of the Tokays (sometimes spelt Tokaji) available for sale in western Europe are of variable quality, but this one was very pleasant, exceptionally well balanced, and not too sweet. The Tokaji I sampled is called 'Tokaji Aszu - St Stephen's Crown' and is graded at '5 Puttonyos', which, I was assured when I bought it, meant that it was rather good……...
Finally picked up a 6 of something I’d been meaning to try. Left Hand Milk Stout (brewed in Colorado). Texture is so nice: rich, smooth and creamy. Big notes of coffee, slightly bittersweet chocolate, caramel, delicious roasted malts with a nice sweetness, a very barely detectible hop in the finish. Very dark, a nice level of carb, 6% ABV. Score: A-
Attachments
Some of the (less expensive, or more easily available - as - in common with some French wine exporters, it is not always the case that the best of the Tokaji/Tokay wines are available through export - sometimes, they export the less good stuff, knowing that their market may not know the difference) - Tokaji/Tokay wines are sickly sweet, but the really good ones are beautifully balanced, as was the one I drank tonight, which was sufficiently acidic (the way, say, apricot can be), to balance the smooth sweetness.
A very elegant wine; I'll look out for a further bottle or two of this particular variety; however, as I bought it two years ago when it was recommended to me, I may not be able to obtain it .
Ah, thank you for your interesting review.
Actually, I was about to ask, firstly, what the ABV was (but you have already amended your post to inform us that it is 6%, so this makes it a beer well worth sampling), and secondly, what size did that bottle retail in? Usually, in Europe, a beer of that strength will come in a bottle of approximately of 33cl - i.e. a third of a litre - or, at most 40 cl - whereas the less robust beers will usually come in bottles of 50 cl (half a litre, which is not too far off a pint).
Here in the US most bottled beer (both domestic and imported) is 12oz (~0.35 liter), regardless of the ABV. So the really bad, low[er] ABV domestics and the spectacular micro beers like Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA (9% ABV) are both in 12oz.
Most of the smaller micros are only sold in 6-packs (of 12oz bottles), but many of the macros offer a 12-pack box (the swill you can get in 24-36 boxes of cans**
) Now many of the stores (from dedicated beer/liquor to grocery) have a make-your-own-6 where you can mix/match any 6 which is fun for a sampler.There are some restaurants/bars that have outstanding beer selections on tap, that do actually limit the higher ABV to 10oz glasses (vs. the typical pint glass).
Some of the big bottled singles in the 22oz+ size are pretty _stout_ in terms of ABV. The Shipyard limited Smashed Pumpkin (in 22oz bottles) is 9% ABV, so depending on your constitution, you probably wouldnt want to drink a couple of those quickly
** Funny enough, there are some excellent beers now offered (or only offered) in cans. The Cigar City (out of Tampa) Jai Lai IPA for example.
Ok, I have to find this. I love pecans and I love beer! Genius! I have had a few of there beers, pretty much what ever I could find on tap in New Orleans!
Here in the US most bottled beer (both domestic and imported) is 12oz (~0.35 liter), regardless of the ABV. So the really bad, low[er] ABV domestics and the spectacular micro beers like Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA (9% ABV) are both in 12oz.
Most of the smaller micros are only sold in 6-packs (of 12oz bottles), but many of the macros offer a 12-pack box (the swill you can get in 24-36 boxes of cans**
There are some restaurants/bars that have outstanding beer selections on tap, that do actually limit the higher ABV to 10oz glasses (vs. the typical pint glass).
Some of the big bottled singles in the 22oz+ size are pretty _stout_ in terms of ABV. The Shipyard limited Smashed Pumpkin (in 22oz bottles) is 9% ABV, so depending on your constitution, you probably wouldnt want to drink a couple of those quickly
** Funny enough, there are some excellent beers now offered (or only offered) in cans. The Cigar City (out of Tampa) Jai Lai IPA for example.
Thank you for the interesting and detailed reply.
I could not agree more one of the truly great beers.
Do you have a direct line to my local supermarket,
No sooner a tip from you and they have it on the shelves.
They also have broaden their range with a Triple IPA, and Golden Triple.
I could not agree more one of the truly great beers.
Do you have a direct line to my local supermarket,
No sooner a tip from you and they have it on the shelves.
Image
They also have broaden their range with a Triple IPA, and Golden Triple.
A direct line to your local supermarket? No, alas, but I do have some sort of line to a supermarket of my own, as I am on quite good terms with some of the younger staff in an excellent local off licence when I am home.
Last night, in a local microbrewery, with a very old and good friend, I had a glass of Orval - which was very, very good - and a glass of (the least alcoholic at a mere 7.5%) Trappist Rochefort (a beer which I had not tried before) which was mind-blowingly superb.
I dont know if you are aware, if the brewery has the label Trappist, a proportion of its profits go to the charities and good causes, that the monks of the order of Cistercian support. So you can drink and feel good that you are helping your fellow human beings.
"Achel" van de Sint-Benedictusabdij, ook wel de Achelse Kluis genoemd, in Hamont-Achel
"Chimay" van de Abdij Notre-Dame de Scourmont in Chimay
"Engelszell" van Stift Engelszell in Engelhartszell an der Donau, Oostenrijk
"La Trappe" van de Abdij Koningshoeven in Berkel-Enschot, Nederland
"Orval" van de Abdij van Orval in Villers-devant-Orval
"Rochefort" van de Abdij Notre-Dame de Saint-Rémy in Rochefort
"Spencer" van de Saint Joseph's Abbey in Spencer
"Westmalle" van de Abdij van Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van het Heilig Hart in Westmalle
"Westvleteren" van de Sint-Sixtusabdij in Westvleteren
"Zundert" van de Abdij Maria Toevlucht te Zundert
Orval was the favourite beer of my late first wife, the distinct oval shaped bottle, it has a little to much of a fruit taste to be a firm favourite of mine. Henri Vaes designed the bottle, which is still used today.
I never get tired of telling people its never about the alcohol percentage, but about the taste. The delicate mixing of various ingredients, to bring a unique flavour, plus colour, and aroma. These beers are to be savoured, while taking your time to experince the full palate of the brewers art.
I dont know if you are aware, if the brewery has the label Trappist, a proportion of its profits go to the charities and good causes, that the monks of the order of Cistercian support. So you can drink and feel good that you are helping your fellow human beings.
"Achel" van de Sint-Benedictusabdij, ook wel de Achelse Kluis genoemd, in Hamont-Achel
"Chimay" van de Abdij Notre-Dame de Scourmont in Chimay
"Engelszell" van Stift Engelszell in Engelhartszell an der Donau, Oostenrijk
"La Trappe" van de Abdij Koningshoeven in Berkel-Enschot, Nederland
"Orval" van de Abdij van Orval in Villers-devant-Orval
"Rochefort" van de Abdij Notre-Dame de Saint-Rémy in Rochefort
"Spencer" van de Saint Joseph's Abbey in Spencer
"Westmalle" van de Abdij van Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van het Heilig Hart in Westmalle
"Westvleteren" van de Sint-Sixtusabdij in Westvleteren
"Zundert" van de Abdij Maria Toevlucht te Zundert
Orval was the favourite beer of my late first wife, the distinct oval shaped bottle, it has a little to much of a fruit taste to be a firm favourite of mine. Henri Vaes designed the bottle, which is still used today.
I never get tired of telling people its never about the alcohol percentage, but about the taste. The delicate mixing of various ingredients, to bring a unique flavour, plus colour, and aroma. These beers are to be savoured, while taking your time to experince the full palate of the brewers art.
I couldn't agree more. If you have a 3% ABV beer that has a stellar pallet as opposed to a 15% ABV beer, that tastes like crap...... I didn't know about the donation part. See that makes me feel better about my consumption!
Here in the US most bottled beer (both domestic and imported) is 12oz (~0.35 liter), regardless of the ABV. So the really bad, low[er] ABV domestics and the spectacular micro beers like Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA (9% ABV) are both in 12oz.
Most of the smaller micros are only sold in 6-packs (of 12oz bottles), but many of the macros offer a 12-pack box (the swill you can get in 24-36 boxes of cans**
There are some restaurants/bars that have outstanding beer selections on tap, that do actually limit the higher ABV to 10oz glasses (vs. the typical pint glass).
Some of the big bottled singles in the 22oz+ size are pretty _stout_ in terms of ABV. The Shipyard limited Smashed Pumpkin (in 22oz bottles) is 9% ABV, so depending on your constitution, you probably wouldnt want to drink a couple of those quickly
** Funny enough, there are some excellent beers now offered (or only offered) in cans. The Cigar City (out of Tampa) Jai Lai IPA for example.
Is 6% considered higher ABV by most mortals? I figured 7-9 to be average. My go to that I drink like an average American drinks Bud Light is Flying Dog's Raging Bitch and it's between 8-9% ABV. I can put down a 6'er pretty easily. Dogfish Head makes a 120 minute IPA and IIRC it runs about 20% on average depending on what batch it came from. Most of my favorite beers are North of 10% though. I love strong Belgians and Imperials whatevers. One of my favorites I've ever brewed was a Belgian sitting at about 14%. That was a strong beer. Several mugs and you were out for the night. I did make a smoked stout once that came in right around 10 and I spent about 10 hours on my friend's front porch drinking it one day. We kicked a corny between 3 of us and still managed to go out later that night. That was one fun St. Pat's.
VI™;19615887 said:Is 6% considered higher ABV by most mortals? I figured 7-9 to be average. My go to that I drink like an average American drinks Bud Light is Flying Dog's Raging Bitch and it's between 8-9% ABV. I can put down a 6'er pretty easily. Dogfish Head makes a 120 minute IPA and IIRC it runs about 20% on average depending on what batch it came from. Most of my favorite beers are North of 10% though. I love strong Belgians and Imperials whatevers. One of my favorites I've ever brewed was a Belgian sitting at about 14%. That was a strong beer. Several mugs and you were out for the night. I did make a smoked stout once that came in right around 10 and I spent about 10 hours on my friend's front porch drinking it one day. We kicked a corny between 3 of us and still managed to go out later that night. That was one fun St. Pat's.
In the US, for most of your mass produced beer, is usually in the four to high fives in the ABV. There are exceptions, some are now doing six to seven percent beers. Budlight Platinum and the like.
Most of the ones I drink are usually in the high nines to ten and above. I love dogfish heads 120 minute IPA. Super strong though. If you can find it on tap, it is freaking a glorious sight and taste!
Not to mention some of the Stone Brewery stuff (which is one of my favorites) is north of the nine percent!
If you like stouts, try Avery's Mephisto Stout. It is a sipping beer and man does it pack a punch! It is actually pretty good too!
http://averybrewing.com/our-ales/mephistopheles/
I don’t know if you are aware, if the brewery has the label Trappist, a proportion of it’s profits go to the charities and good causes, that the monks of the order of Cistercian support. So you can drink and feel good that you are helping your fellow human beings.
"Achel" van de Sint-Benedictusabdij, ook wel de Achelse Kluis genoemd, in Hamont-Achel
"Chimay" van de Abdij Notre-Dame de Scourmont in Chimay
"Engelszell" van Stift Engelszell in Engelhartszell an der Donau, Oostenrijk
"La Trappe" van de Abdij Koningshoeven in Berkel-Enschot, Nederland
"Orval" van de Abdij van Orval in Villers-devant-Orval
"Rochefort" van de Abdij Notre-Dame de Saint-Rémy in Rochefort
"Spencer" van de Saint Joseph's Abbey in Spencer
"Westmalle" van de Abdij van Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van het Heilig Hart in Westmalle
"Westvleteren" van de Sint-Sixtusabdij in Westvleteren
"Zundert" van de Abdij Maria Toevlucht te Zundert
Orval was the favourite beer of my late first wife, the distinct oval shaped bottle, it has a little to much of a fruit taste to be a firm favourite of mine. Henri Vaes designed the bottle, which is still used today.
I never get tired of telling people it’s never about the alcohol percentage, but about the taste. The delicate mixing of various ingredients, to bring a unique flavour, plus colour, and aroma. These beers are to be savoured, while taking your time to experince the full palate of the brewer’s art.
Ah, now that is a fine list, good to read and probably better still to drink. Thank you for taking the trouble to type it out and post it. Are these all of the beers that are permitted to market themselves under the label of '''Trappist"?
And yes, while I was aware that these breweries are still based in monasteries, and so assumed that some of the beer production was intended to finance the work of the monasteries, I hadn't realised that a specific percentage of the profits went towards charities: An even better reason to support some superb products, feel good psychologically while feeling mellow physically.
Re the actual beers themselves, while I have tried a number of these "Chimay", "Orval" (yes, the bottle is lovely), "Trappist Rochefort", and have seen both "Westemalle" and "Westvleteren" in some of our better 'off licences', (but have not yet sampled them - I assume that a treat is in store for me), the others are beers that I have not even heard of.
Well, as ever, further exploration and discovery are clearly in order…...
Yes you are quite correct those are the ten breweries which are accredited with the Trappist Stamp of Approval. This means that they donate a certain percentage of their profits to charity work.
When ever my grandfather was drinking beer, and my grandmother made a comment, my grandfather would always pull a sad face, and say he was helping feed orphans.
Back to the list, I have tasted every one except for Engelszell which I have never even seen, and Spencer which I have seen, but never tried.
I will before I die, find and drink a bottle of Engelszell.
Westvleteren is bottled: Blond 5,8%, 8 which is 8% and Dark, and 12 which is 10,2% Amber. The 12 is sometimes hard to get as there is a limited production. All the beers have a rich flavour, the 8 has s very slight nut taste.
Westmalle is bottled: Double which is 7%, Triple which is 9,5%, this is the standard Trappist beer of the Low Countries, if you order a Trappist in a bar without specifying a brand this is the one youll get. The triple has a slightly bitter taste.
I hope that this has been of some help
I could not agree more one of the truly great beers.
Do you have a direct line to my local supermarket,
No sooner a tip from you and they have it on the shelves.
Image
They also have broaden their range with a Triple IPA, and Golden Triple.
All the beers I have had from Brasserie D'Achouffe have been excellent. I really like La Chouffe!
I have been looking for the MC Chouffe and so far I have come up empty handed. It seems La Chouffe is the only one I can find in my neck of the woods.
Yes you are quite correct those are the ten breweries which are accredited with the Trappist Stamp of Approval. This means that they donate a certain percentage of their profits to charity work.
When ever my grandfather was drinking beer, and my grandmother made a comment, my grandfather would always pull a sad face, and say he was helping feed orphans.
Back to the list, I have tasted every one except for Engelszell which I have never even seen, and Spencer which I have seen, but never tried.
I will before I die, find and drink a bottle of Engelszell.
Westvleteren is bottled: Blond 5,8%, 8 which is 8% and Dark, and 12 which is 10,2% Amber. The 12 is sometimes hard to get as there is a limited production. All the beers have a rich flavour, the 8 has s very slight nut taste.
Westmalle is bottled: Double which is 7%, Triple which is 9,5%, this is the standard Trappist beer of the Low Countries, if you order a Trappist in a bar without specifying a brand this is the one you’ll get. The triple has a slightly bitter taste.
I hope that this has been of some help
Thank you for such a lovely and informative post. Very interesting, and I am delighted to learn which of the breweries can be designated 'Trappist' by law, (and which, therefore, also donate a certain percentage of their profits by way of contributions to specific registered charities.
I like the story you tell about your grandparents - that is very funny, and a nice way to illustrate the point of the story, too.
Actually, I have to say that I preferred the 'Trappist Rochefort' - that was absolutely delicious - to the 'Orval' (though that was also lovely, and it must be a warm memory to be able to write that your wife loved it); I look forward to trying out the 'Westmalle', and the 'Westvleteren', as I have seen both but not sampled them.
Mc Chouffe is one of my personal favourites. It was first brewed in 1987 8% it has the spices coriander and wild garel (Bog Myrtle).
It has in the last few years really become a main stay of the special beer market here in the low countries.
If things go as planned MC Chouffe will more than likely make the trip across the big water.
I am very happy to be of help.