OT: Belgian Beer

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  • bobmcstuff wrote:
    Got a 75cl dupont bier du miel from the bin end at the local bottle shop for £5. Apparently because it was "past its sell by"...

    So basically they've aged it and then reduced it for me.
    Nice one Bob. I was astonished to find reduced Champagne in my local Co-op a while back. They even had reduced malt whisky. What were they thinking?
    Having some Wwestmalle Tripel this PM. It is nice.
    Ecrasez l’infame
  • bobmcstuff
    bobmcstuff Posts: 11,444
    I also got a Mikkeller It's Alive in the same bin end for £4 - that beer is usually mega expensive (currently £10.99 on beers of europe).

    The guy at the counter shared my confusion at their pricing.
  • blazing_saddles
    blazing_saddles Posts: 22,730
    Waitrose have 20% off all their Belgian beers atm.
    St Stefanus 33cl and Westmalle Dubbel 33cl are £1-99
    Leffe Blonde/Brune 75cl and Trippel Karmeliet 33cl are £2-39

    A number of their other specialist brews are also reduced.
    "Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.
  • bobmcstuff wrote:
    I also got a Mikkeller It's Alive in the same bin end for £4 - that beer is usually mega expensive (currently £10.99 on beers of europe).

    The guy at the counter shared my confusion at their pricing.

    Great beer that. I like their milk stout too.
    "In many ways, my story was that of a raging, Christ-like figure who hauled himself off the cross, looked up at the Romans with blood in his eyes and said 'My turn, sock cookers'"

    @gietvangent
  • orraloon
    orraloon Posts: 13,269
    [smug]Back from our week pootling about on the bikes in West-Vlaanderen, based in Poperinge, and well stocked[/smug]

    Case of St Bernardus Abt 12 at £1.10 a bottle, get in. Plus St Bernardus 6, La Chouffe, Houblon Chouffe and of course lots of the big bottle Hommelbier.

    Tip. Vanuxeem in Ploegsteert, just over the Belgian border from Armentieres, just off the (free) A25. Fantastic range of beers, by the case or by the bottle. And v good prices. They own the Queue de Charrue beers, though I believe they have them contract brewed elsewhere.

    Did the St Bernardus brewery tour. Another tip. When you get to the tasting session, we expected the full range of beers. Eh no. A small tasting glass of the Triple then 1 bottle between 2 of the Abt 12. That was it. Except, being Brits, we stayed there, oi mate, any chance of more Abt? Of course.... Hic. And more hic. Ended up being well worth the taxi from Poperinge and back, no way we were compos afterwards..
  • orraloon
    orraloon Posts: 13,269
    bobmcstuff wrote:
    http://sixdnorth.co.uk/ these guys. They make their own but they have a really good range of Belgian stuff both on tap and hundreds and hundreds of bottles. Bar staff are more knowledgeable than most and the guys who run the thing are keen cyclists. They did a beer festival last year in Stonehaven with an associated sportive which was both difficult (Cairn O Mount both ways) and cheap, unlike quite a lot of other sportives... Cost £15 which included entry to the beer festival (£10 on its own) and a free beer. Was a fantastic day out.

    Their Aberdeen bar is on Littlejohn Street so just near Marischal. They've got the Marine in Stonehaven as well which I think is where they started and that's got good food too. Marine's also more of a proper pub.

    We did an Oktoberfest client event last year and i got to choose the beers - got 2 of theirs on draft, Chopper Stout and Hop Classic. Both went down well :)

    Cheers BobMcS for the info, visited 6dNorth Aberdeen bar with a family group, think I've converted a couple of them to the merits of Belgian style beers. Interesting place. And a fantastic beer range.
  • bobmcstuff
    bobmcstuff Posts: 11,444
    No problem ;) . Did they have some good stuff on tap?
  • No_Ta_Doctor
    No_Ta_Doctor Posts: 14,692
    For my birthday I have received 4 bottles of home-brewed "Westmalle dubbel" that my eldest lad made in his school science class.

    Why didn't they teach me brewing when I was doing A Levels?

    Mind you, I'm a touch dubious, so I'm letting them age.... :-D
    Warning No formatter is installed for the format
  • orraloon
    orraloon Posts: 13,269
    bobmcstuff wrote:
    No problem ;) . Did they have some good stuff on tap?

    My memory of the evening inevitably is somewhat hazy.

    Recall 9-10 listed as on tap, big variety of styles; we did set out to sample all but repetition, deviation (to the bottles), and (lack of) hesitation means cannot be sure.

    Happy days.
  • wiznaeme
    wiznaeme Posts: 238
    orraloon wrote:
    bobmcstuff wrote:
    http://sixdnorth.co.uk/ these guys. They make their own but they have a really good range of Belgian stuff both on tap and hundreds and hundreds of bottles. Bar staff are more knowledgeable than most and the guys who run the thing are keen cyclists. They did a beer festival last year in Stonehaven with an associated sportive which was both difficult (Cairn O Mount both ways) and cheap, unlike quite a lot of other sportives... Cost £15 which included entry to the beer festival (£10 on its own) and a free beer. Was a fantastic day out.

    Their Aberdeen bar is on Littlejohn Street so just near Marischal. They've got the Marine in Stonehaven as well which I think is where they started and that's got good food too. Marine's also more of a proper pub.

    We did an Oktoberfest client event last year and i got to choose the beers - got 2 of theirs on draft, Chopper Stout and Hop Classic. Both went down well :)

    Cheers BobMcS for the info, visited 6dNorth Aberdeen bar with a family group, think I've converted a couple of them to the merits of Belgian style beers. Interesting place. And a fantastic beer range.

    6dNorth have a pub now in Glasgow. Well worth a visit.
  • Mad_Malx
    Mad_Malx Posts: 5,183
    I've just opened a father's day promotion Belgian selection from Lidl. MM minor has redeemed himself.

    Box of mixed 6x33ml from the Van Steenberge brewery. Before starting I assumed that they were re-branded interbev, but the first is rather good and on checking this is a proper Brewery. First one I've tried is a 10.5% Piraat - bit like Duvel. I don't think I'll manage them all tonight.

    Definitely worth looking out for if they do a promotion again.
  • ducknumber1
    ducknumber1 Posts: 1,172
    Thread resurrection alert!

    Has anyone had any experience with saveur-biere.co.uk? I may have accidentally opened her La Corne black from the gift set with the glass, turns out its quite nice and I need to replace it, which they stock.
  • Just got a new batch of Orval to age [amongst others] as my others are now good to go!

    uoww8gvuKfLNeJflbWDSGw20bwU0mtAgJSQ03vzmvWPFd3Gagd-SgXuZNXT7C3PuohsN2OhHIpnvjQ=w5120-h3200-no
    VO2 Max - 79 ml/kg/min
    W/kg - 4.9
  • For those of you who haven't been to Brugge for a while, 21 Drafts has been closed for a while and I have been told is now permanently gone.

    What a shame It had brilliant beer and great prices being just back from the square.

    Sad times.
  • Mad_Malx wrote:
    I've just opened a father's day promotion Belgian selection from Lidl. MM minor has redeemed himself.

    Box of mixed 6x33ml from the Van Steenberge brewery. Before starting I assumed that they were re-branded interbev, but the first is rather good and on checking this is a proper Brewery. First one I've tried is a 10.5% Piraat - bit like Duvel. I don't think I'll manage them all tonight.

    Definitely worth looking out for if they do a promotion again.

    They are doing it again.
    Price has gone up from a bargain £8-99 to £10-49.
    "Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.
  • Mad_Malx
    Mad_Malx Posts: 5,183
    ^Are you seeing this in store Blazing? It's not listed on my web listing (maybe locale specific). I'd say good value (for U.K.) even at the higher price (and outstanding value when on the earlier promotion). I enjoyed them all.
  • Mad_Malx wrote:
    ^Are you seeing this in store Blazing? It's not listed on my web listing (maybe locale specific). I'd say good value (for U.K.) even at the higher price (and outstanding value when on the earlier promotion). I enjoyed them all.

    I saw them in the store where I bought the last lot, yesterday.
    They haven't had a box for the past 5 months and of course, the price had gone up, so I assume they were back for Christmas.
    I'm off to Bruges next week, so I didn't purchase.
    "Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.
  • Well deserved. Let's have a Westmalle to celebrate :)
  • RichN95.
    RichN95. Posts: 27,262
    OK. This time next week I'm off to the Bruges (Brugge) Beer Festival.

    What beer should I be on the look out for - not a long list, just a name or two (I prefer the lighter coloured beers to darker generally).

    And what is there to see in Brugge? Any bar or restaurant recommendations?

    (Also if anyone knows a good spot for a late lunch near Brussels central station/main square, that'll be good too)
    Twitter: @RichN95
  • ddraver
    ddraver Posts: 26,717
    Brugge Is basically BelgiumWorld in disneyland, just walk around it and absorb
    We're in danger of confusing passion with incompetence
    - @ddraver
  • RichN95.
    RichN95. Posts: 27,262
    ddraver wrote:
    Brugge Is basically BelgiumWorld in disneyland, just walk around it and absorb
    Yeah, I've seen In Bruges - we'll certainly be doing that - just wondering about any hidden gems
    Twitter: @RichN95
  • Mad_Malx
    Mad_Malx Posts: 5,183
    RichN95 wrote:
    OK. This time next week I'm off to the Bruges (Brugge) Beer Festival.

    What beer should I be on the look out for - not a long list, just a name or two (I prefer the lighter coloured beers to darker generally).

    And what is there to see in Brugge?

    Alcoves.

    If you grew up on a farm and were retarded...

    (I like the place but you may have to save up for a beer anywhere central).
  • This is how to order a beer in Bruges

    55d108f1a0496be1bca17c23f36b8837.jpg

    And this is Colin Farrell's review of the city

    tumblr_lqq89u61gf1qkjgjso1_500.gif
  • cristoff
    cristoff Posts: 229
    RichN95 wrote:
    OK. This time next week I'm off to the Bruges (Brugge) Beer Festival.

    What beer should I be on the look out for - not a long list, just a name or two (I prefer the lighter coloured beers to darker generally).

    And what is there to see in Brugge? Any bar or restaurant recommendations?

    (Also if anyone knows a good spot for a late lunch near Brussels central station/main square, that'll be good too)

    In Brussels look up Peck 47 for the best eggs ever, if time allows, head to Delirium Cafe, they do 3 small beers for 10 euro so you can sample different types.

    In Bruges - head for the Beerwall, amazing place, great atmosphere. For food go to Cambrinus, 500 beers selection too. just try and get there before it gets busy as the service goes tits up when its packed.
    There is a place off the square called simply 'the pub' - we spent an afternoon in there drinking St Bernadus 12, i cannot remember much about the rest of the evening!!

    Enjoy
  • awavey
    awavey Posts: 2,368
    RichN95 wrote:
    ddraver wrote:
    Brugge Is basically BelgiumWorld in disneyland, just walk around it and absorb
    Yeah, I've seen In Bruges - we'll certainly be doing that - just wondering about any hidden gems

    yeah Brugge is nothing like In Bruges :) De Garre is a hidden gem in so far as its down an alleyway (off Breidelstraat) no normal tourist would ever accidently wander to it, and they have their own 11% Tripel,which is golden ;) and very nice, get free cheese cubes on cocktail sticks to go with it

    Brugs Beertje, Cambrinus, I quite liked Republiek last time I went,and "@ the pub", though I see lots of people go to Ribs n Beer thesedays, tbh most places in Brugge are pretty good anywhere that sells more than jupiler really, even over the canal side outside the main Brugge area, though maybe its the strength of beer and it being a holiday but never been disappointed by any bar weve been in.

    If you do want to pretend you are In Bruges, de hollandse vismijn, you see it in the film for a second, as they run past the fish market.
  • orraloon
    orraloon Posts: 13,269
    ^ Agree with awavey's nominations. Do try to find De Garre. That alleyway is difficult to spot, is single person width type alley; the bar is a cracker.

    't Brugs Beertje is in Kemelstraat, a side street off the main one that runs southwest from Grote Markt back towards the station area; old school bar with huge beer range; think it opens at 4pm.

    [Edit: forgot to add info as well as agreeing with above]

    If you fancy getting away from main tourist drag in Brugge, an excellent bar / restuarant is In 't Nieuwe Mueseum in Hooistraat, south east of the centre but still inside the canal. Neighbourhood venue which has excellent food, has an open woodfired grill inside the restuarant, the rack of ribs is to die for. Also has Chimay White on draught. Can get busy with locals, we found it by chance one afternoon, but we have booked a table for evening eats on subsequent visits.
  • The Brugge Beer Festival is a bit mad. In the nicest sense of the word. It will be crowded and people may be there with kids and dogs. It may not have the "oompah" knees-up of the German festival, or the band n' crusty rolls vibe of the British one, but beer geekery is OK. Take coins for a visit to the loos, or be British and ignore madame pipi on the door. The beers are generally presided over by the brewers or owners, so expect some bullshit. Having said that, in Belgian beer festivals, most breweries get the same frontage, so it evens out. Some Wallonian ales may not be there, but this is Flanders after all.
    Once you've had enough, and you will, go to the Brugge Beertje (Little Bruges Bear), as stated above. You might end up next someone from New York or Beijing, but I normally find someone next to me from the same postcode.
    Food in Brugge is incidental, you're there for the beer, right?
    Ecrasez l’infame
  • I'll give you a restaurant recommendation, Rich.
    Been there on my last 2 visits. Some of the best local fare and reasonably priced.
    It's a cwtchy little place on..........wait for it.........Arsenaalstraat:-

    https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restauran ... vince.html

    Only open Wednesday to Sunday and you will probably need to book.
    You can also get a decent meal in an interesting setting at the De Halve Maan brewery.
    There you have the option to tour and taste.

    De Garre for their trippel is a must.
    Breidelstraat is in the South Eastern corner of the main square.
    Good luck finding the gap in the shops.
    "Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.
  • RichN95.
    RichN95. Posts: 27,262
    Thanks for the recommendations. I heard Brugs Beertje from an actual real person so good to hear confirmation. I'll use De Garre to confound my friends as to my local knowledge.
    Twitter: @RichN95