TwoGunz

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So I'm in Amsterdam on business but have a couple days to myself beforehand. Besides the work stuff, my mission here is to enjoy as many good beers (mainly Trappist ones) as possible and make it back to the States with what I can. This morning I picked up 12 bottles, including four Westv 12s and two West 8s. Beaming with pride, I strolled with my loot to a nearby cafe to enjoy an espresso. As I squeezed my way into my seat, I foolishly rested the beers on the table which went crashing down with my prizes. I almost cried and hurried in a mess to pick up and clean up what I could In the process I sliced my finger, splashed beer on my pants and shoes, and disturbed the couple finishing their meal next to me.

I downed my espresso and hurried off in a fluster hoping the plastic bags that were dripping Belgian goodness all over the place didn't burst open with what remained. Smelling like a delicious drunk, I sat on the tram making small pools of beer hoping nobody accosted me.

I made it back to the hotel and assessed the damage. I lost one Westveletern 8, and one Rochefort 10. Horrible yes, but it could have been so much worse. The remaining bottles are cleaned up and displaying nicely next to the extra suitcase I brought for them. What a rollercoaster morning -- I think I need head back out and do some actually drinking now!

BMan1029

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They still have marijuana in coffee shops there? I vaguely remember reading an article that they were starting to crack down on that. Anyway, bummer about your loss but it could have been a lot worse. Have a good rest of your trip

arturo7

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Find a bar named Gollum

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Hey, knock that shvt off. We're drinkin' here.

shutupjojo

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When to a great Belgian beer bar in Dam square. Forgot the name but had a few Trappists on tap and Westvleteren in bottles. More than 60 different Belgian beers.

TwoGunz

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Gollem was closed when I went there but the store across the street was where I scored the Westvleterens. I spent the evening in In De Wildeman last night and it was fantastic -- it had a killer beer list with lots of Trappists.

ksbrain

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I read Amsterdam, I immediately think weed and hookers. Maybe it's just me, but I wouldn't be thinking of what kind of beer I could get there. Not that getting a backpack full of Westy isn't AWESOME.

arturo7

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Gollum closed?

That is a bummer.

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Hey, knock that shvt off. We're drinkin' here.

jkarp

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MattHollingsworth

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I second In De Wildeman. Awesome little beer place.

't Arendsnest is also awesome. They serve only Dutch beer and have a ton of gems, lots of little indy producers. Try some Bokbier (not the same as German Bock). You should be friendly with the bar staff and ask for recommendations. If you try stuff randomly, you're going to drink some crappy beer also. I tried a few random, had no luck, then trusted them and they steered me well.

http://www.arendsnest.nl/english.php

There are also a couple of brewpubs. The one with better beer, IMHO, is Brouwerij 't IJ. They're not right in the center, more over by the maritime museum. Look on a map. And they have severely limited hours, so be aware. From what I remember, open from 4 to 8PM or something ridiculous.

http://www.brouwerijhetij.nl/index_en.htm

Maximiliaan is the other one that I went to. Beer wasn't as good but they had some good food.

http://www.bierbrouwerijen.org/index.php?title=Bierbrouwerij_Maximiliaan_-_Amsterdam

Another decent place is Belgique:

http://www.cafe-belgique.nl/

Anyway, last time I was there was in 2000. So, my word is old on these places. But there are lots of great beer places there. Just be aware, if you smoke, the good beer places don't allow it and the smoking places have crap beer. When I was there, I alternated between the two. If you want a smoking place, check out Greenhouse. They have a few places and they actually put some work into designing the space so it's cool and interesting rather than the usual crappy places.

http://www.greenhouse.org/index1.htm

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HOMEBREWING SINCE 1997

BoxofRain

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It was a while and a blur since I've been in Amsterdam. Although I make it through their airport more often. (Literally my favorite airport in the world) Booze, Women and Trees aside there are three things you must check out.

1) Anne Frank Museum

2) Van Gogh Museum

3) Rijksmuseum

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Tap 1: VeedVacker Hefeweizen
Tap 2: EdWort's Haus Pal Ale
Tap 3: Penny Lane British Bitter
Kegged: Bourbon Barrel Porter
Primary 1: Cascadian Dark Ale
Primary 2: Stormchaser Pale Ale
On Deck:, ???


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