Picked up some interesting brews this weekend

I am an American, currently living in Paris, France and the beer selection is not quite what I had hoped for. I am finding the spots here and there, but some of the problems are just finding the places that stock good beer and then getting there...and communicating. I'm finding more spots, but it is not the local grocery store. (HINT: ratebeer.com has some good suggestions)

So the wife and I made a trip to Amsterdam this past weekend. I ran across a shop, right across from Gollem called the Cracked Barrel that stocked more beers than I think I've ever seen. They are a bit pricey, but given my current situation, I was willing to part with a few bones to sample some good beers. I have only recently started homebrewing (my second ever batch just finished fermenting) so I'm interested in trying lots of different, interesting beers to see what I really like. I've also liked more flavorful beers, but I'm branching out.

I tried the Doghead Fish 90-minute IPA last night and was thoroughly impressed! I have decided that I really like hoppy beers. Tonight, I had a Hopslam by Bells brewery and enjoyed it as well. Not quite as good as the DHF 90-min, but very good.

Looking forward to learning a lot more. So many beers, so little time. :cross:

Looks good. It's nice that you can find a few US beers over there.

Next time you are in Amsterdam also go to De BierKoning. It is unreal. I didn't go to the Cracked Barrel though.

I still dream about De BierKoning....good god.

noeldundas said:

Next time you are in Amsterdam also go to De BierKoning. It is unreal. I didn't go to the Cracked Barrel though.

I still dream about De BierKoning....good god.

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rsgarhgapekgnharweoihboaribgarewg.

i just finished.

noeldundas said:

Next time you are in Amsterdam also go to De BierKoning. It is unreal. I didn't go to the Cracked Barrel though.

I still dream about De BierKoning....good god.

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I think I need a drool bucket and new pair of shorts. Holy bejesus I'd be in heaven.

I'm not sure if that is heaven or hell. I wouldn't be able to pick just a handful. It would be impossible to choose which ones to take home. I want them all, but could never afford it. Where to begin?

I'm curious why you picked up so many American beers while overseas. I assume they were much more expensive than they would be back in the states, I would take the opportunity to buy European beers that (if they even make it here) are much more expensive on this side of the pond.

I think I'd drink more Lambic than my stomach could handle if I ended up anywhere near Belgium.

SchizoFilly said:

I'm not sure if that is heaven or hell. I wouldn't be able to pick just a handful. It would be impossible to choose which ones to take home. I want them all, but could never afford it. Where to begin?

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Start on the top shelf and work your way down. OR chose a style and go through them and move on to the next. I'd arrange my finances for a trip to this place like I would when I go to a casino. Make a firm budget, get cash, leave the credit/debit cards at home and buy as much as I can. Rinse and repeat.

Hell, I'd settle for a Trader Joe's.

lithy said:

I'm curious why you picked up so many American beers while overseas. I assume they were much more expensive than they would be back in the states, I would take the opportunity to buy European beers that (if they even make it here) are much more expensive on this side of the pond.

I think I'd drink more Lambic than my stomach could handle if I ended up anywhere near Belgium.

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A fair question. I have tried a few Lambics and they're not quite my cup of tea. Every one I've tried I can only describe to my wife as "strange" and "I probably won't buy another one of those." So, I'm not into the Lambics too much. I just can't seem to find the appeal. But, only three American brews in that line-up. I just finished reading Sam's book about DHF, so I really wanted to try his beers. They had a 120-minute IPA, but I couldn't justify paying 15 Euros for one, 12-ounce beer. So, I got the 90-min instead for much (ahem!) less.

The Anchor Steam since I read Papazian's book and realized I'd never tried a "steam" beer. And, the Hopslam because I have gotten interested in hops lately and I'm trying to decide if I really like hoppy beers. I have, BTW, made my decision and love hoppy beers.

The Budweiser is an "original" Bud from Czech republic. The rest are European. I think I could find some more choices in Germany, but I haven't made it there yet. I have JUST located a few stores here in Paris that have a bigger selection that my local store and carries more than the usual blondes, blanches and "triples" that are way to hot for me.

Nice haul, though I'm pissed you can get Hopslam in Amsterdam and I can't find the damn stuff in Connecticut.

La Trappe makes my favorite Dubbel. Good choice.

France has a good micro scene in the North west, try getting up there or talking to some people about it.

However, in all honesty, if you are living in Paris you should be drinking wine. A lot of wine.

Try Edelweiss if you get a chance. Good stuff.

That St. Peter's cream stout is a great beer, we had trouble getting it stateside this past year and were the poorer for it.

is that a real budwieser? It actually looks like real beer.

B

alvinne podge belgian imperial stout- one of the most interesting beers i've ever tried. its a blend of 4 different beers: each one is the same recipe made with a different yeast. good, not great, but really interesting

bad coffee said:

is that a real budwieser? It actually looks like real beer.

B

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That is Budvar Budweiser, and is a pretty good Czech pils. Not to be confused with AB's Budweiser. I think that AB does market Budvar hear under the "czechvar" label. Up until a few years ago, at least in Germany, if you asked for a Budweiser you got a Budvar. To get the AB version you had to ask for an Anheuser-Busch, I'm sure that has since changed.

noeldundas said:

Next time you are in Amsterdam also go to De BierKoning. It is unreal. I didn't go to the Cracked Barrel though.

I still dream about De BierKoning....good god.

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Whiskey said:

That is Budvar Budweiser, and is a pretty good Czech pils. Not to be confused with AB's Budweiser. I think that AB does market Budvar hear under the "czechvar" label. Up until a few years ago, at least in Germany, if you asked for a Budweiser you got a Budvar. To get the AB version you had to ask for an Anheuser-Busch, I'm sure that has since changed.

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Exactly! I have had the original Czech Budweiser, but this is their Dark Lager, which have not tried. I'll let you know.