So I'm going to Belgium, whats the scoop?

[ba70665]

I'm going to visit my friend outside of Brussels next weekend, and being a homebrewer, am extremely excited about the beer. I would definitely consider myself a novice as far as Belgian brews go, and am ready to have my mind blown. If there's anyone out there that knows what i MUST try, or where i MUST go and see, let me know!! I know we're going to a bar in Brussels that apparently is in the world record book for the biggest variety of beer in one place, so thats certainly a start. I dont want to miss out on anything beer related so give me some ideas!!!

PS: I know this could probably be a whole new thread, but we might go to Munich too, so feel free to divulge anything you know about that as well!

 

[Danek]

I guess if you'll be in Belgium you may as well track down some Westvleteren 12, given that it's so damn hard to get anywhere else. Should be a great trip - have fun!

 

[McKBrew]

This thread will get you started. Both olllllo and Brewtopia might be willing to share a kickaxx list of Belgian pubs/breweries, etc... compiled by Celebrator Beer News writer Don Scheidt. I know it's posted somewhere in this forum, but I can't find it.

 

[olllllo]

I missed Cantillon. Don't miss that.
If you are outside of Brussels, look into Orval as well.

 

[EinGutesBier]

I can't offer any advice, except have a great time. I'd give my left leg to be going with you! Bring back some pictures and souvenirs.

 

[dannypo]

I was there last fall. And while Brussels was cool Bruges was by far my favorite. Its a small town with alot of cool architecture. But the real reason is the two coolest bars I have ever been to are there. Staminee de Garre is down this narrow alley and has the most character. Bruges t'Beerje was even better. Tons of beer, a friendly knowledgable staff and the coolest owner in the world. Her name is Daisy and if she is there she will talk to most anybody who has a real interest in beer.

 

[EinGutesBier]

All this talk of traveling to Belgium makes me wonder how far someone who's primarily fluent in English can get over there? Do you need to know some rudimentary French/Flemish or Dutch?

 

[olllllo]

Surprisingly Pro-American and would prefer you speak English.
I'm not sure that that is the case in Wallonia, but certainly true in Flanders.

 

[david_42]

Be warned! They do not follow the Ancient & Holy Purity Laws.

 

[brewmeone]

How long are you going for? Are you bringing a wife or girlfriend?

I've been to Brussels a couple times now... my girlfriend is in Amsterdam for work for a few months... so we've driven there a few times.

A couple things to do that I've done...

- Go to Brugge... especially if you are with your girlfriend/wife. It's just north of Brussels and doesn't take long to get to. If you go to Brugge... there's a pub called Cambrinus that has something like 400 beers available... including Westvleteren 12 (also the 8 and blonde).

- A restaurant I liked in Brussels is called Belgo Belge (http://www.belgobelge.be/). It's pretty good food... but I'm sure there are tons of other restaurants that are good as well.

- Do a tour of the La Chouffe brewery (http://www.achouffe.be/newen/situation.php). It's in a small town in the Ardennes mountains south of Brussels. I think it is about an hour drive. I don't think you can get there by train. The tour is only in dutch or french... but the ending is pretty fun. Plus it's just nice to see the countryside. If you do go... be sure to eat at the La Chouffe Tavern. I had a steak and frites there with the McChouffe gravy... it was very good! Plus they the La Chouffe beers on tap.

- Drive to Amsterdam!!! It's about a 2.5 hour drive... and I'm a bit biased... but Amsterdam is a great city.

If you wind up going to Munich...
- Take a day trip down to Andechs. It's a monastery south of Munich near the Ammersee.

- Neuschwanstein... very touristy... but is a great day trip.

I'll add more if something pops into my mind...

 

[wizardofza]

+1 on going to Brugge. Also +1 on visiting Cantillon. It was well worth it. I was just there this past fall as well.

Amsterdam rocked and if you do go there, check out Cafe Gollem (www.cafegollem.nl) and check out the wicked beer store right across the alley from it. Best selection in the city.

While in Brussells, YOU MUST GO TO Delirium Cafe (http://www.deliriumcafe.be/) they have over 5000 beers. But don't ask for the beer menu, they'll laugh at you.

Have fun. It's an awesome country!

 

[brewmeone]

+1 on Gollem! The Cracked Kettle across the way is also a great place to pick up some beer to take home. They have Westvleteren every now and then. For the best beer selection... definitely hit the Bierkoning. They have a great selection of beers... and glassware.

I'm heading over in another week... plan on stocking up on some of Bierkoning's aged Westvleteren 12. I've bought some brewed in 1999 there.

As for other places to drink in Amsterdam... check out Cafe Belgique. It's a very small bar... but if the weather is nice... there's nothing better than drinking a belgian beer while sitting outside in the alley.

Hope we didn't hijack this thead too badly with the talk of Amsterdam. The fact of the matter is... once you get to Europe... the other countries are so close it's hard to not hop around a little.

 

[ba70665]

no amsterdam advice is great too, im going there for a couple days as well, although my indulgence of choice may not be primarily beer.... Thanks for all the tips sounds like i definitely need to make it Brugges and some of the monastery breweries. I'm actually going with a couple friends and not my girlfriend (whos not as much of a beer-lover) so it should be a great time.