Scholarship table
Has anyone tried MKE's Hop Happy?
Anyone got their hands on some KBS yet?
http://www.freep.com/article/20130508/ENT/305080168/Craft-brewing-boom-changes-Grand-Rapids-culture-economyhttp://www.freep.com/article/20130509/ent1005/305090051/If any of you guys are planning a pilgrimage, PM me. We will toast MU together over GR's finest. I had my KBS for the year. Strong. Smooth. You can taste the coffee, taste the chocolate, and feel the bourbon in your sinuses.
I have an extra KBS I could send your way.
Does anyone else here like Trappists? I did a full tasting of all 7 official Trappist breweries a little while back. They were all great, but to me the clear winners were Chimay Blue and Orval. Also, I am going to Belgium later this year. Are there any great breweries that are worth checking out in person?
Also, I am going to Belgium later this year. Are there any great breweries that are worth checking out in person?
Riva! It's my Grandpa's cousin's brewery
We used to hit the Belgian breweries when I was stationed at Spangdahlem. Orval is the best but they are only open at certain times and it can be bloody difficult to get in. I recall they had a lottery but the base MWR was always able to get some passes so we were able to visit. Chimay is a bit remote if you are in Brussels but that only adds to the pilgrimage vibe. Achel and Rochefort are also worth visiting. There is enough geographic distribution there to make one of them accessible. Proost!
I have looked into Orval since they are one of the best Trappists, have a guest Chalet and are somewhat accesible via public transit (basically a commuter train and a bus will get you there from Brussels). But I am a little wary because in October it looks like they have no guided tours so you are basically on your own. Orval's monastery also has ruins dating from the 11th century while Chimay was built in the last 200 years, so the history factor leans in Orval's direction. Also wondering if you can comment on the whole visiting a monastery aspect. We are by no means out of control but we would like to drink and have a good time and wanted to make sure we wouldn't be interrupting someone's retreat or get scolded for downing a few too many.
The monks are good guys. They drink their product with every meal though I recall them saying that during the week it is a watered down "3.2" version. On weekends they revert to the real thing. They are evident during the tour and are certainly approachable.