The only Belgian beer I can specifically recall at the moment is Stella Artois. It was okay, to me, but nothing really special.

So, monkeykoder, sounds like you're into zymurgy. This is something I've been kicking around for a long time. We have a pretty active brewer's community here in Houston, but I've never attended any of their get-togethers.

One item I found interesting that I picked up from my nephew's friend -- the one who brewed the dark stuff I mentioned in an earlier post -- he told me that lots of folks are now using the old-style soft drink syrup containers that restaurants used to use. I worked in the restaurant biz way back when, and I remember having to change those things out. Seems like a decent setup for storing lightly pressurized contents, like beer. Have you ever tried using these?

Best,

Michael

Don't have the money for the setup for soda kegging right now. Stella Artois is a Belgian Wit which isn't the Belgian beer you want to try. A Wit beer would be the beer for those that used to like Budweiser and now think they should be drinking something more expensive

They had North Coast brewing at the local store with 4 varieties not Thelonious Bros. I tried the Pranqster and the Old Stock Ale. The Pranqster started out pretty good, too fizzy but nice flavor. By the time the glass had warmed the beer up I hated it. Nasty bitter taste on my lips and tongue, it has kind of a synthetic taste. Lagunitus makes a much better Belgian Ale than that. I expected the Old Stock to be an IPA for some stupid reason and was shocked to find on first sip that it is a Barley wine at 12.5%. I wasn't prepared to drink that strong an ale so I only had a few sips and maybe I will try it tonight.

I'd say the Brothers Thelonious is their best beer (in my experience of their beers) but I only pick that for a Belgian because it is cheaper than most.

Wow, they changed the groups look. Sure is different. I kinda like it a bit better, honestly. More like the forums.

Best,

Michael

http://www.bearrepublic.com/ourbeers.php
I went to a party this weekend where they had a keg of Bear Republic Brewing Racer 5. It is from Healdsburg California. Wow what good IPA. I know it pretty well because you can buy it in bottles around town but it is great out of a keg. I was not the driver so I drank 5 pints and was totally looped. Way drunker than I expected to be so I looked it up to see how strong it is expecting maybe 9.5% but it is only 7%. I guess I should have had more to eat. I wasn't the only one who got looped. Great beer though. Give it a try if you haven't.
Dennis

Yeah I haven't tried the Bear Republic IPA I kinda got turned off to them by the Stone DIPA

Hello - just joined the group and am suppin' a Speakeasy Prohibition Ale as I write this.

I am kind of surprised how early the Christmas ales have started to show up this year. Already I have been drinking the Pyramid and Dechutes.. I guess it is getting like easter candy or halloween candy get it out as soon as possible.
Dennis

A couple of IPAs I'm really liking right now: Duggan's #9 from Toronto, The Mad Tom IPA from Muskoka Lakes Brewery in Central Ontario and from upstate New York Southern Tier Brewery's IPA.