How hard is it to get Cantillon?

Within the last year it has become competitive to find in Australia also

 

Depending on the bottles, it sits on the shelves here. In the store just down from my house, Rose 375s have been sitting since Oct.

 

This was the case 3 years ago in Canada, not true now.

 

What does for example Saint Lamvinus and Fou´ Foune trade for in the states?

 

Shop near me had some Fou Foune a few months ago. Waited in line about 2.5 hours with a few guys to get some, turns out they only had two 750 bottles ($28 each). I was third in line, thankfully the guy in front of me was so drunk they kickied him out and I moved up into the two spot. Clutch.

Othat than that, I've only ever seen regular Gueuze and it was about $20 for a 750 but I traded it away for some goodies in VT.

 

I do group buys from BiaB. When they have Cantillon in stock I can get it delivered to my door @ $10 for a 375ml of Gueuze and the Westvleteren's run @ $18. It depends on the strength of the dollar. Take the shipping to between 29 and 30Kg, Kurt will agree that is the best area to land. It's tough trying to purchase that many bottles on your own, so I just find a lot of like minded local beer geeks and we all pitch in to fill it out. Iv'e been doing this for years and it's really great having it show up without back door hand shaking at the local beer shop (Which still never gets any).

 

I have in the past months purchased Vignerrone, Cuvee St Gilloise, and Iris off the shelf (well technically, Iris was hidden in the back, but the guy at the register liked to talk). You just have to know where to look and hope that your fellow local beer drinkers are too bust chasing down adjunct stouts to notice that a store just posted on instagram that they have Cantillon in stock.

 

It's a secret. I don't need a bunch of whale chasers blowing up my spot.

 

It comes through Colorado, and there are a few shops that get it - you just have to be in the right place at the right time to buy it as it sells out almost instantly. I was in Philly over Thanksgiving and scored a bunch of different varieties...

 

And Japan. I had Kriek and Geuze bottles at a random cheesy Belgian themed bar at Namba station in Osaka earlier this year. Also had no problem finding bottle of the standard Cantillons at bottle shops in Tokyo. Glassware too.

Vancouver used to be plentiful, but not anymore.

 

In the past year I've seen a single bottle in the stores I've been in.
The bottle was $42 and unfortunately my excitement got the best of me.
I did really enjoy the beer but now realize the markup was excessive and have chosen to no longer spend my money at this store due to the steep prices.

 

Alberta only, sometimes BC. Quebec gets some occasionally via private import but very rare and you need to be a member.

Common misconception that Canada is Cantillon paradise

 

These prices are good bit lower than what I normally see. It comes here a few times a year and I couldn't tell you the last time I've seen a 750mL bottle (even of classic gueuze) for less than $24. Fou, St. Lam, and Mamouche have all been $30 or greater. I most recently paid $36 for Fou.

 

Hard enough finding Drie Fonteinen round here. Hell, I was surprised how much Tilquin we got recently.

 

Definitely never see it sitting on the shelves in VA.

 

Sorry - if it is a honey hole, super secret, and can be protected that way, Cantillon is not a shelf turd in Canada. It is, instead, one at the super secret honey hole you won't share. Not the same.

 

I find them to be quite difficult to get. My bottle shop gets them in only once or twice a year and when they do it's usually only a few bottles. Since I joined BA (nearly 4 years ago), I have accumulated exactly 2 bottles (one Gueuze and one Fou Foune). That said, I am no expert when it comes to Cantillons. Nevertheless...

Were they really good? Absolutely.

Have I tried any other sours that I liked at least as much? Absolutely.

 

Sometimes you get lucky. We were visiting the Florida Panhandle on the weekend, and was talking beer with the beer guy in a Panama City Beach beer store, and he says I have something you cannot get in Georgia. He brings out a Fou Foune for $24. The next day I was in the Seaside local market and during our conversation the beer quy produces a St Lamvinus. BIt more pricy at $38. Best beer shopping for a while. Lesson #1. Talk to the beer guys in a beer store.

 

If it only shelf turds in one place in the entire country of Canada, the statement Cantillon is a shelf turd in Canada is true. I never said it shelf turds everywhere in Canada.