Cantillon Classic Geuze - Worth it?

This question can't be answered unless you explicitly state what you actively disliked about the broucsella, and what your prior experience with drinking gueuzes is. If you haven't tried too many, go with a few bottles of cuvee rene instead, and revisit every few months until you figure out if the style is for you.

 

$65 is way too expensive for 2 bottles of Cantillon Classic Gueuze. I've usually seen it for ~$13-16 per 750ml bottle on the rare occasion it's been on shelves recently.

 

Way too expensive. If you do enjoy gueuze and want to try something else from Cantillon, I would recommend lou pepe gueuze over classic gueuze.

 

$65? WTF! I agree with the post above. $35 max. You might even be able to trade for 2 bottles if you have some really great locals, assuming people still trade beer to others so they can enjoy.

 

$32.50 per bottle is about what you'd pay at most bars for Classic Gueuze. I actually don't think it's that crazy of a price.

For me, my area so infrequently gets Cantillon in I'd probably jump on it at that price had I not already had it.

 

Same, plus nobody has it "locally" anymore so if you by chance find it in a store around the state you will have to spend gas to drive and pick it up somewhere within a few hour drive. This drives the bottle price up to around $20/25 a bottle anyway. I've typically paid 15.99 for the "common" Cantillon 350 so 32.50 a bottle not having to drive really doesn't seem like that much.

 

Lou Pepe is an inferior gueuze to classic gueuze IMO. Plus, if he/she is worried about the price point, that definitely isnt the way to go as those bottles are typically double in price. If I had the opportunity to buy 2 Classic Gueuze 750's for 60 shipped, I would probably do it. I throw around my money without second thought when it comes to lambic though.

 

I'm curious why you think LP is inferior to Classic/BIO. I've had Classic a couple times but haven't had the opportunity to try LP yet.

 

I think it lacks the complexity that an aged Classic Gueuze has. I've had them side by side on a couple of occasions and every time, I've preferred the Classic Gueuze. That is all just a matter of opinion, I like the more intense lactic acidity of the Classic, especially when it has been aged and some funk takes over. That is just me though, everyone looks for different things in their beers. LP Gueuze has always been a little on the sweeter side to me as well.

For my money though, I go 3F Oude Gueuze to Classic Gueuze anytime though. Armand is just a better blender.

 

agreed. IF we get some here it usually goes for about $30 per 750mL and still sells out in a day or two. sometimes it's available on tap, but that'll usually run $7-10 per glass.

 

agreed, even so wouldn't be that much cheaper in a bottle shop. had a 375ml @ a bar in LA for $18 just to give you a reference. cheers!

 

I think you're right. You'd think pickles and toasted motors would be cheap but probably no cheaper than fresh apricots or blueberries.

 

Classic Gueuze is $15ish on the west coast of Canada and $24ish in Alberta.

 

If you order some bottles on a site like EtreGourmet they should be significantly less expensive (if you order a lot of bottles...).

 

I got a 750 ml bottle for $19.99 at a liquor store in the LA area that is known for being overpriced. I would pass on your plan myself.

 

This. Try to get some friends together on a group buy. You could probably get twelve 750s for ~$15 per bottle, shipping included.

 

100 times this. Don't be solely lured in to the bottles simply because it says "Cantillon" on them. If you don't like (or at least not impressed with) Bruocsella, chances are you won't be impressed with Classic Gueuze. Give Cuvee Rene a shot or two first. Or Girardin BL, Hanssens or 3F assuming you can find them. Don't jump on the Cantillon bandwagon simply for the sake of jumping on the Cantillon bandwagon. Explore the style first. And $65 for 2 750s is an ass ****** for Classic, no matter how you slice it.

 

I agree with everything about this except that liking or disliking Bruocsella will tell you much about Cantillon. The experience of an uncarbonated 3 year old lambic is pretty drastically different from the Classic Gueuze or really any of their other beers. I want no one else on that bandwagon (except that, perhaps, it takes the heat temporarily off a mass run on ALL traditionally produced lambics), rest of your suggestions are good, agree that's overpriced... but that you could easily miss appreciating Bruocsella, particularly on a first go round, and still love other things Cantillon.