Going down the lambic rabbit hole...

I don't know of any, but there's nothing worse than going down a sugary, sour hole... am I right?

 

I see you're getting into Cantillon. I would Recommend Iris.

 

You may want to tag on some Tilquin, Girardin Oude Gueuze black label, and Hanssens OG as well. Also Pannepot Reserva (wine barrel aged quad). Another option would be to hold your order for a month or two and score this year's Cantillon Fou Foune when it comes out.

 

De Cam. Otherwise, looking good.

 

OP, when I think of the big name Belgian sours, I think (in no particular order): Cantillon, 3F, De Cam, Tilquin, Hanssens, and Girardin. I'm sure I'm forgetting one, but anyway.

Each of these breweries makes a number of different sour beers, but if you are just starting down this road, I would suggest picking up the basic gueuze from each to compare. Perhaps from there you can branch out to the fruited beers where the variance in flavor and style will be greater.

Enjoy your new addiction.

 

Scarcity has driven these collectibles to insane prices. Many are quite good, even great, but I honestly believe the scarcity and desire to "put these on the mantle", has made these beers "seem" even better than they are. Good to great beer is everywhere and to become fixated on a few outrageously priced "whales" is almost a serious shame. If someone wants to drop these bucks to say, "I've done this", then more power to them. I'll show up in Belgium sometime and remember these beers from when they were simply esoteric and not the holy grail.

 

Very well said!

The part in bold has to be the best thing I've heard in some time!

 

I didn't actually check your prices, but I've sold all of these beers over many years. Scarcity was my main point. These beers really cost a beer budget backwards. I contend that they cost too much, but I'm just going out on a limb here. Cheers.

 

Perhaps, but wait until you see the shipping charges on that order.

EDIT: BTW, the price for your order has gone up almost €6 (to €59.31) since you took that screen cap!

 

Not so much as it isn't at a set time people can prepare for. It just kinda shows up.

 

What about Cascade? Had a Blueberry July 4th and loved it. My son brought it with several for several people over a week's time, plus many others. I love the beers, but cans of Sierra Nevada was what everyone really drank!

 

Girardin Black Label Gueuze is very good.

 

That's a good start. All depends on how much you want to spend.