Cantillon Suggestions Wanted

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by Immortale25, Apr 21, 2013.

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  1. Immortale25

    Immortale25 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,775) May 13, 2011 North Carolina
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    OK, here's the deal: I'm going to New Orleans for Jazz Fest next weekend and I know of a store (Stein's Market) that may have Cantillon and a bar (Avenue Pub) that most likely will have Cantillon. To preface, I've never had Cantillon and the only fruit lambics I've had before are the Lindeman's, Liefmann's and St. Louis lambics. I like their flavor and sweetness (Especially St. Louis Framboise) but apparently the Cantillon lambics are supposed to be on a whole other level. As far as gueuzes go, I've only had two that I've really liked (Gueuze Tilquin, St. Louis Fond Tradition), but all the others I found to either be lacking in flavor and carbonation (Girardin 1882 Black Label) or have been way too rubbery and solvent-like (3F Oude Gueuze, Oud Beersel Oude Gueuze). Anyways, Stein's Market lists these as Subject to Availability: Cuvee Saint-Gilloise, Lou Pepe Kriek 2009, Rose de Gambrinus, Saint Lamvinus, Mamouche, Fou Foune, Iris, Grand Cru Obviously, the prices at the market will be a little lower than at the pub but here's what Avenue Pub is listing on their current menu:

    Cantillon Bruocsella Grand Cru
    25oz. Bottle
    5.0
    $34.00

    Cantillon Classic Gueuze
    24oz. Bottle
    5.0
    $32.00

    Cantillon Cuvee St. Gilloise
    24oz. Bottle
    5.0
    $36.00

    Cantillon Kriek
    12oz. Bottle
    5.0
    $22.00

    Cantillon Rose De Gambrinus
    12oz. Bottle
    5.0
    $18.00

    Cantillon Rose De Gambrinus
    24oz. Bottle
    5.0
    $36.00

    They seem to update their menu regularly both on their website and on beermenus.com so there's a very good chance they will have these selections when I'm there. I'm not made of money, so I need to be very selective. I'm probably only going to buy two or three bottles at prices like this, so that's where I need help. Do I splurge on a bottle of Fou Foune or Lou Pepe if they happen to be at the market? Or should I go for variety by buying Saint Lamnivus, Iris and Cuvee St. Gilloise if they all happen to be there? Will there be that much of a price difference? Which lambics are more sour than others? Which gueuzes are more funky/cheesy? I'm also reaching out to New Orleans BAs who are familiar with these two spots. I'm prepared to drop $80-$100 so I can experience the supposed awesomeness that is Cantillon. Please help. Thank you for reading my long-winded thread.
     
    #1 Immortale25, Apr 21, 2013
  2. PaulQuinn

    PaulQuinn Initiate (0) May 27, 2011 Canada (BC)

    What to buy? That's easy:
    1- Close your eyes
    2- Spin around yourself a few times
    3- With your eyes still close point your finger at where you think the bottles are.
    4- Pick the one closest to where you're pointing.
    5- Repeat until out of money
     
    #2 PaulQuinn, Apr 21, 2013
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  3. awinkro

    awinkro Zealot (500) Oct 15, 2008 Texas
    Trader

    Be aware that the Grand Cru is flat. It's an unblended three year old lambic. Most people experiencing this beer for the first time expect high carbonation like the other Cantillons. It is a great beer, but thought I'd tell you.
     
    #3 awinkro, Apr 21, 2013
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  4. Treyliff

    Treyliff Grand Pooh-Bah (5,025) Aug 10, 2010 West Virginia
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Avenue Pub is awesome. I can't help you with your selections, but regardless of what you order, you will enjoy your time there. Their bartenders are very knowledgeable and could make great suggestions based on your preferences.
     
    #4 Treyliff, Apr 21, 2013
  5. 7clutch

    7clutch Zealot (556) Sep 14, 2012 Florida
    Trader

    Haven't had Bruocsella, but of the others I'd go with Rose and Kriek at the pub. I'd buy the Rose first. If you enjoy it then definitely get the Kriek. Just know that these fruit lambics are much more sour than the ones you've mentioned you've had--I know the widely available Lindemans stuff is sweetened and I'd assume most Timmerman's is too.
     
    #5 7clutch, Apr 21, 2013
  6. Immortale25

    Immortale25 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,775) May 13, 2011 North Carolina
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Yes, I do realize they're more sour and, while I'm not the biggest fan of sours, I've developed a palate for them and especially like the Flanders Reds due to their ample fruit presence.
     
    #6 Immortale25, Apr 21, 2013
  7. 7clutch

    7clutch Zealot (556) Sep 14, 2012 Florida
    Trader

    Good deal. Regardless of hype, Cantillon is above and away my favorite brewery. Really hope you get your hands on some and enjoy them!
     
    #7 7clutch, Apr 21, 2013
  8. black13

    black13 Initiate (0) Apr 11, 2010 Oregon

    First off, spending money on Cantillon is not blowing your money. They're all great, so you have nothing to loose. I would suggest getting a bottle of the Classic Gueuze and a Rose de Gambrinus. Might as well start off with the Classic then move to the Rose. Both are fantastic.
     
    #8 black13, Apr 21, 2013
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  9. Immortale25

    Immortale25 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,775) May 13, 2011 North Carolina
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Let's face it: Spending $18 on a 12 oz bottle of beer is blowing your money. But, if Cantillon is amazing as everyone says it is, maybe I won't feel that way afterward. Only one way to find out.
     
    #9 Immortale25, Apr 21, 2013
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  10. tehzachatak

    tehzachatak Initiate (0) Sep 19, 2010 Massachusetts

    just a heads up - if you're going based on their website saying they might have these - they won't. call and ask, but don't have high hopes.
     
    #10 tehzachatak, Apr 21, 2013
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  11. digdug1810

    digdug1810 Initiate (0) Mar 1, 2011 New Jersey

    Be wary they have what is listed, that whole subject to abailabiliy could be a factor, when I was in NOLA in early January I missed any Cantillion that might have been there prior, I have to say I had my hopes up and was a bit letdown, but avenue pub had plenty of other awesome brews to satisfy me so I was too let down.

    Good luck OP but never expect to get a loon, let alone all that you have posted above.
     
    #11 digdug1810, Apr 21, 2013
  12. Momar42

    Momar42 Initiate (0) Sep 19, 2010 Maryland

    We all have opinions, but since you asked, here's mine based on what you listed:

    Fou'Foune (damned unlikely but if they have it, drink it)
    Lou Pepe anything (also damned unlikely but damned good)
    Rose de Gambrinus
    Saint Lamvinus
    Iris
    Then the rest in whatever order you like. I have had all but the Mamouche, and while some are certainly better than others, I wouldnt pass up any Cantillon if you havent had them yet. Good luck.
     
    #12 Momar42, Apr 21, 2013
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  13. gatornation

    gatornation Grand High Pooh-Bah (10,388) Apr 18, 2007 Arizona
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    rose de gambrinus is always great if they have Iris or Fou Foune go for them
     
    #13 gatornation, Apr 21, 2013
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  14. Momar42

    Momar42 Initiate (0) Sep 19, 2010 Maryland

    If you are into beer enough to seek out Cantillon, then frankly, blowing $18 on a 12oz bottle is NOT blowing your money. It's a hobby and if you have no other way to get them (trades, travel, etc.) then do it. There are alot of beers you might regret in hindsight because of poor quality or hype. Cantillon suffers from neither.
     
    #14 Momar42, Apr 21, 2013
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  15. IHyphySF

    IHyphySF Initiate (0) Nov 21, 2011 California

    In the order i would try these

    Fresh Fou Foune
    Lou Pepe Kriek/Regular Kriek side by side
    Lou Pepe Framboise
    Aged Fou Foune
    Classic Gueze
    Iris
    Saint Lam
    Rose
    Grand Cru
    Lou Pepe Gueze
    St Gil

    All are great some better and some worse with age versus fresh but regardless I would drink them all if they where available!
     
    #15 IHyphySF, Apr 22, 2013
  16. Cuppa2Tree

    Cuppa2Tree Aspirant (231) Mar 27, 2013 Illinois

    ^this

    I assume as was said, little if any of that list will be available. That's just how Cantillon is. But whatever you can get your hands on will be worth it. Love Rose de Gambrinus, had some on draft up here a month ago, I still dream about that beer. Happy hunting!
     
    #16 Cuppa2Tree, Apr 22, 2013
  17. DavoleBomb

    DavoleBomb Pooh-Bah (2,277) Mar 29, 2008 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    Step away from the overpriced Cantillon and put in an order at Etre Gourmet.
     
    #17 DavoleBomb, Apr 22, 2013
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  18. EgadBananas

    EgadBananas Initiate (0) Mar 18, 2009 Louisiana

    The only place I would trust to actually have any Cantillon is the Avenue. The menus are kept up to date, and you pay bar pricing, so bottles don't fly out of the cooler, I would imagine. The avenue pub is also pretty much guaranteed to get anything Cantillon that comes into the state.

    Steins gets it's fair share of Cantillon, but don't expect to find it on the shelves. "Playing nice" and knowing to ask may net you a bottle..."playing nice", IMO being another way of saying "drop some cash, and you may get the opportunity".
     
    #18 EgadBananas, Apr 22, 2013
  19. Immortale25

    Immortale25 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,775) May 13, 2011 North Carolina
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Thanks for the info and the invite! Unfortunately, I'm gonna be there from the 26th-28th but me and my girlfriend are planning on moving to NOLA this July so I'll probably be in touch. Cheers!
     
    #19 Immortale25, Apr 22, 2013
  20. bennetj17

    bennetj17 Pooh-Bah (1,790) Oct 30, 2005 Arizona
    Pooh-Bah

    Considering you did not like some of those awesome sours you mentioned, I would suggest having only 1 or maybe none at all. Try it first before you go crazy, or keep sampling others until you get more of an appreciation of them. If you like the sweeter fruit lambics then you may not like the Cantillon Kriek or Rose perhaps.
     
    #20 bennetj17, Apr 22, 2013
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