NW beer guy heading to Europe for a month! Any tips, experiences? My schedule is wide open. Belgium, Prague, Munich for sure. Any others? emergencybeerdoctor.blogspot.com
My wife and I went to Belgium and The Netherlands last April. In Belgium we only did Bruges and Brussels. As for Brussels, definitely hit up the Cantillon brewery, and Beer Mania in Ixelles is a nice shop. They always have Westy, even if it's higher than what the Abbey charges. Au Bon Vieux Temps, Mort Subite and Le Brassins were some places we had dinner or beers in the evening and really enjoyed. Avoid Delirium like the plague. Total tourist trap shithole.
Amsterdam is a pretty sensational beer city and very close to Brussels - Brussels can get a little stale after a few days if you're moving at a fast pace. Cantillon is a great experience and the taphouse a few blocks from there is pretty awesome too. I had a shitty (tourist) experience at Delirium, but if you're in Brussels and don't go, well, that's kind of stupid.
If you don't hit De Heeren van Liedekercke, you'll regret it. My favorite stop in my Europe trip of 2011.
I loved Prague. Everything is within walking distance...although there is a big hill upon which sits the palace and a monastery. There are many cool cafes/bars in the city, but my favorite was U Fleku brewery. They have a dark pilsner that's pretty good and bit of a switch from the norms (Urquell, Budvar, Staropramen)
Yes, agreed. Prague rules - beer is cheap as hell, and it was kind of refreshing to just enjoy beer that i'd never encountered before, often available in 2 varietals, light and dark.
It's in Denderleeuw, Belgium. http://www.heerenvanliedekercke.be/ https://www.beeradvocate.com/ratebeer/?path=/p/de-heeren-van-liedekercke-denderleeuw/2070/
Definitely do not pass De Heeren, amazing food and an insane bottle list, just about 20-30mins outside of Brussels. In Bruges you should definitely stop by the De Struise shop, but I personally think Ghent is a much nicer city. A trip to Westvleteren is definitely worth it and a lot of fun, just down the street (maybe 5km) you have De Struise. In Germany you should definitely visit Bamberg as well. If you are looking for another beautiful city and great beer destination look in to Copenhagen (Mikkeller Bar, Olbutikken). Outside of Prague I would highly recommend going to Kutna Hora, as it is overly unique: http://www.toeurope.eu/design/photos/kuhk.jpg have fun!
I am in Watou now, just visited St.Sixtus and drank all the different Westys available. Picked a few 12s to go. Riding all over the countryside and enjoying local pubs as well. Had an impromptu tour of a local brewery, drank and laughed with the locals. What a great town. I am too early for the hops but the beer is remarkable and I'm having a blast! Tonight, the Hemmelhoff!
