Today was just a relaxed day. I went for a 5 mile run and then took care of a couple of minor things … I had another Zwiefalter bier — their Hefeweizen Dunkel … it is good, but I find myself liking the wild yeast in the darker beers … a la, Orval or some of the other Trappist dark beers … but for a Hefe, this one was nice…

Beer Mentor

Today I took a little trip to a small town named Tiefenbronn.  The distinguishing characteristic of this town is a church built in the 1300s … with an “Altar” made from wood and built in the early 1400s.  Wow … here’s a couple of pictures of this Altar.  It celebrates Mary Magdalene — and the legend of how she went to France.  Don’t ask me why — it was a cool experience.  There were several other “altars” in this church … and the stained glass windows were made in the 1300s …

When I went to this town I thought I might have to eat at a “fast food” place — called an Imbiss usually.  However, there was a wonderful restaurant right downtown and I had a wild game plate with red cabbage and homemade noodles.  Yummy!

The restaurant didn’t have any beers I haven’t had soooo … I drove through a little snow and …

…when I got back to the room, I capped off my trip with a nice brew.  I realized I hadn’t had the Westmalle Dubbel yet, so it was an excellent treat.  A nice beer to cap a great day.

Beer Mentor

This weekend kicks off the real celebration for German Fasching (think Mardi Gras).  One of the local breweries I’ve mentioned before (schoenbuch brau) is even making a special beer just for the occasion, and they’ve named it the “local dialect” name for Fasching: Fasnet.

You guessed it — I had one.  Woo Hoo!  It was nice … let’s get this Fasching thing started!

Beer Mentor

First I have to say — happy 18th Birthday Adrienne!  My youngest daughter is now 18 … wow.  I must be getting older … but life keeps going … so you just have to “live life to the brim!”

Today I finished my last Koningshoeven — the Tripel.  I was looking at their site yesterday and realized I haven’t had their bock bier.  They make the only Trappist bock … sounds like I will have to make another trip to Belgium/Netherlands! hahaha!

Beer Mentor

I have to correct myself.  I stated in previous posts that I was stuck on a Belgian Bier theme … but, actually, I was on a “Trappist Bier” theme … because the Koningshoeven Bier I’ve been drinking was actually made in the Netherlands …

I stand corrected and as punishment, I will continue drinking Trappist Bier — today’s was a very nice Koningshoeven Witte … the only Trappist light wheat beer … yes, it was nice … (for you purists, yes I’m using the wrong glass — but it didn’t affect the taste. LOL)

Beer Mentor

The last 4 nights have been Belgian celebrations!  Woo Hoo!  I’m keeping up that trend.  Tonight I had the last Chimay I hadn’t ‘tasted:’ The blue One – the Grand Reserve.  Yes, I really enjoyed this beer … of course, maybe it took me back to the Abbey itself and my discussion with Brother Edward.  Wow.  Have I said that I love Europe?

Beer Mentor

I went to see the Stuttgarter Philharmonic Orchestra tonight … so, to get it kicked off, I had a special beer: The Koningshoeven Isid’or.

“La Trappe Isid’or has been specially created to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Brewery de Koningshoeven. This ceremonial beer was named after Brother Isidorus, the first brewer of La Trappe.”

Just as the concert was a celebration of the Vienna Child Prodigy composers, so was the beer a celebration — it was only appropriate that I drink it tonight! LOL

Enjoy it if you can get it!

Beer Mentor

I was looking at my list today to make sure I didn’t repeat something … especially since my list is so long now … and I realized I hadn’t had the Achel Brown yet.  What a travesty!  So, I cracked one open and began sampling …. yes!  Wow, what a nice beer.  This is a good brown … if you get a chance, go for it!

On a side note, I went to the Porsche museum today in Stuttgart.  I highly recommend that too if you get the chance.

Beer Mentor

I went over to my friend’s house tonight and took a few of my Belgian beers with me.  This was the first time he (and his wife) had ever had Belgian beers, so it was a fun evening.   I brought a Westvleteren, an Achel, a Westmalle, an Orval, and a Chimay.  We had a rip-roaring good time capped off with some Rock Band – Beatles style.  Yeah!  Since this was my 80th beer in a row, I went with the “Chimay Bruin.”  Mmmmm mmmm … mighty tasty!

You may notice the pictures are in my room … I forgot to take this one with me to my friend’s house (LOL). I had the Chimay Tripel … and came back to my room and had this one … it was a Big Belgian Night!
Beer Mentor

Tonight I decided to have another Zwiefalten Kloster ale — this one is their unfiltered, “cellar beer” … the Zwiefalten Abt.  I really like the unfiltered beers … this one was no exception.  Plus it comes in a cool flip-top bottle AND I own the exact glass with which to enjoy it! Yes!

Beer Mentor