Tasting 800 Belgian beers...

[Phil Bunch]

"Andrew Stroehlein, a 43-year-old from Morristown, New Jersey, is trying to become the first person in the world to try all of Belgium's 800-some beers. In doing so, he's put together one of the handiest Belgian beer references in English on the web."

http://blogs.wsj.com/brussels/2011/07/06/tasting-800-belgian-beers/

and the fellow's web page here:

http://40beersat40.blogspot.com/

Now that's a "Guiness Book of World Records" attempt that I can both admire and understand!

Perhaps some of our European forum members could comment authoritatively on the quality and nobility of this effort, etc!

[Will]

You can taste something like 150 Belgian beers at the Hopleaf in Chicago: http://hopleaf.com/

[Phil Bunch]

You can taste something like 150 Belgian beers at the Hopleaf in Chicago: http://hopleaf.com/

Well, that would certainly be a good start!

How does Belgian beer rank vs say German beer?  I realize that such a question is both unanswerable as well as potential grounds for riots and such, but is there any sort of consensus for whose beer is preferred among serious consumers?  

Personally, I long ago decided that it was ultimately unproductive to rank such diverse things even though I would have personal favorites.  It reminds me a little of ranking people instead of just enjoying each person for their strengths and individual characteristics.    Also, so much depends on what you are used to and what sorts of experiences you have had with such matters.

Perhaps ranking fine beers would be somewhat like ranking beautiful women (or if one is so inclined, ranking handsome men)?

The fundamental mysteries of life are very deep!

[Jeroen D]

We'll see where this debate on beer goes on the forum. Maybe we should try and stick with something less controversial? Like politics or religion?

I like a beer now and then. I always enjoy the German beers, but then again there's some very good Belgium ones as well.

Most beers drunk in the Netherlands are lagers. Comes in many variants, brands etc. But most Dutchmen would have their own favourite. And they'll beat up their wives if they bring them anything else. Interestingly enough in just about all "blind-beer test" virtually none of these guys could identify their own brand they feel so passionate about!

I certainly can't taste the difference between a Heineken or an Amstel beer. Regardless, I never beat my wife. In fact she makes me buy my own beer most of the time.

I will say this though; Heineken gets my vote for having the best/funniest beer commercials. Check it out on youtube.

Jeroen

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=funny+beer+commercials&aq=0&oq=funny+beer