Beers that live up to the hype: Westvleteren

If you ever have the chance to get a bottle of any beer from the abbey of Saint Sixtus of Westvleteren in Belgium, you should absolutely do so (at any cost). A friend in Belgium was nice enough to send me a bottle of the blonde, #8, and #12.Today I tried the #8, which is ranked the 8th best beer in the world by Beer Advocate and the 20th best beer in the world by RateBeer. This trappist ale is perfect in almost every way — fruity aroma, with a bitter-sweet aftertaste. It is somewhat similar to Rochefort 8, except the Westvleteren hides the alcohol better.

The #12, ranked the best beer in the world by both sites, is anxiously awaiting the completion (or possibly beginning?) of my last final exam.

The best thing about spring

The best sign of spring is the release of Bell’s Oberon. I went to Tyler’s for the “Release Party” tonight and was reminded how amazing this beer is. It’s the only wheat beer I actually like, and I learned today that it’s because it’s an American wheat, as opposed to the other ones I’ve had which are mostly Belgian and German (go America!). This one is a little bit hoppier and drier, and has less of the spices and sweetness that must be what puts me off of the other whites. I’m pretty sure it’s already for sale at Sam’s, and I only hope it will be on tap EVERYWHERE before long.

Coffee and Crepes (and Wine and Beer)

Shade Tree has been a favorite study spot of mine for a long time. Most people who go there seem to go for the purpose of studying, so they are quiet. The lighting is good during the day thanks to two walls of windows. And, most importantly, they serve a very good cup of coffee.

My friend and I went there the other day for a reading sprint. Caffeine is helpful for that. She was also hungry (and it is hard to read on an empty stomach), so she decided to try an artichoke heart-spinach crepe from their new crepe menu. These crepes are made just like they do it in France, with buckwheat, and they have lots of fillings–both sweet and savory.

My friend liked that the fillings were fresh and simply prepared. I got all excited when I saw that the crepes were made of buckwheat, so I asked the owner about them. He said that they also contained wheat, but only a little wheat. This is enough to give me hives, so I said no thanks. However, he also said that if there were sufficient demand, he could try making them with NO WHEAT AT ALL. So, if you want to help me out (or you are allergic to wheat or intolerant to gluten), you should go in and ask Greg about this all subtle-like. Or tell him that I said to ask. I do not care.

I just had a cappuccino and a macaroon. Sometimes they will draw a little fern or heart on the top of espresso-based drinks, but they didn’t this time. Disappointing, but at least it spared me the displeasure of ruining the drawing when I stirred my sugar in. Either way, it tasted good.

They also have wine and beer. I have never partaken, but I sometimes worry that they’ll stop serving if no one orders it, so you all should go and drink there. The bar area is kind of cute. And a coffee/wine/beer bar is so continental.

A few other notes: the crepe addition is not the only change that we have observed. They used to make a big deal about some aspect of their milk, like that it was local or organic or something. Also, their website seems to be outdated, claiming to serve Guglhupf pastries and silent on the matter of the crepes.

Beer of the Day: Tripel Karmeliet

No, it isn’t too early in the day to have a beer. If you enjoy Belgian beer and have not tried Tripel Karmeliet, your life is incomplete. It pours a golden color with a nice fluffy thick white head. As characteristic of its style, it is somewhat sweet and has traces of spices and citrus. While the 8.5% ABV is detectible, it is not overpowering and the beer remains very easy to drink.
Get it today to take home from Sam’s, or ask for it at The Federal. 

Sam’s: Beautiful on the Inside

I know most people already know and love Sam’s (the Quik Shop, not the Club). But it’s easy to miss and my favorite place to shop in Durham (possibly anywhere) so it needs a post.

I’m pretty sure it says nowhere on the outside that there is any beer on the inside.

It looks like a nondescript gas station convenience store, on the corner of Erwin and Main St (right before Ninth). But inside, when you walk past the junk food aisles, there’s this awe-inspiring array of beer. The word on the street is that it’s the best place to buy beer in North Carolina. It has everything I’ve ever gone looking for (huge Belgian selection and plenty of American microbrews, high-quality kegs, etc), and the guys working there know something about everything they have. You can ask them to show you something good and they’ll take you to something life-changing.

They also pretty much always have something new. Yesterday they had a display from New Holland Brewing Company, which is new to the store and I think has only recently been distributed in North Carolina.

One time there was this nasty rumor that Sam’s was going to close to make way for some sort of highway or railroad. That never happened, but the scare made me appreciate it even more. I’ll never take it for granted again.

A Mild Ale

I have never even heard of a mild ale.  The internet says they used to be extremely popular (in the UK) and now are vanishingly rare.  But I had one today at the Triangle Brewing Company’s biweekly tasting/tour–so maybe they’re coming back in style, starting in Durham?  Durham is a trend-setter like that.  The Triangle Mild Ale was described as having undertones of chocolate, toffee, and tobacco.  I think I tasted at least the tobacco, but maybe I’m just gullible; anyway, it was slightly sweet and subtle and really easy to drink.I don’t know if the mild ale (or the really coffee-y stout that I also tried today) is sold at any bars yet, but I know you can buy growlers of their beers every once in a while at the brewery (for instance, this Thursday), and a lot of local bars sell their Belgian Golden.One of the owners mentioned that they might be expanding their operations (the two owners are the only employees so far).   They don’t know it yet, but I am so going to be their first in-house counsel. 

*UPDATE: “Britt” was nice enough to inform us that the Mild Ale is currently available at Tyler’s.   

Free Alcohol, Part 2

In addition to the great options listed below, every other Saturday Durham’s own Triangle Brewing Company hosts a brewery tour that includes free beer. Doors open at 1:00pm, and the next event is on March 1st.

Free Alcohol

I think this is important enough to be the first post.

There are at least three places in Durham to get free alcohol and, at two of them, learn something about it at the same time.

Every Friday from 5 - 8 pm Parker and Otis, near Brightleaf, has a beer tasting. The in-store beer guy, or sometimes a rep from the featured brewery, is around to tell you about the beer, if you care.

Every Saturday, there is a wine tasting at 12 - 3 pm at Parker and Otis. At the same time (unfortunately) there is also a tasting at Wine Authorities, at the intersection of University and 15-501. Wine Authorities also has a machine that allows you to serve yourself wine on tap any time by swiping a wine debit card. It seems dangerous,* and is called an Enomatic.

Less interesting but also free (with a purchase) are the unlimited mimosas at Dale’s (the Indian place on Ninth Street) that come with the Sunday brunch buffet.

So, you’re pretty much set for the weekend, if you’re ok with starting early.

*UPDATE: When I say dangerous, I mean in a very good way.