Belgium Comes to Cooperstown this year was billed as the “Big Lebrewski”, after the cult favorite film The Big Lebowski, which turned out to have a role in that happy weekend. I’ll attempt to fill you in on the details here. 

First off, the drive up took some time, but eventually proved uneventful. Not having the wherewithal as regards gear, we had to drive back up to nearby town Oneonta to visit a Walmart and secure a large tent and  a couple of sleeping bags. Citifolk like me are astounded at the size of this tremendous box store, and at the fact they have everything a camper might need, and that it comes so inexpensively, relatively.  A big tent that could have easily fit three wasn’t all that hard to assemble with the friendly assistance you can find at BCTC. Once up, it was already after 3 PM: drinking time.  Serendipitously, we camped aside the folks from the Berkshire area of Massachusetts, who included the famous Will Shelton, formerly of the Shelton Bros. and currently the man behind the High and Mighty Brewing Company, as well as Daniel, who happens to own both the Moan and Dove as well as the Dirty Truth, two beloved beer focused bars somewhere up there in the blue state.  These guys, along with a good number of their friends, made for wonderful neighbors and drinking buddies.

Although there was a beer festival to attend the following day, Saturday, much of the good times were the result of us all coming with items we pulled from our cellars. I brought the Westvleteran 12 I was hoarding, a bottle of Alaskan Smoked Porter and a Ballast Point Sculpin IPA.  Daniel brought a good number of tasty brews he no doubt had pulled from the Moan and Dove, much of it Shelton Bros. items including the fantastic Achel Extra Bruin and some sour lambics from the likes of Drie Fontein and Cantillon.   So, its like a big campsite around the brewery, which happens to be nestled in what is really the middle of nowheresville if it weren’t for Cooperstown which pretty much exists because of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Sit around, munch some grub people are cooking up at various campfires, shoot the shite and drink some beer. 

Next is the VIP dinner, which we arrived at fashionably late but no matter, they are still offering up the first course which is a typical bit of Belgian fare, mussels and frites. Get in line, grab a plate and fill up with tongs.  Not too bad, although I heard a good number of complaints about sandy mussels. I didn’t have much of these, but mine were happily sand free. Tables are set up under a long, wide tent sort of picnic like. Lined up throughout six wide, with ample space for walking by or through.  In the middle of each table is a good supply of Moortgat bottles, which included Ommegang, Duvel, Maredsous and Rodenbach, along with a Wit everyone seemed to be wild about, and I confess I forgot the name. I am not a big fan of wit beers, so it didn’t draw much of my attention.  What did strike me was the new Ommegang Rouge, a delightful new Flemish style sour beer one had to walk up to the taps for. Well worth the trip, and I made that short walk a good number of times.  If you like nice sours, this is the stuff and can be had at the Belgian Room right now, it just went on tap yesterday.

There were multiple more courses of food, and I got my feed on pretty good. Duck was the one thing I remember, and Brussels sprouts once again,  a reminder of what we chowed on last year. All told, I have to say Ommegang’s food operation was a bit better than last year’s. That was a VIP offering, which I think went for $150 per ticket for the overnight stay, the dinner, beers a palatable breakfast the following morning.  Worth it? I think so, especially if you don’t mind roughing it a bit, and its nice to go to a beer festival where  you don’t have to find your way home afterward.

Instead, after dinner, Its time to walk about and drink some beers. Mayflower Brewing was stationed right near us, and I was especially please because I really like Matt Steinberg and his porter was just right.  Mayflower is just producing simple English styles for now, which is right up my alley, as I had already had my surfeit of Belgian styles up to this point. It didn’t stop there, because Scottie Vaccaro was roasting a pig up at his camp, and there was Captain Lawrence being poured to everyone’s delight, particularly if you were able to get your lips around a glass of the wonderful Cuvee de Castleton.  Iron Hill was there too, and a couple of guys who work at Middle Ages had a wit and their Wailing Wench pouring. Lots of breweries wanted to take part in this event, for the fun and prestige of just being there.  Suffice it to say, it would have been really easy to tie one on, but most people were behaving themselves this y ear. 

Up in the back they had blown up a huge, white movie screen and set up some folding chairs for people who wanted to view the Big Lebowski. That had a neat effect, but having already seen that film, I sauntered about making friends and seeing the sights.  There was a good deal of homebrew to be had, some of it quite good.  Other screens erected by campers were showing Gratetful Dead videos and such as well. 

That’s it for now. I will see if I can complete the story later. Go on, have a beer.

Its not nearly as hot as it might be for this time of year, and nevertheless, these are the dog days.  August in New York is a tough one for businesses what with everyone making their final getaways before the coming of fall. Autumn isn’t nearly all that far away, and those who can seek the shores. On the other hand, this is a good opportunity to stroll the town as the sidewalks aren’t nearly as crowded as they will become.  On another note, the city is teeming with tourists right now, spending their hyper-powered currency as we mull the high prices of gas for our cars of a trip to Europe we’ve reluctantly put off till the dollar regains its former oomph.

Of course, I would like at this time of year for everyone to hop on over to the Hop Devil Grill and its next door sister, the Belgian Room.  Its not far, just over on St. Marks Place in the East Village. You’ll find a stellar selection of American, British and German drafts, and the greatest selection of Belgian rareties ever assembled in our Mid-Atlantic region. Come on by. If there, I’ll surely buy you a beer.

I’m currently reading one of John Irving’s novels, and there is a section in it where a European guy is criticizing the US because of our “Puritanism” compared with the more open minded Euros.  The character in the book was discussing pornography, but it got me to thinking that we’ve come a long way, baby. Sure, Americans seem to be uptight about a number of things still, in particular from my perspective the whole anti-drinking thing which is at a fever-pitch right now, but at the same time, can you believe we have a candidate with a very serious chance at the US presidency who not only is of an ethnicity that is representative of less than 13% of all Americans, but who freely admits in one of his very own tomes that he smoked pot?  His response to whether or not he inhaled is “that’s the point”.  It sort of blows my mind that we’re at a point as a nation where we can look beyond that. Just a few years ago, maybe Reagan’s era, there is no way its possible that someone with that background could have been president.  Well, just something I was thinking about.

A lot of people ask me what kinds of foods pair well with beers, and I have to respond that a better question would be “what kinds of food don’t pair with beer?” because there is usually a beer for whatever cuisine you might be interested in eating.  Just for example, why don’t we pick spicy, southwestern or Mexican food?  There are a couple of ways to go, but I think to get the right flavor contrast it makes sense to go with a medium bodied lager, one that finishes with some sweetness. I especially like German style Märzens for spicy Southwestern flavors. The spice contrasts nicely with the sweetness from the malt, while not being further exacerbated by too many hops.  Additionally, I think that the somewhat higher alcohol content breaks down the oil on the tongue which tends to sustain the burn, further enhancing the experience.  Give it a try the next time you have those tacos.

Happy Independence Day Americans.  I know, the weather isn’t exactly cooperating here in NYC, but we can make the best of it indoors.  If you got a chance to see the Macy’s fireworks spectacular last night, its worth risking the weather, I can assure you. I have seen it many years in a row from my friend’s 32nd floor East River apt. located right at 34th Street.  A perfect view, but, believe it or not, I didn’t want to see it again this year. You know: been there, done that. 

Unibroue Friday night at the Belgian Room was kick-ass.  Special thanks to our long time friend Enrique Suarez, roving Unibroue Ambassador-at large, for being such a tremendous host that evening. Everybody, I mean everybody there, and it was a full house, was drinking Unibroue Beer. Congratulations to the 12 different winners of the gift packages.  Those packages were sweet. Two 750s of La Fin Du Monde with glassware!  There were 12 happy campers who left the Belgian Room Friday night. We also debuted the Quatre Centieme, a really delicious, lightly colored Belgian Ale made with all barley malt and only lightly hopped. Folks, this beer is a true winner. It has a long, luscious finish that never dies. It kicks you with 7.5% alcohol by volume, sort of on the low end for a Belgian Strong Ale.   It isn’t released yet in the United States, so keep your eyes open or travel north to  Montreal.  It’ll be worth the trip, and if you haven’t yet been to Montreal, its a great vacation town.  Unibroue beers are wonderful.

Its a bit quiet in NYC this holiday weekend. I recommend going out for  a pint, or joining me tonight on Governors Island. I’ll be bringing a couple of bottles of nice Unibroue beers I received as gifts, and the NY Philamarnic (did I spell that right?) is playing on a big lawn there. Boats are leaving from Battery Park every half hour, and they are free. Should be a good show.

Shite!  My stocks are taking a beating. The whole market is getting manhandled. Thankfully I recently dumped my Anheuser Busch holdings after Inbev made their infamous offer.   I sort of figured Bud wouldn’t bite, so my timing was good for a change.

Speaking of dumping Bud,  people automatically assume I hate Bud, Miller, Coors, etc.  Well, I don’t hate them. Sorry. In fact, in certain ways, I admire Anheuser Busch. First, my friends who work there tell me its a good company to be with. Second, if nothing else, their product is of a consistent high quality. Admittedly, its not my beer of choice; I am usually looking for more flavor. Nevertheless, I can recognize quality when I see it.

Second, I don’t disdain AB for being big.  How many small companies wish they were big? Its the American way.  Sometimes smaller businesses just “cash out”.  Doesn’t make them bad.  Same way I feel about Samuel Adams beers. By craft standards, they are pretty big.  To me, they are making good beers. Thats what I care about. Quality. Job One.