We've tried the 4 but not the 6. Is it remarkably different or perhaps comparable to another, easier to find, blonde?

How'd you manage that? Wanna trade for some Westy?

There was an article recently about beer hounds in a worldwide trading club buying up all the Goose island in Chicagoland by pre-arranging with beer store managers to take everything at 20% over retail.

I managed to get two 4-packs and a single of the regular only.

GI decided to distribute on Black Friday to Whole Foods and CVS for God's sake. Totally hosing the little store owners.

St. Bernardus brewery is a lot of fun to visit. In the same general area as Westvleteren and Struisse. Take the "Belbus" to/from Poperinge station.

There is a great B&B next door, quite reasonable, that lets you, as part of your stay, drink UNLIMITED St. Bernardus from the fridge in the lounge. Some terrific restaurants nearby as well. A highlight of our trip almost 2 years back.

I just picked up a 6pk of 21st Amendment Fire Side Chat. Its a tasty spiced ale. I really enjoy their Brew Free or Die IPA as well.

It's been a while since I had the 6. Now that I think about it, the Pater 6 was a dark ale, more of a Dubbel style. I've never had the 4 (or even seen it), but if it's a blonde or pale ale then that's probably closest to the Westy Blonde. Otherwise look for La Trappe Blonde, Maredsous 6, o even the new Spencer Trappist Ale.

I met an Oklahoman beer enthusiast at Herman Belgian beer bar in Berlin last month, who stayed at this B&B and was completely blown away by the experience.

I wasn't impressed with their Brew Free or Die. It may have been a bad batch, but to me, it lacked flavor.

Brooklyn Brewery's Dry Irish Stout

No new beer in the fridge but Mrs BamaVol suggested we head over to Fishale after the farmers market yesterday. I washed down my plate of mahi sliders with on-tap Goose Island bourbon county stout. Very enjoyable but I don't see why I had to pay $8 for such a small serving - looked to be an 8 ounce glass.

It's a hot commodity. :D

Bargain.

It's $7+ a bottle in the liquor store and it sells out instantly. One of the great beers of its type in the world.

Agreed.

Smithwick's!

8wired iStout
Mikkeller Black Hole
Kaiju! Robohop
Kaiju! Where Strides The Behemoth
Westvleteren 12
Rochefort 6/8/10

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Ya think?!?
No comment.