Gonzo FreakPower

jonp: Are you kidding with that post? I wouldn't drink Heineken for the same reason I avoid Budweiser. What's the point of either? As an arrogant Belgian, I will say this: The Dutch don't know squat about making beer. I don't even know why they bother. Belgium is right nextdoor. They should concentrate on other things and leave Belgians to brewing. As an example: A few years ago Heineken decided it was time to take over the Belgian market. They tried for a while to get started but there was ZERO interest . Eventually they gave up, realizing that no self-respecting Belgian would ever order a Heineken at a bar, or be seen walking out of store with a case. I wish that instead of Stella being imported so widely that Jupiler and Palm would be available. Both are producted in large enough quantities. I guess Interbrew has a stranglehold on that business.

To me, a lot of the beers listed are more in the "no good" category. All the Buds, Schlitz, Pabsts etc are just tasteless and a waste of time. To me, Tsing Tao (spelling?) is about the most horrible. It's "actively bad," instead of just a waste of time. cdh: I'm one who likes Orval and all I can say is that it's made the way it is on purpose. 20 years ago Leffe, for example, was much more bitter/dry than it is now. It's been softened so that it appeal to a broader market. I'll call it the "Americanization" effect. I'm glad that Orval hasn't changed like that.

I think there's too many to name them all: Duvel Westmalle, best on tap Leffe (bruin or blond) Grimbergen (dobbel en tripel) Brugse Tripel Straffe Hendrik (Brugge) Palm, also best on tap Corsendonk (bruin or blond) Hoegaarden Jupiler to stock the fridge (Leinenkugel's Original from WI is a great subsitute for anyone in the Midwest) Maes Pils with steak and fries Some American stuff does the job too: Fat Tire Amber, Summit Alt Bier, Kona Longboard, Gordon Biersch Blonde Bock (tap only). That's just a small taste of it. I can't remember all the great beers I've had.