Monday 18 January 2010

Disaster


Bloody InBev. Their poor employee relatioans are impacting my life. According to Ton Overmars (my slijter). The strike at InBev is why the supply of St. Bernardus Abt have dried up. Not quite sure how that works, but I'll take his word for it.

I managed to score some bottles of Abt at the Bierkoning on Saturday. I rushed home, eager with anticipation. Grabbed my Chimay glass and dropped it into the sink. Crash. Tinkle, tinkle.

I'm making do with a Maredsous glass. But it isn't the same.

I considered buying a 75cl of Abt. But, at €5.40, seemed a little expensive compared to the 33cl. bottles. Then I glanced at the American beers. Big bottles of Lost Abbey beers ranged from 12 ro 16 euros. It's no wonder the shelves are still full of them.

7 comments:

Pivní Filosof said...

What is the point of importing American "Abbey Beers" to Holland? Really, did anyone sat to think about that for a minute? Those beers would have to be astronomically good for someone to even consider shelling out that much money, when you can get the real stuff for a fraction of the price...

Matt said...

Think of the wider picture Ron. Unable to buy their usual InBev product, Stella drinkers might try a beer that actually tastes of something. Or maybe I'm being optimistic and they'll just switch to another international pils brand :-).

Ron Pattinson said...

Pivni Filosof, it had me wondering, too. I can't see there being a very big market for such American beers at that price. Especially when you consider a bottle of Westvleteren 12 is 12.50 in Bierkoning.

Laurent Mousson said...

@Matt, not sure they will do... there's still the whole Alken-Maes/Grimbergen brands portfolio (i.e.) Heineken) on the shelves. ;o(

But indeed, when the Belgian media speak of a possible beer shortage, they're talking utter and absolute b*ll*cks. Won't hurt drinkers to try something else. Even if it's just another pils.

Gary Gillman said...

Ron, both the regular and Xmas Abt are available in New York for $13.00 in the large-bottle format, which sounds a good price, relatively. Anyone in or available to the Manhattan area will find them at Whole Foods' beer department on Houston Street near Bowery, a quite amazing beer store.

I wanted to try the Xmas, having tried it on draft at the Gingerman. I only saw the bottled version at the end of the trip and hadn't room to bring it home. I liked the draft, it had both a malty and winy taste that seemed both different and yet similar to other Abbey and Trappist beers I have tried.

Gary

Bill said...

A moment of silence for the Chimay glass. I know your pain.

Anonymous said...

I have three Chimay glasses floating around my house, but I would still be very distraught if one met its demise.