Looking Ahead to Battle of the Belgians

BotBPreviewOn Saturday, December 6th, Jimmy’s No. 43 will once again be gathering the world’s best Belgian and Belgian-style beers for the Fifth Annual Battle of the Belgians. This year, we welcome newcomer (and possible upset winner) Italy! Yes, we’ll have some Belgian-style Italian beers, along with a great list of Americans.

Some of the people behind these amazing brews dropped by the bar yesterday, including Michael Opalenski of B. United Importers, Mike Lovullo (who is curating the American side of Battle of the Belgians) and this “brain trust” of beer. We were purchasing beer for an upcoming preview event this Saturday, November 22nd, when from 4-6 p.m. Jimmy Carbone will be doing a guided tasting of six rare Belgian (or Belgian style ales). Take a tour of our beer cellar, help choose your own beer, taste, talk and sample some of our favorite bacons and cured meats (yes, it is another Bacon & Belgians event! tickets here).

We asked the group to “match that brew” in a bit of a beer geek challenge. Jimmy said to choose a beer with a high malt profile (not too hoppy), sessionable (less than 6% ABV), something in a pale ale, and something a consumer could drink all night long.

Mike Lovullo, Union Specialty Rep (not pictured as he was taking a sales call) picked Maine Beer Co.’s “Mo” Pale Ale and the Hitachino Dai Dai Blood Orange Saison (we’ll have Mo on the menu with Dai Dai coming in next week). Andrew (Union rep-in-training) went for our favorite beer from NJ, the Carton Boat Beer. Michael Opalenski  picked Schlenkerla Helles Lager and Hofstetten 1810 Lager (both of which will be available in the run up to Battle of the Belgians). Finally, Mick Bonde (also a Union rep) chose Heavy Seas Winter Storm.
Heavy seas winter storm

Just another typical day at work!

 And be sure to get your ticket to Battle of the Belgians (very limited in quantity). Current beer list and tickets available here.