The Fourth Annual Battle of the Belgians brought a great day of people (60+), beers (30+), food (whole smoked pig courtesy of the East Village Meat Market – see all the photos here), and fun for all who figured out how to circumnavigate the MTA this past Saturday! With the rise of big beer fests around the city, we’re happy to host these intimate tastings in our own bar, allowing for beer lovers and makers to come together and enjoy the world of craft beer.Among the special guests this year were the hosts and producers of Beer Sessions Radio™, Bridge & Tunnel owner/brewer Rich Castagna, and Artisanal Imports’Alex Forbes (who previewed the Belgian Coast IPA, a collaboration beer by St. Feuillien and Green Flash).
Jimmy’s No. 43 brought out many surprises from our cellar selections, including Cantillon. Merchant du Vin brought some great Trappist beers (Westmalle, Orval, Rochefort).
This year’s winners:
Judges’ decision for American-style Belgian ale: A tie between Kelso Fuku and Bridge & Tunnel’s Dark Wheat (with Belgian Yeast)
Winners by popular vote: Trappist Rochefort 10, Dupont’s La Biere de Beloiel, Kwak Pauwel
Other beers featured:
- Barrier Brewing Dubbel Down
- Sly Fox “Ichor” Quadrupel (2011)
- Stillwater Special Series Black Saison
- Element Brewing’s Dark Element (MA)
- Embrasse (Netherlands)
- BFM’s Abbaye De Saint Bon-Chien (2011 – Last Year’s Overall Winner)
- Cantillon, Lou Pepe Vintage Gueze (2009)
- Fantome “Boo” (2012)
- Saison Pipaix (2003)
- Trappist Rochefort 8
- Orval
- Cuvée Des Jacobins Rouge
- Triporteur Hell
- Triporteur Heaven
- Saison Dupont
If you missed us this weekend, we’re going to be offering more Belgian beer tastings throughout the winter months, including our upcoming Tuesday Tastings (at 7:30 p.m.) and the return of Bacon & Belgians (Saturdays – 1-4 p.m.). Be sure to check back for event updates and enjoy some amazing Belgian beer at Jimmy’s No. 43.