Jimmys No. 43

We have previewed some of the Belgian beers that will be available at today’s Battle of the Belgians (and for as long as they last at Jimmy’s No. 43… and we’re guessing that won’t be long at all). Several of our press friends – Tony Forder (Ale St. News), Gregg Glaser (Yankee Brew News), Elizabeth Keyser (Zagat survey – Connecticut editor), Adam Levy (founder – NY International Beer Competition), and Javier Ansorena (Spain’s gastroeconomy.com) – determined the judge’s winners:

• Overall winner: Brasserie Dupont, La Biere de Beloeil
• 2nd (tie): Rodenbach Vintage 2007 and Smiske Naturale
• 3rd: De Dolle “Oerbier” Reserva

All are limited beers submitted by the importers, one of which – Vanberg & Dewulf’s Wendy Littlefield – comments, “Only Jimmy’s No.43 would have a Belgian battle competition with Beloiel (rarest of the rare) in the mix. You are the taste maker for the nation!”

So be sure to join us today (limited $60 tickets available at the door at 1 p.m.) to vote the people’s choice awards for Belgian beer!

It’s arguably one of the best weekends of the year at Jimmy’s No. 43 when the Belgians come to  battle it out. Our taps will be pouring American-made, Belgian-style beers, which will compete against bottles from Belgium. While the beers will be available for purchase all weekend, a special ticketed event will feature:

• Limited 3 vintages of Rodenbach (2007-2008-2009)
• Allagash Vrienden and Curieux (on draft)
• Brooklyn Cuvee Noire (custom keg)
• Smuttynose 2011 Farmhouse
• Barrier Brewing Dubbel (plus one other special Belgian style)
• White Birch Hooksett and Belgian Pale Ale
• Bruery’s Saison Lente, Tradewinds Triple, Saison Rue
• Wandering Star Berkshire Saison
• Pretty Things Baby Tree Quad (on draft)
• Sixpoint Unfiltered Brevity Wit
• Southampton Abbot 12 (2010)
• Dupont Monks Stout (on draft)
• Dupont Bon Voeux
• Dupont Biere de Miel
• Dupont Beloeil
• Liefmans Goudenband
• Maredsous Triple
• Vanberg & Dewulf Lambickx
• Wikap Stimulo
• Ommegang Abbey Ale
• Sly Fix “Grisette” Saison (on draft)

Rare bottles from B United imports:

• Saison Pipaix Brasserie Vapeur
• Hannssens Oude Kriek Lambic
• De Dolle Ara Bier
• De Dolle Speial Oerbier Reserva 2010
• ‘T Smiske Natural Ale
• Regenboob “Guido” Ale

Plus, a preview of some rare Belgian Xmas beers:

• Glazen Touren canaster
• De la Seine Equinox
• ‘T Smisje Kerst Bier

Food offerings will include:

• Bobolink Dairy and Bakehouse breads and cheese
• Jimmy’s No. 43 biscuits with ham and “red eye” gravy
• Mama O’s Kimchi
• Cabot Cheddar
• Jasper Hill Cheese
• Prohibition Bakery beer and pretzel cupcakes

Tickets for Saturday’s tasting are still available.

But you already knew that, right? Come out and see why Zagat likes us!

It’s Seasons Greetings and we have beer to cheer! Special beers this week include Maine beer company Zoe; Xbeeriment #44 smoked stout from Denmark; Spezial – a Rauchbier from Bamberg, Germany – with a subtle, smoky yet clearly malty profile; Thornbridge Jaipur IPA and more.

It’s going to be a great evening when Empire beer’s owner, Dave Katleski, and brewer, Tim Butler, come to town. They’ll be offering limited beers from Syracuse brewpub and some amazing brews from the following:

• Winter Warmer – A dark holiday ale spiced with Cardamom and Allspice.  The combination of the spices and dark malts give this beer a gingerbread cookie like flavor.  6.8% ABV
• Scotch Ale –  This is a traditional Scotch Ale.  Dark, full bodied and malt forward.  7.5% ABV
• American Strong Ale – This is a hop forward, dark ruby colored beer.  It is hopped with Galena, Chinook, Amarillo and dry hopped with falconers flight.  Finishes dry, hoppy and resiny.  8.5% ABV
• Barley Wine – American Style Barley Wine.  Hoppy, but balanced with malt backbone.  10.5% ABV
• Potential tap beers from Syracuse include: Light Lager, Brown Ale, Black Magic Stout, Hefe-Weizen, Empire State Pale Ale (all NYS grown Cascade hops), Wheat Wine and Apple Ale

Beer can be paired with a prix fixe three-course meal for $45 (includes three beers). The first-course salad will be made from caramelized pear with blue cheese and candied walnut; second course offerings will be a choice of pork belly or duck confit entree; for dessert you’ll have a choice of apple tart or bread pudding.

Reservations are encouraged. Dave and Tim will sit at 6:30! You can call 212-982-3006 or e-mail nik@jimmysno43.com to reserve!