Epic + Thornbridge = kiwi collabrotive brew

[nzbrewer]

Just a quick update, I'm returning to the UK on the 13th April to pull the first pint of the Epic Pale Ale I brewed a few weeks ago at Everards in Leicester for the JD Wetherspoons International Real Ale Festival.

While I am there I am going to be doing a collaborative brew with Kelly Ryan (kiwi) at Thornbridge Brewery. We are thinking of doing a double IPA. Will keep you posted as things develop.

Thinking of a weekend in Belgium, any tips on where to go, or what to see?

[JoKing]

Far out - what hops do you think you'd use?

Never been in Belgium - but I'd check out Westvleteren Trappist Monastery for sure.

[Greig McGill]

Second the suggestion to go to Westvleteren. The cafe In de Vrede is very modern, but the beer... my GOD! You've had it bottled. On tap it's nothing short of life changing. Also, Brugge. So many great cafes and bars. 't Brugse Beertje was a favourite, as was Zolder. If you meet the lady who co-owns Zolder (works most evenings), say hi from Alex and I. She was awesome. We introduced her to Cantillon - believe it or not, she'd never heard of them despite having over 200 beers on her menu. Oh, and Cambrinus.

If you get the chance, and they do tours (I'm not sure - I was told they only have one "open day" per year, and we just happened to be lucky enough to be there for it) go to Roeselare and visit the Rodenbach brewery. Those tuns... just amazing. And Cantillon in Brussels - but try not to get knifed in the ghetto neighbourhood! Damn, so many. And there are tons I'm sure I missed.

[Sam Possenniskie (TGM)]

If you've got time and feeling a bit mroe adventurous, you might find something in here to your liking.

http://the-grandmaster.blogspot.com/2006/10/belgium-merci-beaucoup-what-great-5.html

But you can't go wrong with Brugge if it is just a short trip.