What started with such promise back in May gave way to the
wettest summer in 100 years. It’s the 1st
of September and with school back in session its clear autumn is on the
way. So I have to ask summer, “Was that it?”
Dark days have cursed a few of my brews as well. My Christmas ale and a few others just didn’t
come out as well as they should. I’m not
sure what the problem is and my interest has waned a bit so I'm thinking of doing
more kits.
Still summer wasn’t all bad.
Back in May, when the summer had such promise, we took the family back to
Spain. We’ve been in this area a few
times before but with the kids older and being able to do more we had the best
family holiday so far. I contented
myself with inexpensive bottles of Grimbergen, Judas, and Leffe. We also had 3 camping trips around Ireland using
our new roof box to build a palatial campsite.
After a rainy start at Battlebridge in Leitrim, we had excellent trips and
cooperative weather in Westport and Dingle.
The one thing about living in Ireland is when the weather is good, you
take advantage of it. Snatch a bbq or a
walk and never waste a sunny day.
I mentioned the last time and friend and I were to do a
tasting of the world’s best beer Westvleteren
12. We
had a great night tasting my favourite Rochefort
10 and my friend’s favourite St. Bernardus 12.
All in all we couldn’t agree on the winner but both agreed the
Westvelteren lacked a sophistication which may come with aging. We both have bottles we’ve put away for a
future taste test.
I should also declare a new found appreciation for Affligem Blode ale. I never knew how seriously to take this beer
as it was seemingly being discontinued and inexpensive when I first encountered
it. However, I’ve come to recognize it
as being a fantastic Belgian blonde far superior to Leffe Blonde.
Well, that’s it for now.
Enjoy the dry, crisp days of fall as the dark days of winter
are upon us.