Beer 245: Vicaris Tripel Gueuze

You know it's hot out when even the dog doesn't want to go outside.  After trying to scoot Salinger out the door while I planted some seeds I had saved from earlier in the summer, he gave me that "oh you know better than that, lady" look.  I came back in to find him toasting himself in spot of sunshine while savoring the air conditioning.  Oh the life of a dachshund...

I enjoyed today's beer last night as today is a work day. Yes, I know it's Saturday.  Don't feel too bad for me. Work means a cocktail and star gazing party in Avalon.  Yes, the drive back and forth is going to be an utter bitch but the most taxing thing I have scheduled for tomorrow is some tomfoolery with friends in the city.  Perhaps those dachshunds are really emulating me?

The Vicaris Tripel Gueuze is brewed by Brouwerij Dilewyns, but started as an accidental collaboration between Dilewyns and Girardin. Read more here.  Thanks to The Beer Shoppe in Ardmore (PA) for stocking it.  It poured a not quite clear straw color with a thick but not deep white head.  It smelled tart and lightly of malt.  The taste is sour, slightly mineral and leaves a great tingly tart feeling on the tongue.  I also noticed some minor woody undertones with just a bit of pepper.

Overall a great beer. Although at 8.5% ABV, I probably won't be drinking more than a couple in one sitting.  Cheers!

Decisions running through my head

Beer #8: Vicaris Generaal / Brouwerij Dilewyns, East Flanders, Belgium
Great day that started with a long walk by the river in Valley Forge. Only people out were some folks walking their dog - we brought Flash, but not the other two - and some dedicated runners.  Which made me realize I need to make a decision and make it fast: whether or not to sign up and run another 24 hour ultramathon next year.  Having run two 24 hour races in the past three years, it's time to put up or shut up for running one in 2012.  The upside is the race is an awesome adventure; running 50+ miles is something most sane people don't bother attempting.  The downside is the seemingly endless training. I love running, but I don't always love the amount of time I need to dedicate.  Plus, some of my fellow runners aren't running it this year, which is a downer.  Need to figure this out, and fast.

On to the beer.  Keeping with the Belgian theme (and I'll be spending a lot of time with Belgian beers this year), the next beer is another Belgian I wasn't familiar with, the Vicaris Generaal.  The beer has a reddish brown hue, and a rich, malty taste. The flavor is actually lighter than the dark color would imply.  Just a hint of sweetness, but nothing too overwhelming.  Plus, their logo is what appears to be a blue horse with a rocket pack.  Nice!  Very solid beer choice, and I feel like I'm back on track after yesterday's clunker.

Thing to Think About Today:
Caught the new Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows film - absolutely loved it.  Just as good as the last one, if not better.  Robert Downey Jr. & Jude Law nail their roles, as does the guy who also plays the British guy on Mad Men.  You know... him.  However, let's think back to an earlier time, when Robert Downey Jr was just on the cusp of stardom.  Back to School?  HILARIOUS.  Johnny Be Good?  SURE!  Weird Science?  YES!  How was he playing second banana to Anthony Michael Hall in not one, but two movies?  Damn the 80s were strange.