As we head geographically closer to Munich and prep our taste buds for Oktoberfest and US brewed Oktoberfest style beers, this Saturday we (and hopefully you!) are going to be picking up a Belgian beer, Pauwel Kwak, brewed by Brouwerij Bosteels.
Kwak is Belgian Strong Pale Ale with an ABV of 8.1% It should be fairly easy to find, but if you are having trouble, shoot us an email, or go to the Beer Mapping Project to find the best libation purveyor in your area.
Kwak, by many, is known more for its historical glassware than the actual beer. What’s in a name? Everything! From the brewer’s website:
“In Napoleon’s time, Pauwel Kwak was a brewer and the owner of the De Hoorn inn (near Brussels). Mail coaches stopped there every day, but at that time coachmen were not allowed to leave their coach and horses,” “As a result, the inventive innkeeper had a special Kwak glass blown that could be hung on the coach. In this way, the coachman had his Kwak beer safely at hand.”
Fascinating. I suppose it is a good thing that MADD wasn’t around prior to this century, otherwise Brwouerij Kasteels would have amess on it’s hands! It has been said, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Perhaps in this case, the adage should read, “Beer is the mother of invention.” Yes, I do believe I like that much better.
For your trying-to-get-through-another-monotonous-day-at-the-office viewing pleasure, below is the ingnius glassware. I don’t have one yet. But I must have one soon.
We look forward to sipping with you this Saturday!
Cheers!
I see you got the funky glass to go with the beer! Bob the Brit did a review of this awhile back too. (Link above)
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Sorry guys … couldn’t find this one at our stores here in Nor Cal. Enjoy.
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Be thinking of something you’d like to drink next week, we really like that we have people who can do this with us.
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[...] The story behind Kwak makes it worthy of purchase. Many a beer geek worldwide will disagree, citing the contents of the bottle as THE only reason for buying a beer. To which I say, “balogna.” While flavor is number one, certainly experience plays a role? Indulge yourself in a little introspection…have you ever bought a beer simply because of what it represented? You there with that Dark Lord…was your first purchase of Dark Lord based on a thorough knowledge of the contents of the bottle, or on an irresistible draw to all things esoteric? I thought so. It is ok. [...]