De Dolle Browerij

The last stop for us was to my favorite brewery (I think Zander's too) in Esen, Belgium. We first tried their beers back in the Blue Tusk days and we've both wanted to visit the brewery since about 1996. Again, our journey there from Bruges was ridiculous. We took a train to a miniscule village and somehow a diehard Guns and Roses fan offered to drive us the rest of the way. He made us listen to the bootleg Chinese Democracy album in his car but only after showing us his Appetite For Destruction full back tattoo.

Anyway, we made it and spent the afternoon hours talking with Chris, the brewer, his wife and their friends. He's an artist and a really nice guy. He rustled up a 16 year old Stille Nacht for us, which was probably the highlight of the trip. Even his employees were impressed that two American guys got an aged Stille Nacht. It was exceptionally smooth and the flavor was so rich. Until you've tasted a really good aged beer, it doesn't really make sense how a beer can get better in the bottle. This one did and we savored it.

You know how when you're getting your drunk on and it's early and everything is golden and happy and the future seems bright and you love everyone? That's what it was like at De Dolle with Chris and family.