Your Comments, Criticisms and Contributions - July 2000
Dear Mr. Beaumont,
1) I was just introduced to your web site and enjoyed the information. 2) My favorite French beer is Trois Monts. Unfortunately the Florida legislature under the pay of beer distributors recently defeated legislation that would have allowed metric and varied size bottles of beer to be sold in Florida. I understand other states without "favored status" legislation have about 400 unique domestic and foreign beers which are not available here. Therefore, Trois Monts is available only in France. Actually I think it is such a unique beer that it is brewed and consumed within a small area of France. 3) What happened to the Stroh Brewery? Why did they sell out? I had to special order Stroh's Bull Ice for the last two years (7.7% with a nice bitter after taste) but now can not get it. It was the only mass produced American beer I actually drank of my own free will. Cheers.
-- Ed La Londe
First off, regarding Trois Monts, it is a product of the Brasserie St. Sylvestre in northeast France. While you are right about it not being available in Florida due to that state's incredibly stupid laws, it is available in the US. The importer is World Shippers in Pennsylvania (215-732-2018).
On the subject of Stroh, they exited the brewing biz because the Stroh family wanted to be out of beer and into real estate. Their brands were divided up between Pabst and Miller.
I have heard a rumor that the Affligem beers will no longer be available. Is this true? Why? The dubbel is one of my favorites. Who do I write to, so that I may register my displeasure.
-- Arthur McLaughlin
A controlling interest in Affligem has been purchased by Heineken, who are in the process of transferring their importation from Vanberg & DeWulf to Fischer Beverages. Call Fischer at 781-890-3534 to get the latest info.
Hi,
I am trying to locate a contact via website for Hahns Premium Light, wondering if you can assist.
-- Hal
I do not believe that Hahns has a web site yet, but I'm not the best source for such info. Try the Real Beer Page's Australia/New Zealand site at www.realbeer.co.nz.
Steve;
I used to live in Belgium (Waterloo, not far from Brussels) in the early 1970's, where I learned to appreciate good beer. One of my favorites was named Stella Artois, and I believe the other one was something like Mals Pils. I have heard so many different stories i.e., no longer in business to still in business. Can you tell me where they stand?
Also, since I have been into brewing my own, is there a recipe for Stella available since I have never been able to get it here?
-- Stephen Lammers
Stella Artois is the international flagship brand for Interbrew, now the second largest brewery in the world. You don't say where you are writing from, but Stella is increasingly available throughout North America and around the world, so chances are that you will find it in your area sooner rather than later.
The other brand you mentioned is Maes Pils, from a much smaller brewery. I do not know if it is at all available outside of Belgium.
As for homebrew recipes, any good recipe for a continental pilsner should bring you close to Stella.
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