Your Comments, Criticisms and Contributions - February 2001
I have a question regarding the infamous Samichlaus Bier from Switzerland. I bought a bottle a few years back that is labeled as being bottled in 1997. At the bottom of the label is a "best before" date of 09/2000, I was under the impression that beers of this strength were able, and in some cases better, to be aged for long periods of time. I have been saving this beer for a special occasion (or no special occasion) and wondered if I missed its prime. Could you clear this up for me?
Thank you very much for your time. I enjoy your world of beer page tremendously.
-- Peter Collins
Samichlaus will last much longer than the best before date listed. For evidence, please see my recent Kitchen Table Tasting of a bottle from 1990 ("A Belated Gift of Vintage Beers"). Store it well -- upright in a cool, dark place -- and you should have no problem enjoying it a decade from now.
hi, can you tell me where and how to get budvar in the U.S.?
-- stuart harrison
Right now, the only place in the States where you can buy Budvar is northern and central California, where it has just become available under the Czechvar label. If you are outside of that state, however, I'm afraid that you have some travelling ahead of you.
I spent some time living in Northern Spain last summer, and since returning I have been unable to find traditional Asturian sidra. I was hoping you knew of a place to purchase imported sidra somewhere in the U.S. Please let me know if you have any ideas. Thanks,
-- Erin
Sorry, but I know of no Spanish sidra imported into the US. For what it's worth, though, I share your disappointment with this state of affairs.
Subject: Third reason to visit Bamberg
Nice article, but you didn't mention the third reason to visit Bamberg, which is of course Jorn Krieger over in Ottostr - the sexiest man alive. I shall certainly try this rauchbier (Schlenkerla) on my next visit to Bamberg, and demand to know why no one told me about it before.
-- Louise Ward
Ummm, okay Louise, I'll take your word for it about Jorn. And I do hope that you enjoy the beer on your next visit. Sorry for not getting word to you earlier.
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