Your Comments, Criticisms and Contributions - October 2001
I was wondering where I can buy or order Neon Beer signs like the ones you see in bars. Any ideas where I can buy them (other than Ebay)? Can you buy them from the beer companies?
- Andrew
Many breweries do sell their neons. I'd suggest getting in touch with the brewers of the specific brands you want.
This is in response to Brigitte Kersten who wanted to know who imported Kostritzer in the States. It's imported by Bitburger Import Co., Venice, FL 34292. It's one of my favorite beers and can be found in most stores here in southern California. Hope this helps.
- Robert
Thanks for the information, Robert. Consider it passed on.
I am looking for a German beer called Old Dusseldorf. Rumored to actually exist, this was the favorite of the character played by Tom Selleck on the show Magnum PI. Some have told me that it was once distributed by Schlitz, although the official Magnum website claims this to be a product of TV. Any help in finding this one would be greatly appreciated.
- John
Methinks it was a fabrication, John. I can find no reference to that brand anywhere.
I am giving a talk to 175 homebrewers in California next week and I have two questions I hope you may be able to answer for me.
Is it true that none of the Trappist beers are being brewed by the brothers any more? (I know they are brewed on site, but are any of the brothers involved in the mashing/bottling, etc?)
When I was in Belgium and Holland in April, I found the Westvleteren 12 to be no where near the big complex beer it was even a year ago. Have you found this to be true?
- David Brattstrom
The brothers are still very actively involved at Rochefort, less so at Westvleteren. At the other four - Achel, Westmalle, Orval and Chimay - production is overseen by the brothers, and the monastery is closely involved in all decisions relating to the brewery, if not the actual brewing itself. Schaapskooi, where La Trappe is brewed, has had their 'Genuine Trappist' label revoked because the brewery - although still on site - is now in the hands of private interests.
As for your comments on the Westvleteren 12, I last tried it in Los Angeles in February. (A small quantity was imported and the code on the cap of the bottle I still have indicated it was bottled about a year ago.) I found it to be as delicious as ever.
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