The countdown has begun. In one week, every Belgian beer fan's dream comes true.
For three days (Sept. 12-14), the Muddy Pig will be home base for the Belgian Beer Festival. While the St. Paul bar is known for its extravagant tap selection -- more than 45 -- it's going all out next weekend by bringing in 75 different Belgian kegs. Beer geeks can expect their favorite styles from such brands as St. Bernardus, Kasteel Cru and Gouden. But there'll also be beers that some of us have never seen before, such as La Chouffe N'Ice, Oud Beersel Framboise and Echt Kriekenbier. Hard to pronounce, easy to drink, right?
The fest is organized by three guys who know their beer: Muddy Pig co-owner Mark Van Wie and distributors Corey Shovein and Brad "The Beer Guy" Magerkurth.
If you're new to Belgian beers, you might be wondering what's so special.
Van Wie says it best: "There's just nothing like Belgian beers -- the variety that is made in this tiny little country, the history, the depth of culture. And the fact that they usually have a high alcohol content is fun, too."
While it's still a week away, Van Wie said hard-core beer lovers are excited about the weekend's three beer seminars, with tickets selling fast. On Friday, Duval's representative will talk about the wide spectrum of Belgian styles. Saturday's seminar is an examination of true lambics. And Sunday's will teach attendees about Belgian beer culture, specifically glassware. Each class only holds about 40 people and costs $20, which includes samples.
Van Wie is also planning to have some Belgian-inspired food, such as mussels, spaghetti bolognese, meats, cheeses and pâté.
But this fest is really about the beer, a chance for fans to see the scope of the Belgian beer experience. "There are no boundaries for the styles," Van Wie said. "They put different spices and fruits into the beers that normal brewers just won't do."
