The Bar Towel

Peter, just in case you care, the St. Peter's Ruby Red is jaw-droppingly good.

Slightly disappointed that the Maredsous has a faux metal rim. Of course I still intend to pick one up.

Tho very nice to look at, the faux metal rims are not really ideal for regular use. The Westmalle on the other hand is perfect for routine use, unpainted rim and nice weight to it.

Not sure if anyone has one of the Koningshoeven chalices from a few years ago, but that thing seems like it'll shatter if you look at it the wrong way.

Either way, depends what you want to do with them..drink out of 'em or, I suppose, just sort of look at 'em..

The Westmalle glass is truly heavy duty and solid...I picked up two thus far. I noticed the De Koninck package has a "winter" beer included in it. Is this a different gift pack then we've had before? I don't recall ever trying that beer.

The packs seem to be popping up at a number of spots now.....wonder if this means the halloween beers will go on sale soon???

Bytowner, of course I care....and thanks. See my post under "Beer Reviews" today.

By the way, I've got quite a few Koningshoeven chalices and they're going for $4 each while supplies last (they come in cases of 6 but I'll split cases to get rid of them).

Is it just me or is the price of MS Barley Wine and Steamwhistle Gift Pack seem out of line with the increases of the other returning items for Christmas. I'm not saying they aren't worth it, but a $2 increase in the Mill Street will likely mean laying down a few less of them for me.

Bought a haul of gift packs last night at Summerhill for Xmas gifts, including Sam Smith, Westmalle, Erdinger, St Peters and Marston's. Good lineup this year.

I don't know why but the DeKoninck and Affligem packs interest me. They are not the greatest nor the worst.

Overall there are some decent picks this year for beer die-hards!!

so far ive bought: Samuel Smith's Selection Box, De Koninck Gift Pack, and the Maredsous Gift Box. I havnt had any of the De Koninck yet, the Sam Smith was stellar as always, and the 2 Maredsous Ive had was mediocure at best. Does anyone know when the Triple Threat is coming in? I think Im gonna take down that set all in one sitting.

I know this is kind of beating a dead horse but it would have been nice to see a US gift pack (if they exist!). Usually the gift packs sell very well as people buy them for presents and it would probably be a good way to introduce US micros to consumers.

US gift packs definitely exist. I remember getting a Flying Dog sampler in Michigan. It was a 12-pack with no glassware, but those Belgian ales sixers don't have glassware either.

There was an Ommegang gift box that was pretty sweet - 3 corked & caged 750s and a nice branded glass. I think it was last year.

HogTownHarry wrote:There was an Ommegang gift box that was pretty sweet - 3 corked & caged 750s and a nice branded glass. I think it was last year.

damn thats sounds nice!!

[quote="HogTownHarry"]There was an Ommegang gift box that was pretty sweet - 3 corked & caged 750s and a nice branded glass. I think it was last year.[/quote]

I picked that up in Premier last year, if I remember correctly the pack included the Chocolate Indulgence stout, Three Philosphers, and the Hennepin, along with a beautiful glass.

I saw the De Koninck packs last night and they didnt contain the Winterkoninck as mentioned in this thread. Just the blond, tripel and 2 of the amber.

I love that exclusive belgian ales pack. Fantastic deal IMO.