[OGRipper]

(Full disclosure: A buddy of mine is a rep for New Belgium.)

New Belgium has always been the beer I want to like but just don't. In the last week I've put back quite a few of the new Springboard and I have to say it is a damn tasty brew. Give it a try. It sure has an interesting ingredient list.

Deftly, this spring brewed venture lands on its feet. SPRINGBOARD combines oats, ancient Chinese herbs and Mt. Hood hops to maintain a balanced equilibrium for such an exhilirating ale. This cloudy blonde has a spirited threshold, and a creamy body, followed by a refreshingly dry finish.

 

[BikeGeek]

(Full disclosure: A buddy of mine is a rep for New Belgium.
New Belgium has always been the beer I want to like but just don't. In the last week I've put back quite a few of the new Springboard and I have to say it is a damn tasty brew. Give it a try. It sure has an interesting ingredient list.

Sounds interesting. I'd try it if they would distribute to the east coast. Please ask your buddy to get on that. Oh, and while you have him on the phone, please get me a case of La Folie, that stuff is impossible to find. Thanks.

 

[LordOpie]

New Belgium has always been the beer I want to like but just don't.

my feelings exactly. They're a great company -- environmentally and socially -- but their beer just isn't good enough. In every style of beer, I can buy off-premise something better.

On premise is a different story... obviously depends upon what's available.

EDIT: Yes, I've tried springboard... it falls the same way, good enough, but no where near great.

To finish being the pr!ck that I am... New Belgium is the lowest quality of what I'd consider drinkable.

 

[BikeGeek]

my feelings exactly. They're a great company -- environmentally and socially -- but their beer just isn't good enough. In every style of beer, I can buy off-premise something better.

There's also a lot out there that's worse. I don't understand why so many people hate their beers. They're not horrible. I wonder if it's the hype around the brand that leaves people disappointed that the beer wasn't what they expected. TEHO

I went to a beer tasting with The Beer Hunter at the National Geographic museum in DC. It was a side-by-side featuring classic Belgian beers paired with American beers of the same style. The final pairing was New Belgium's "La Folie" with Rodenbach Foederbier, considered to be the defining example of the Red Ale style. Now, Flanders Red Ales aren't everyone's cup of tea given that they're quite sour, but trust me when I say the NB offering was top notch. Sadly, I doubt it will ever go in to full production since it's such a niche beer.

 

[DRB]

There's also a lot out there that's worse. I don't understand why so many people hate their beers. They're not horrible. I wonder if it's the hype around the brand that leaves people disappointed that the beer wasn't what they expected. TEHO

I went to a beer tasting with The Beer Hunter at the National Geographic museum in DC. It was a side-by-side featuring classic Belgian beers paired with American beers of the same style. The final pairing was New Belgium's "La Folie" with Rodenbach Foederbier, considered to be the defining example of the Red Ale style. Now, Flanders Red Ales aren't everyone's cup of tea given that they're quite sour, but trust me when I say the NB offering was top notch. Sadly, I doubt it will ever go in to full production since it's such a niche beer.

That La Folie is $25 a bottle or so. And I agree its very good.

 

[dogwonder]

MMMMM...La folie...

I actually heard an interview where they say their hardest beer to brew is Fat Tire. Weird.

 

[LordOpie]

There's also a lot out there that's worse. I don't understand why so many people hate their beers. They're not horrible.

I completely agree.

 

[BikeGeek]

That La Folie is $25 a bottle or so. And I agree its very good.

Are they still producing it or was it just that one run? It's no longer listed on their website.

If you ever have the opportunity to try the Rodenbach Foederbier, don't pass it up. It's only served at one bar in Belgium and only from oak barrels, but sometimes makes it's way over for special events in the US. The brewer at NB actually used to work in the Rodenbach brewery...could be why La Folie is so good.

 

[bean]

I wrote New Belgium about La Folie this morning, here's what they sent back.

Thanks for the email and the La Folie love! We definitely still make La Folie, we are currently just out of it. We're expected to have some by mid April, as it is bottle conditioning as we speak. However, La Folie has proven to be stubborn in past years and it hasn't always been ready by it's estimated date. Therefore our best suggestion would be to write or call when the time draws nearer to April just to make sure that you don't make a trip here only to go back home with no La Folie in you mitts.

Thanks again for taking the time to write! Let us know if you have any further questions.