Grand Cru. Holy cow.

[brewser]

So throughout the course of hearing the words "Grand Cru" on the Sunday Session, and reading about this style, it was a curiosity for me. I sought one out today, found one, then enjoyed one. The only problem is, I am still trying to figure out what I drank. Sure it resembled a beer. But it was sweet, malty, strong, and a far cry from my usual, hoppy, bold, SOP. So, Grand Cru. I had an Avery Brewing Co, "Beast" Grand Cru. 14.9% ABV? Is that good example, poor example, mediocre? I have nothing to compare it to, so I don't even know if it was any good. It was certainly interesting, seemed balanced well enough for me even though it was a little sweet, but my main reaction to it, was that it was to beer as Port is to wine. Can I get a little help from my friends?

[seanhagerty]

I had my first grand cru yesterday..OMG. This is something I never imagined could be sooo good. I am going to have to look at brewing belgians now. Any one have a recipe?


Sean

[noremorse1]

In Europe, the term Grand Cru is traditionally used to designate the finest beer that a brewery produces. In the United States, the term grand cru does not necessarily have this connotation, and is most commonly given to beers that are Belgian-style, such as Grand Cru from the AleSmith Brewing Company or Sixpoint Craft Ales.

[Bugeater]

I had my first grand cru yesterday..OMG. This is something I never imagined could be sooo good. I am going to have to look at brewing belgians now. Any one have a recipe?


Sean

Sean, the next time you get up to Nebraska, be sure to find a bottle of Upstream Brewing Grand Cru. Absolutely the finest Grand Cru you will ever taste. It even won the World Beer Cup this year against all the actual Belgian breweries. If you can't make it up there, let me know and I can arrange to ship you a bottle.

Wayne

[Mylo]

I still think that the "Grand Cru" designation still means "the best that the brewery has to offer" - even here in the US. I have seen it on several different styles over the years.

Avery's offering was just too sweet for my likes...


Mylo

[seanhagerty]

I had my first grand cru yesterday..OMG. This is something I never imagined could be sooo good. I am going to have to look at brewing belgians now. Any one have a recipe?


Sean

Sean, the next time you get up to Nebraska, be sure to find a bottle of Upstream Brewing Grand Cru. Absolutely the finest Grand Cru you will ever taste. It even won the World Beer Cup this year against all the actual Belgian breweries. If you can't make it up there, let me know and I can arrange to ship you a bottle.

Wayne

Bug,

That is genersous offer. I will let you know

Sean

[yellowcolumbia]

Sean, the next time you get up to Nebraska, be sure to find a bottle of Upstream Brewing Grand Cru. Absolutely the finest Grand Cru you will ever taste. It even won the World Beer Cup this year against all the actual Belgian breweries. If you can't make it up there, let me know and I can arrange to ship you a bottle.

Wayne

This year's batch isn't available yet, is it? Everytime I ask, it's "just a little longer."

[PhillyBrewer]

Sean, the next time you get up to Nebraska, be sure to find a bottle of Upstream Brewing Grand Cru.

BYO has a clone for this, but it's pretty involved.