Stone Old Guardian Belgo Barleywine Style Ale

I'd been telling Arsalun about the scene here in Europe and he had to see it for himself. He could hardly believe that craft brew bars are as few and far between here in Europe as I described. It's almost a desert. You gatta really know your way around to find decent brews here in Europe. Oh, they do have them all right. Dont get in a bundle. The challenge is that average European has no idea of the great brews that surround them. You think the average American is clueless about ales and lagers (c'mon, I know that's what you were thinking right now, don't try and hide it), you should see the average European! Go to a fantastic traditional bar that serves a great local brew, and you'll hardly fine anyone from the last couple of generations. The younger drinking-age crowd has nearly no concept. American craft brewing fans have a better appreciation of European specialty brews then most Europeans do. OK, I'm done with the rant now. It's just upsetting to be a passionate lover of great art, and then see locals essentially ignore it. No matter. There are locals in Escondido that ignore Stone too. So be it. We know that the specialty / craft brewing world is not for the masses. Doesn't stop me from ranting though. Nor Jean. Back to the moment. I just got pured a De Ranke fresh hop Belgian IPA. Delicious. Soon we'll crack open the 2010 Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine we hand arried from the brewery just for this occasion... the occasion of the writing of the 2011 Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine label. And it's especially apropos since the 2011 (bottle in your hand) is actually Stone Old Guardian BELGO Barley Wine label. Andy and Jean just poured us an Italian brew from Toccal Matto called Zona Cesarini, brewed with Japanese, New Zealand and American hops. Really interesting apricot character. Ian and Jean are talking about the weather right now. It's white out. More snow, and much colder then usual for this time of year . Coldest for this time of year since 1895. Wow. An African song just came on that i know. We have this song on our playlist at the Stone Brewing World Bistro Gardens. Sorry, can't think of the name of it just now. It's awesome though. Steve and Arsalun just took off. Steve want to get to the airport early tomorrow, just in case. I'm content to get there merely 'on time.' If there's a weather delay, then there's a weather delay. Ahhh at last. All this talk about how cold it is, and the Old Guardian is finally cold enough (buildings are too warm inside!). Sharing it around. Went quick. Comments about it being "too much." Even in Belgium. Went fast all the same. Now out comes the bottle of Lucky Bastard that Steve hand caried. It's 75F in San Diego right now. Here? 21F awesome. Good to be inside at Moeder Lambic know how to treat their guests to be certain.