New Year's Eve is fast approaching!

So if you're like me, you're starting to ponder which bubbling beverage you're going to end the decade with and which would best pair with a shiny-clean pristine 2010. Champagne? An Imperial Russian Stout? Coors light and Andre?

Hopefully not Andre... ::shudder::

I've got a few interesting suggestions to make this NY'sE special.

- Bosteels "DeuS" Brut des Flanders 2006: This is arguably one of the world's most unique beers. The brew starts in Belgium where it undergoes both its primary fermentation and then a secondary "conditioning" fermentation. After this conditioning the beer is shipped to France to be transformed by going through the same process as Champagne. The beer is bottled with a small plug of yeast and a starter for the yeast known as the "dosage." After capping the bottle it is aged on its side so the yeast can produce those tiny little wonderful champagne bubbles. During this process the bottle is slowly turned to coax the yeast down into the neck and then the arduous task of "degorement" takes place where they expel the yeast but trap the bubbles. Truly a delightful combination of toasty Champagne and rich Belgian Tripel/Golden Ale.

- Duvel 2008 3 Liter: If you show up to a party with this, it will establish your reputation for another whole year! Duvel is perhaps the tastiest and most accessible Belgian golden ale available in the US. Crisp, light and highly effervescent, this is a fine champagne substitute for midnight toasts. AND you get to pour it from a HUGE bottle!

- Gulden Draak 1.5 Liter: Wanna go big, but not $$$ big? Wanna drink beer but don't like golden ales? Gulden Draak, affectionately known as a "brown Tripel" (i.e. a strong, darker Belgian ale), is super tasty and full of more "warm" flavors like toasted nuts, caramel and toffee. The texture is fantastic with nice frothy carbonation and somewhat "wooly" mouthfeel - don't be afraid, that's a good thing!

Whatever you choose to do NY'sE, remember to hook-up a designated driver with some dinner, cash or the promise of driving them around sometime soon (you have to follow through with that)! DD's rock and hardly get enough respect. Cheers to all those dedicated DD's who keep us out of jail/caskets.

Cheers and Happy New Year!
Jeff