Cantillon and new wood, Dusseldorf report

I'm back from Belgium and it was a fair trip for me. The Nacht Van de Grote Dorst a rather impromtu festival to help Lambic brewers was a successful though incredibly overcrowded event. HORAL was represented there by four of it's members and some rare goods to be had. The Zythos Beer Fest was well very similar to it's now defunct OBP 24uur. Aside from the venue it was identical. New glass style and tokens were the material changes. The venue in Saint Niklaas was great. Probably not quite as much rabid drunkeness as witnessed in Antwerp though that might change eventually. I stopped at Cantillon the day before Open Brew Day to obtain my bottles. They had around 50-60 brand new never used French Oak Barrels and were putting them in one of the lower floors. I thought this was interesting to witness as it will be a clear identication that a more 'oaky' product will be coming out this brewery for a while(in about 2-3 years). I have to ad that buying St. Lamvinus for 6 euro a bottle is by far more comfortable than the $35 at wholesale in the US. Before anybody jumps my sh*t I know everybody needs to get paid but I'll always prefer getting it myself. In addition to ther SL I got some Loerick, Lou PePe Kriek, and a few others. Anti Americanism was a little more noticeable though directed at us it was intended to deal with George Bush. Dusseldorf on the other hand was wonderful. Im Fuschen was the best of the lot. Their Alt was by far my favorite with a very noticable bitterness. The Zum Uerige and Schlossel Alts were more balanced. I need to make it to Cologne next trip as it was begging me to get there. Todd Ashman