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Beer Pairing on a Higher Level: Rockers and Trappists
LEFFINGE - On Monday 11th February, Antwerp's club venue Trix hosted the New Zealand rock band the Datsuns. Since we knew in advance that we would have to give this concert a miss, we decided some time ago we would definitely go and see them perform at De Zwerver in Leffinge on 3rd February.
At the time of writing we don’t know how the Antwerp concert was received; however, from what we saw in Leffinge The Datsuns, together with Grinderman, is the most rockin' band to come from the Southern Hemisphere since AC/DC.
With two concert dates in Belgium (many thanks!) on the bands’ otherwise rather limited European “Death Rattle Boogie” tour schedule, we had the luxury of choice. Those who couldn’t make it will get another chance as The Datsuns will be coming back to Europe in 2013!
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We set off in the direction of Leffinge armed with VIP tickets and an original “hunting trophy” - a magnum bottle of Blue Chimay Grand Réserve 2011 (9% ABV). After all, beer is the only gift we can even contemplate giving anyone (who is of legal drinking age of course) at Beer Tourism.
And just to clear up any possible misunderstandings - If you think that the only point of a Blue Chimay Magnum is an ostentatious 150cl bottle, you have the wrong impression. This is not a case of big-headedness but simply that bigger in this case, is better.
The volume of beer contained in the bottle definitely has a positive effect on the ever-important development of taste during the second, in-bottle, fermentation.
It makes for a rounder and milder taste and, in time, a hint of port will develop. If stored correctly in a cool, dry and dark place, this brew can keep for years, which makes it the perfect storage beer to enliven your cellar. This is important info which, in hindsight, we forgot to pass on to the band. Better late, than never boys!
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That’s enough beer trivia, now back to business. The Chimay being a gift for the band, we decided to order a Rochefort 8 as a suitable substitute before heading for the concert hall.
Unlike other members of our party, I was to see the band live for the first time so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.
What we ended up seeing and hearing was a dynamic set of nigh on one-and-a-half hours played by the hairiest and most musically talented bunch of Kiwis I have ever seen.
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The concert rocked on at the speed of light. Doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun! The Datsuns performed most tracks from their latest (and fifth) album and, accompanied by loud cheers, played the obligatory encore “MF from Hell”. I had a great time and my mates, as well as many other fans told me I had just witnessed The Datsuns’ best concert on Belgian soil yet.
After the performance, we went in search of the band, accompanied by “family friend” and Glenn Rotsaert (ex- Marky Ramone and the Speedkings). We handed over our gift, which was much appreciated as you can see from the pictures. Better still, guitarist Phil Somervell mentioned that this is one of his brother’s favourite beers.
We felt that this was just a small courtesy to say thank you to what we experienced as a great band...
Thanks again guys!
De Zwerver Information
Address:
De Zwerver
Dorpstraat 95
8432
Leffinge
Tel: +32 (0) 59 70 08 22
Website: De Zwerver
