Then there were 2, and then 4

Two quick house keeping news items. I am down to my last two beers before the midway point. The team meeting is tonight at the Winking Lizard and I am going to drink the weakest and the strongest beer (probably a Belgian - yikes) left on my list. After that, I might need to drink some alternative light beers so there will not be a repeat of the Friday incident.

In some really great news, I went to WL last night with my brother. His co-workers were having a goodbye happy hour for him. The boy team member was there with another work associate who was signing up for the tour as I walked in. I immediately initiated him into the team and now there are four members. (Although our new member claims he is going to finish first - we shall see.)

We are not quite sure of his role on the team, but we are leaning toward events procurement. We don't want to rush to judgement or pigeon-hole his capabilities, so we will be watching to see over the next few weeks to see how things will brew.

Drunk as a Monk

In Belgium, Trappist Monks have a long tradition of brewing beer. Not just any beer - some of the best beers in the world.

As part of our World Tour, there is a mini tour of the Belgian Beers. Specifically, Achel, Chimay, Koningshoeven, Orval, Rochefort and Westmalle. What do you get for finising the mini tour (that only costs $1)? You get a lovely glass.

Well, the real answer to that question - drunk. The amount of alcohol is these beers is dangerous. (psst, abv = alcohol by volume)

• Achel - 8 abv
• Chimay - 9 abv
• Koningshoeven Quadrupel - 10 abv (the strongest on the tour)
• Orval - 6.2 abv
• Rochefort - 9.2 abv
• Westmalle Tripel - 9.2 abv

Big deal you say, consider that Miller Lite about 4.2 abv and you generally drink it in 12 oz bottles.

In my valiant attempt to make my way around this mini tour, I managed to have two beers at the end of the evening. Well, I didn't have a prayer against these heavy hitters.

Yes, I said prayer. No wonder the monks don't speak at the monastary or speak in tougues. I was able to replicate that experience. Have no fear, I didn't drive home.

Me, I have never seen a skunk drunk, but I have a sneaking suspicion, there have been a couple of monks in Belgium in that condition.