Brookston

For Halloween this year, my porch goose is wearing a devil costume. Please leave him Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Duvel.

GABF 2006 Flashback: At the first session Thursday night, here is Arlan Arnsten, longtime VP of Sales for Stone Brewing, who left for other opportunities in 2013.

We managed a group shot of all the judges from this year's Brussels Beer Challenge after a tour of the Kasteel Brewery, a.k.a. Brouwerij Vanhonsebrouck.

Brussels Beer Challenge done for 2026. My table (minus one who wasn't available on Day 3) after our final 🏅 medal round.

GABF 2006 Flashback: At the first session Thursday night, here is Dick Cantwell and Dave Buhler, back when they were both together at Elysian Brewing behind their booth. I've always loved this photo but have never used it since his eyes are closed. But he just looks so satisfied.

No trip to Belgium is complete without having some of their Unofficial National Dish, Spaghetti Bolognese, at the local chain Mr. Spaghetti. Always perfect after a day of drinking Belgian beer, especially with extra cheese.

Hose shot of the day at Kasteel Brewery, in Emelgem (Izegem) Belgium.

GABF 2006 Flashback: At the first session Thursday night, here is Teri Fahrendorf, back when she was still with Steelhead Brewing.

Beer Birthday: Bill Millar brookston.short.gy/3UcqDc

Hose shot of the day, at Rodenbach Brewery, in Roselare, Belgium.

GABF 2006 Flashback: At the first session Thursday night, here is Curt Decker, then owner of Nodding Head Brewing in Philadelphia, along with Cowgirl, who presumably was a volunteer for that session.

Beer Birthday: Thomas Kerns brookston.short.gy/bZkvrc

Last stop on an amazing 4-day trip through Flanders ended with a great tasting of De Ranke beers.

GABF 2006 Flashback: At the first session Thursday night, here is a fun group of five festival-goers, presumably from outside the U.S.

Historic Beer Birthday: Armand Debelder brookston.short.gy/kDWUgw

GABF 2006 Flashback: At the first session Thursday night, here is Ralph Olson, from HopUnion, Daniel Del Grande, then with Bison Brewing, and Peter Hoey when he was also with Bison.

Belated Beer Birthday: Melissa Cole brookston.short.gy/cG7Fed

Hose shot of the day, at Brasserie Cantillon, in Brussels, Belgium. (October 23, 2026)

GABF 2006 Flashback: At the first session Thursday night, this is Victory Brewing co-founder Bill Covaleski behind his booth.

Another first day in Brussels must-do taken care of, with a visit to my favorite frites shop there, Fritkot Chouke. Perfect on a cold, drizzly day.