As I've been working through updating the site, I was thinking back about all the wonderful food and drinks we've discovered as we've traveled. Frequently, we bring small bottles of the liquors that we discover. This happens less now that we don't check bags when we travel, but we make better use of duty free to acquire bottles.

We even made a tradition on the eve of our holiday party to taste as many of the random bottles with the visiting family while we decorate the tree.

As I pulled together the list of some of the wine and liquor we found through the world, I realized that this post could almost be replaced with a link to Gastro Obscura, but seriously: don't sleep on Gastro Obscura. I also considered writing this chronologically, but it will be easier to read if I go by country.

Map icons courtesy of Regis Freyd and his Maps Icon project.


Of course Belgium is world renowned for their beer. Back in the day we spent plenty of time at The Publick House in Brookline. We have been lucky enough to visit Belgium a couple of times, and we took advantage of those visits to visit some of the most classic breweries.

 Cantillion

Cantillion is a classic, open air, lambic brewery. Per Wikipedia, Cantillion was one of more than 100 breweries in Brussels when it opened and now is the only one remaining. Our first visit resulted in my buying a dedicated beer suitcase in which I checked through to Boston many bottles from the brewery.

The wild fermentation process that is used for the Lambics imparts a very specific flavor. One that can also be found in skin contact wines. Not that much of their beer makes it to the States, but I think that the Gueuze is the beer I've found the most in Europe. If you happen to see the Rosé de Gambrinus

Amaro

Wine

Creme De Pastel De Nata Liqueur

Liquor

Wine