Jazzy Estaminet

Another Brussels Jazz Marathon came and went a couple weekends ago, once again leaving me with some fond memories -- and some tasting notes to catch up on. This time, it was Estaminet Premium Pils from the Palm Brewery, makers of Palm Royale among others, and one of the sponsors of the festival.

Every year, we try to catch a couple of acts over the weekend of musical merriment, but there’s so much packed into such a short time span that no matter how much you get to see, you never hear more than a small fraction of the bands on offer.

One thing we always manage to do, however, is the kids’ event on Saturday afternoon. It’s on Grand Sablon, where the middle of the square is turned into a stage for various acts, with tables set up in the audience, all surrounded by activities for the children and a small café serving, among other things, Palm beers. When the weather’s decent, as it was this year, it’s a great place to spend the day with the family.

With the kids off at various drumming lessons in tents, Fiona and I tried Estaminet Premium Pils. It was served in a plastic cup, so we didn’t hope for much, and indeed, it lived up to our expectations. It was standard stuff and nothing outstanding in the taste apart from an unfortunate hint of cardboard.

But hey, it was cool and carbonated, the music was good, and we were all well entertained. If I have it again next year, I won’t complain too much.