The Little Shop Over the Border

Arlon isn't exactly at the top of the list for tourists passing through Belgium.  Sure, it's the oldest city in the country, but unlike the time trapped towns of Bruges and Gent, it kept on trucking into the modern era.  So, what we have is a city with a few old churches, a lackluster archaeological museum, a few war monuments here and there, an IKEA, but not much else to draw in busloads of tourists.  It's just a city in Belgium and that's about it.  Or so it seems.

I'm going to let you in on a little secret about Arlon.  Outside the city center and over by the train station there's this shop.  It doesn't look like much, actually it kinda looks like a doctor's office.  But behind its doors, is a room (a small room) full from floor to ceiling with some of the best beers in the world.  I know, I know, just another beer shop in Belgium, right? Wrong.  Yeah, it's a small place but every single one of their stock is hand selected by the owners, Jean and Chris, to provide their customers with only the best craft beers from the Province of Luxembourg (not to be confused with the Grand Duchy of the same name), the rest of Belgium, and anything else they can get their hands on from other parts of the world.

You will see some of the better known brews from Belgium, like Trappistes Rochefort, but this is also the place to get your hands on much rarer brews that can only be found locally or those that were only brewed and bottled once from some of the bigger names.   These aren't beers you crack open during the game, but ones that you cellar for years and save for a special occasion.  We're currently holding onto a St. Bernadus Abt 12 Magnum Edition that is quite the formidable ale.  They also pull in some great brews from further afield.  Their recent shipment from the States included brews from Rogue (gotta love some Dead Guy) and Hoppin' Frog, that's right fellow Akronites, Hoppin' Frog.  In addition to their acquisition of D.O.R.I.S The Destroyer and Hop Dam, they also recently stocked a few bottles of rare collaboration brews, Super Charged Saison (with Brouwerij de Molen) and Frog Hops to Amager (with Amager Bryghus).  Neither of these are available in the US market.  Stock changes often so it's worth making a trip over regularly to see what has been added to the shelves.  Of course, the owners have their customers' backs and regularly update their Facebook page and website with the latest acquisitions so you don't miss out on anything good.

Besides an excellent selection of brews, the best thing Miorge Mihoublon has going for it are its owners, Jean and Chris.  These guys are passionate about craft beer and it shows as soon as you walk in the door.  They love to talk beer and are happy to welcome you in and talk about it for as long as you like.  They'll lead you around the store, describing certain brews and brewing techniques in detail.  Let them know what you like in a beer and they'll point you in the right direction.  You won't leave empty handed.  In fact, you'll likely leave with a case.  They also make some chocolates which can be purchased, but personally I think their house brews are where they really shine.  I prefer the Jean|Chris Numero 2.  Now's the time to head over, as we roll into the holiday season.  There's a whole shelving unit dedicated to the Christmas Ales, some of which have been voted best in the world.  Mmmm, the beer cellar is calling...

Cheers!