Listen: There is No Such Thing as Beer Capital of the World.

My coffee cup is sitting on a beer mat that says "Brussels: Beer Capital of the World." That's odd. Because I live in Brussels, and I've traveled a fair bit, and you know what? This ain't it. And the more I think about it, the more I'm sure there isn't one. You know what else? I'm glad. It would be boring as hell to have just one beer capital.

For starters, Brussels isn't the easiest place in the world to find decent craft beer. Considering this is capital of Belgium, so-called "Beer Paradise," it's surprisingly difficult. And good luck finding anything non-Belgian outside of one or two specialist haunts. Surely a diverse international selection of greats is prerequisite for being "Beer Capital of the World." (Incidentally, that also rules out great German beer towns like Bamberg and Munich.)

Guess what else? There's not even a beer capital of Belgium. Oh, people will make arguments for Brugge or Gent or Antwerp or Brussels. But they're only arguments and none are decisive. In fact that's the general problem with the world's "beer capitals"—London, Portland, Prague, San Frandenverego, whatever. Just arguments.

Nothing wrong with arguing. Hell, it's my third-favorite pastime. And nothing wrong with marketing, even in Brussels' case. My problem is with those who proclaim things without doing enough to make those things reality. Breaking the local stranglehold of A-B InBev, Alken Maes and French wine would be a good start. Cantillon is based here, for god's sake, and you practically need our book to find the stuff. That's a bit shameful.

In the supposed "Beer Capital of the World," it's simply too hard to find the beers that are making this country famous. Only solution: Support the places that are making it easier.

Oooh, I Feel Some News Breaking Out.

Friend and colleague Chuck Cook reports that Timmermans is coming out with a traditional Oude Gueuze. This is welcome news from an old family brewery that (under the control of John Martin) has specialized in, frankly, sweet and fruity alco-pops. My theory is that concoctions like Timms Light Kriek and Fruits de la Forêt are for 17-year-old boys to give their 15-year-old girlfriends and hope for the best. But maybe that's unfair to teenagers.

Chuck has tasted the Timmermans Oude Gueuze and gives a good report. Here's to hoping we get a taste on the upcoming Tour. Meanwhile, pictured here is some of Timmermans' draft Lambic Doux from the Bécasse in central Brussels. This sweet but fairly refreshing faro-like drink is only available from this 19th Century café. I'll gladly trade up to some more traditional stuff there, if it becomes available.

Meanwhile: This study says Belgians drank less beer in 2008. It offers no suggestion as to why. Maybe they are drinking better? Drinking more moderately? Driving more safely? (Based on anecdotal evidence, I doubt the latter.) Or maybe they just have less money to spend.

Any locals want to offer their take? My guess is that the biggest guys (InBev, Alken Maes) are taking the biggest hit. Notably, exports are still double the domestic consumption.

Lastly: Hier Stroomt het Bier! is my favorite blog that I can't understand. Check it out. Especially if you can read Dutch.