Casers, I have long held a dream in my heart that we, as a team, could converge upon some of Europe's storied drinking locations.  I'd love to stop by the Abbey in Westvleteren and grab a roadie, get tossed out of a dingy pub in London, or spend a week touring distilleries with you wonderful folks on Islay.  I know it's tough to get away for enough time to make a European trip worth it, but I think it would be rewarding.  Anyone else interested?  Anything in the old world you're all excited to see for yourself?

Just touching ground on Islay would be a dream. Interested.

Just touching ground on Islay would be a dream. Interested.

My thoughts indeed.  I'd be more than willing to confine the whole scope to Islay and surrounding Scotch country, if that's what the Case wants.

I'm interested, but my vacation time has been cut with the new job. Subscribing anyway.

IcelandAir has free stopovers in Reykjavik when travelling from North America to Europe, which I feel is relevant here.

EDIT: and yes, goddammit, if I ever achieve my dream of touring the Islay distilleries, I want you all there as well.

Edited October 7, 201510 yr by acidbasement

get tossed out of a dingy pub in London

As opposed to "off, in". Remember to be specific in your requests of the natives. 

Edited October 7, 201510 yr by Grahame

For me it'd be easier to attend than anything in the US. Color me interested

As opposed to "off, in". Remember to be specific in your requests of the natives. 

I suppose it depends on who's attending.

I think it's pretty needless to say that this seems relevant to my interests.

 

Though probably a pipe dream for me, my liver is forcing me to follow this closely.

Please include me to the distribution of your newsletter so that I may remain abreast of developments. 

Best thread title evah (IMHO)...

I never made my trip to England in August, and regret it, so yeah, in.

Especially England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, mostly because I know people there besides head-casers.

Also interested in wine country -- Spain?  France?

Edited October 7, 201510 yr by Dusty Chalk

A tour by Rivera de Duero or La Rioja could be arranged.

Not sure a European vacation fits into my short term retirement plans, but if budget allows ... hell ya.

Distilleries eh? --- 

It this were an early 2016 thing I would most likely be in, I need some legendary travel in my life soon. 

 

Mayberry en Europa ?

I would love to go overseas and am especially fond of spontaneously fermented ales from Belgium. I have to figure out things at home right now sadly, it's not looking likely.

At first, it looked like one of those enormous capacitors, but then I saw the knob...autoformer?  Just guessing, feel free to yell "newb" and move on.

I'd love to join in, so I'm subscribed!

Would be both very unlikely and very awesome. Subscribed.

Pretty unlikely for me as well, but I absolutely love the idea....!

Well, that's a pretty strong show of interest.  Let's get to planning.  

I know we all have differing schedules and differing interests, so I propose a two-part trip, focused on two locations.  I got a lot of interest in the Whiskey side of things, so I think we should include a few days in Islay.  That can come at the beginning or end.  Islay is most accessible by ferry from Glasgow, to my understanding, so we can rally there.

I would personally also enjoy some beer tourism.  Ideally I'd prefer Belgium, but I could be convinced to look in the UK as well if travel is a concern. Heck, I imagine a day or two drinking in Glasgow would not be unenjoyable, and it's a 1hr30 flight or 4hr30 train from London. 

Does the two-location trip sound feasible?  Is there agreement that Islay is one of the locations?  Any preferences for the second?

Also, I'm happy to do this as soon as early next year, but I know some of you aren't provided with quite as much leave as a public servant.  How much lead time should I be allowing, here?

Edited October 9, 201510 yr by Sherwood

I'm very interested in an MOA-Europe and might actually be able to attend.