It is always a bit of a crap shoot crossing the border with a load of good beer. I declare all and pay what is asked of me every time. I figure there is more harm in the hassle of being found out - and there are plenty of lessons to be learned from observing the misfortunes of others when your sense of duty leads you to the counter to pay your duty. People pleading. People shocked and enraged. Me? I have my cheese quota rights memorized. I expect to pay some additional sales tax on sports equipment. And I know that when I am packing a good deal of gueuze and other treats as I was today that I have to pay about 28% more at the border.

It is the opposite end of the Genny question. Mr. B and I may differ as to its value and merits but I don't believe either of us would quibble with the constituent parts of its modest price and consider getting around paying. Others - not he or me - might, however, try to elude the law given that the 28% may add up when we are talking bottles with corks. And some guards ask a lot of questions even when you do pay, disbelieving that a beer could cost that much. But then there is that glorious moment when the guard hears how long we've been away, then looks at the faces of the young kids behind me, then sees the wad of receipts in my hand... and then passes back my passports without asking that next question.

That was today. So, it's now a gueuze-a-palooza of a summer. Even the LCBO has found itself theoretically selling Cuvée René from Lindemans, though we will see if any hits the shelves of my town so that I can actually compare. I hope I share. I am sure, though, that I understand the pathological hoarder of gueuze.