The world famous Cantillon brewery was open on Saturday from noon to 5PM. I was there for nearly 4 hours and it was a lot of fun. Honestly, it was not enough time. This brewery which is family owned and has operated continuously for many decades is the only remaining Lambic brewer in Brussels. Their beers are enjoyed all over the world and it was a step back in time to see how these beers were made, talk to the brewer and members of the family and taste lambic straight from the fermentation vessels (barrels) and taste some fermenting Kriek wort as well as Zwanze 12 and Fou Foune 11 (Pronounced Foof Oon) both from bottle and 12-14 Euro per 75CL which is a steal for these beers anywhere else. I also got a case of St. Lamvinus for 42 Euro which is 7 Euro per bottle. After shipping, it will come to $20 per bottle to buy these which is unbeatable in the states. If I had more bag room, I would have gotten a case of Gueuze as well.
I asked tons of questions of everyone working including Jean van Roy who is a hard man to get with since everyone wants to chat with him. I asked a lot of questions, many things that are highly debated online and about brewing schedules. I learned a lot!!!! It was remarkable just asking so many questions and talking to someone who brews lambic as their profession.
Here are some photos of the day. It was a great time! I can’t wait to visit again.
