Cantillon

A huge shock awaits if you leave Brussels Beer Project (BBP)… Cantillon, for those not in the know, is the more than a century-old mecca for lambics (for a quick history lesson, head to the Brussels Gueuze Museum, located at the same address). Here, it’s a babel of languages: beer geeks from all around ze world come to try gueuzes made by Cantillon, the last traditional lambic brewery in Brussels, in hope of meeting their savior, Jean Van Roy, the great-grandson of founder Paul Cantillon, or Magali, Jean’s sister. Everything is in its original state, from the premises to the vats, and even the fermentation methods (natural or spontaneous). Don’t expect a punk rock gig or a Tuesday night music quiz. No, here, it’s all about the gueuze, and the sweet smell of brewing beer, period. The selection is limited, but my, what an experience, as each batch yields a slightly different gueuze, We can’t accuse them of lying with their catchy slogan: “Cantillon, c’est bon!” // Gueuze Van Sant

THE BULLET-PROOF BOTTLE: At the risk of shocking the bourgeoisie, the sweet Fou’Foune, wonderfully sour and packed full of apricots – plus a saucy image thrown in for good measure (€20 for 750 ml).