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Cantillon Brewery: A Living Museum of Lambic

Experience the authentic taste of Brussels at Cantillon Brewery, a living museum where traditional lambic beers are crafted using methods unchanged since 1900.

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Step back in time at Cantillon Brewery, Brussels' last traditional lambic brewery. Founded in 1900, this family-run brewery is a living museum, showcasing the authentic methods of lambic production. Experience the unique flavors of gueuze, kriek, and other spontaneously fermented beers, crafted with techniques unchanged for over a century. A visit here is a pilgrimage for beer enthusiasts, offering a rare glimpse into a brewing heritage that's both a taste of history and a testament to the enduring appeal of artisanal craftsmanship. Explore the brewery's historic equipment, witness the brewing process, and savor the distinctive tartness of their world-renowned lambics. It's more than just a brewery; it's a cultural landmark.

A brief summary to Musée bruxellois de la gueuze

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the week for a less crowded experience, as weekends can get quite busy.
  • Take the self-guided tour to explore the brewery at your own pace and learn about the lambic brewing process.
  • Be prepared for the sour taste of lambic beers, which is different from typical lagers or ales.
  • Check the brewery's website for special events or public brewing sessions to enhance your visit.
  • Consider becoming a member for free access to the museum tour and discounts on brewery purchases.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Brussels-Midi (Zuidstation), a major transportation hub, Cantillon Brewery is a short walk or a quick tram ride away. Take tram lines 3 or 4 from the station towards 'Gare du Midi' or 'Lemonnier'. Get off at either of those stops. From there, it's approximately a 5-minute walk to Rue Gheude. Alternatively, bus line 46 stops nearby. A single ticket for local transport costs around €3.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-sharing service from the city center or Brussels-Midi to Cantillon Brewery will typically cost between €10-€15, depending on traffic and the specific starting point. The journey usually takes around 10-15 minutes.

  • Driving

    If driving, be aware that parking in the immediate vicinity of the brewery is limited and can be challenging. On-street parking is available in the area, but it is a paid parking zone (dark yellow zone) from 9:00 to 18:00, 7 days a week. Parking costs €1.80 for 1 hour and €5.50 for 2 hours. A free 15-minute parking is available, but requires taking a ticket. Consider using a Park & Ride facility outside the city center and taking public transport for the final leg of the journey. P+R Ceria/Coovi, located at Avenue Josse Leemans 110, 1070 Anderlecht, charges €1 per hour with a maximum of €15 for 24 hours.

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Discover more about Musée bruxellois de la gueuze

Brasserie Cantillon, also known as the Brussels Museum of the Gueuze, stands as a testament to a brewing tradition that has persevered through generations. Established in 1900 by Paul Cantillon, this family-owned brewery is the last of its kind in Brussels, a living relic of a bygone era when lambic breweries dotted the city. Today, it operates both as a working brewery and a museum, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the art of traditional lambic production. Cantillon's commitment to authenticity is evident in every aspect of its operation. The brewery uses only organic grains and hops, and the beers are spontaneously fermented using wild yeasts and bacteria present in the brewery's environment. This process, which dates back centuries, relies on the unique microflora of the Senne Valley, giving Cantillon's lambics their distinctive character. The air that flows through the brewery is as important an ingredient as the barley and wheat. The brewing process at Cantillon is a labor of love, a slow and deliberate dance between tradition and nature. The wort, or unfermented beer, is cooled overnight in a shallow, open-topped vessel called a coolship, allowing it to be inoculated with the wild yeasts and bacteria that will drive fermentation. This spontaneous fermentation is what sets lambic apart from other beers, giving it a complex, tart, and often funky flavor profile. After cooling, the beer is transferred to oak barrels, where it undergoes a long, slow fermentation and aging process. These barrels, some of which are over a century old, are home to a diverse community of microorganisms that contribute to the beer's unique character. The aging process can last for several years, during which time the beer develops its complex flavors and aromas. Cantillon produces a range of lambic beers, each with its own distinct character. Gueuze, a blend of young and old lambics, is perhaps the brewery's most famous product. It is known for its tart, complex flavor and its champagne-like effervescence. Kriek, another popular lambic, is made with cherries, which add a fruity sweetness and a distinctive red hue to the beer. Other fruit lambics, such as framboise (raspberry) and apricot, are also produced, each showcasing the unique flavors of the fruit. Visiting Cantillon is like stepping back in time. The brewery's equipment, much of which dates back to the early 20th century, is still in use today. Visitors can wander through the brewery, observing the brewing process and learning about the history of lambic beer. The air is thick with the aroma of fermentation, a testament to the living, breathing nature of the brewery. The museum aspect of Cantillon is as important as the brewing operation. Jean-Pierre Van Roy, the fourth-generation brewer at Cantillon, established the museum in 1978 to preserve the traditional process of making Lambic beers. The museum showcases the history of the brewery and the art of lambic brewing, with exhibits featuring antique brewing equipment, historical documents, and vintage bottles. Cantillon's beers are highly sought after by beer enthusiasts around the world. The brewery produces a limited quantity of beer each year, and demand far exceeds supply. This scarcity, combined with the beer's exceptional quality and unique character, has made Cantillon one of the most highly regarded breweries in the world. A visit to Cantillon is more than just a beer-tasting experience; it's a journey into the heart of Belgian brewing history. It's a chance to witness a tradition that has been passed down through generations, a tradition that is as much a part of Brussels' cultural heritage as its cobblestone streets and grand squares. Whether you're a seasoned beer aficionado or simply curious about the art of brewing, a visit to Cantillon is an experience you won't soon forget. Cantillon is more than just a brewery; it's a living museum, a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional craftsmanship, and a celebration of the unique flavors of lambic beer. It's a place where time stands still, where the past and present blend seamlessly, and where the art of brewing is elevated to a form of cultural expression.

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