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Cantillon Brewery: A Living Museum of Gueuze

Experience the authentic taste of Brussels at Cantillon Brewery, a living museum where traditional lambic beer is crafted using methods unchanged since 1900, a true taste of Belgian heritage.

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The Cantillon Brewery, also known as the Musée Bruxellois de la Gueuze, is a family-run brewery in the Anderlecht area of Brussels, offering a fascinating glimpse into the traditional methods of lambic beer production. Established in 1900, it stands as the last traditional lambic brewery in Brussels. Visitors can explore the brewery, view antique brewing equipment, and learn about the unique process of spontaneous fermentation. A visit includes a self-guided tour, a tasting of their distinctive beers, and a step back in time to experience brewing as it was over a century ago. It's a must-visit for beer enthusiasts seeking an authentic Belgian experience, showcasing a brewing heritage that has remained largely unchanged for generations. The brewery is more than just a place to taste beer; it's a living museum where the past and present of gueuze production intertwine.

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 on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds and have a more intimate experience of the brewery.
  • Take your time during the self-guided tour to fully appreciate the brewing process and the history of the Cantillon Brewery.
  • Don't miss the opportunity to sample a variety of Cantillon's lambic beers, each with its unique flavor profile.
  • Check the brewery's website for special events or limited-release beers that may be available during your visit.
  • Consider purchasing a bottle or two to take home, as Cantillon beers can be difficult to find outside of Belgium.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Brussels city center, the Musée Bruxellois de la Gueuze is easily accessible by public transport. Take metro lines 2 or 6 to the 'Clemenceau' station. From there, it's approximately a 15-minute walk. Alternatively, take tram lines 4, 51, or 82 to the 'Porte d'Anderlecht' stop, which is about a 10-minute walk to the brewery. Several bus lines also serve the area, including bus 46, with a stop close to the brewery. A single metro/tram/bus fare is around €2.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-sharing service from the city center of Brussels to the Musée Bruxellois de la Gueuze typically costs between €15 and €25, depending on traffic and the specific starting point. The journey usually takes around 15-20 minutes. Popular ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt operate in Brussels.

  • Walking

    For those who enjoy walking, the Musée Bruxellois de la Gueuze is a pleasant, approximately 45-minute walk from the Brussels-Midi (South) train station. From the station, head west along Avenue Fonsny, then turn right onto Rue Gheude. The brewery will be on your right. The walk offers a glimpse into the local neighborhoods.

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Discover more about Musée bruxellois de la gueuze

Step into a time capsule at the Musée Bruxellois de la Gueuze, housed within the Cantillon Brewery, where the art of traditional lambic brewing has been preserved since 1900. Located in the Anderlecht district, this family-run brewery offers a unique and immersive experience, transporting visitors back to a bygone era of Belgian beer craftsmanship. Cantillon is not just a brewery; it's a living museum where the traditional methods of brewing lambic and gueuze have been meticulously maintained. Unlike modern breweries that rely on controlled fermentation, Cantillon uses spontaneous fermentation, allowing wild yeasts and bacteria from the Senne Valley air to inoculate the wort. This process, unique to the region, gives Cantillon's beers their distinctive sour and complex flavors. The self-guided tour takes you through every stage of the brewing process, from the mash tun to the aging barrels. You'll witness the open-air cooling tray where the wort is exposed to the wild yeasts, the fermentation tanks where the beer slowly develops its character, and the cellars where bottles mature for years. The air is thick with the aroma of fermentation, a testament to the living ecosystem within the brewery. Wander through the museum's collection of antique brewing equipment, historical documents, and vintage bottles, each telling a story of Cantillon's rich heritage. Learn about the different types of lambic beers, including gueuze, kriek (cherry lambic), and faro (lambic with added sugar). Discover the importance of blending young and old lambics to create the perfect balance of flavors in gueuze. Cantillon's commitment to traditional methods extends to its use of organic ingredients and its dedication to preserving the unique character of its beers. The brewery is a member of the High Council for Artisanal Lambic Beers (HORAL), an organization dedicated to promoting and protecting traditional lambic brewing. A visit to Cantillon is not complete without a tasting of their exceptional beers. Sample the gueuze, a complex and refreshing beer with a tart, fruity flavor and a dry finish. Try the kriek, made with whole cherries, or the framboise, made with raspberries. Each beer is a testament to Cantillon's skill and dedication to quality. The brewery's atmosphere is as captivating as its beers. The dimly lit cellars, the creaking wooden floors, and the stacks of aging barrels create a sense of history and tradition. It's a place where time seems to stand still, where the art of brewing has been passed down through generations. Beyond the beer itself, Cantillon offers a glimpse into a way of life. It's a family business, where the Van Roy family has been brewing lambic for over a century. Their passion for their craft is evident in every detail, from the carefully selected ingredients to the meticulous brewing process. Visiting Cantillon is an experience that engages all the senses. The sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the brewery create a lasting impression. It's a place where you can connect with the history of Belgian beer and appreciate the artistry of traditional brewing. Cantillon's beers have gained international recognition, attracting beer enthusiasts from around the world. The brewery has become a pilgrimage site for those seeking authentic and unique beer experiences. Its beers are highly sought after, and bottles can be difficult to find outside of Belgium. More than just a brewery, Cantillon is a cultural institution, a guardian of Belgian brewing heritage. It's a place where tradition is valued, where quality is paramount, and where the art of brewing is celebrated. A visit to Cantillon is an unforgettable journey into the world of lambic beer, a taste of history, and a celebration of Belgian craftsmanship. Cantillon's role in preserving the lambic tradition is particularly significant given the decline in lambic's popularity in the mid-20th century. Many smaller breweries were bought out or closed down, but Cantillon persevered, thanks in part to the establishment of the Musée Bruxellois de la Gueuze in 1978. The museum helped to raise awareness of lambic and its unique brewing process, ensuring that this important part of Belgian heritage would not be lost. Today, Cantillon is thriving, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to experience the magic of traditional lambic brewing. The brewery's success is a testament to the enduring appeal of quality, craftsmanship, and tradition. It's a place where you can step back in time and experience the true taste of Belgium.

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