If you love your beer, it's well worth making a pilgrimage to Brussels’ most famous brewery for a behind-the-scenes tour. Founded in 1900 by a family of master brewers, Cantillon is renowned for its Lambic beers which are brewed using wild yeasts and bacteria for a unique flavour. In a country which loves its beer, this is perhaps the best place to sample a few.
At Cantillon, the techniques, machinery and most of the ingredients are the same today as they were when the brewery was founded. Once you enter the building, you are plunged into an atmospheric, cobweb-filled greeting hall, filled with wooden beer barrels and with dried hop leaves hanging from the ceiling.
Visits begin with an introduction by a Cantillon employee who explains how their style differs from all other beer. After the introduction, you’re free to explore the brewery on your own. You will see the wooden barrels used for fermentation and you can't escape the smell of yeast and fruit in the air.
Once you've explored the brewery, you can head to what is probably the best bit: the tasting area. Cantillon's range is extensive, so it may take some time to decide what to choose as only one beer sampling is included in the price. The brewery's most famous beer is Gueuze, which blends different lambics that will then ferment together in the bottle. If you like tart flavours, don't miss the Kriek beer which is brewed with sour cherries. If you find it impossible to choose, there's a well-stocked gift shop where you can buy some different varieties and taste them at home.
Cantillon is situated on Rue Gheude, just outside the city centre, and can be accessed by metro or car. The brewery is closed on Sundays and public holidays, and a small admission fee is charged.
