Brewery – Brasserie Cantillon
House – Brasserie Cantillon et Musée Bruxellois de la Geuze – The Source
Address – Rue Gheude 56, 1070 Anderlecht, Brussel
Date of first visit – July 1997
Most recent visit – September 9, 2024
Ruhetag – Sunday & Wednesday (& public holidays) – otherwise open 10.00 until 16.00,
URL – http://www.cantillon.be/?lang=en
To drink Cantillon at Source, one has to start early. Business hours, rest days and a series of public holidays, mean that it could be regarded as a privilege to be served here. Until the Covid era, the Bier was cheap, as far as Belgian Bier could ever be regarded thus. Then their refusal to serve the standard Kriek by the 75cl bottle was simply profiteering. By 2024, Kriek was not even available by the glass.
Premium Kriek is of course available by the bottle. I feel this venue has had its day.
The brew plant is on the right as one enters, the original bar and seating area on the left. Since the opening of the upstairs bar, one is encouraged to go there, however those of us who have been visiting for twenty five years plus, feel drawn to the ground floor seating area.
Tours, for those who have never done one, are conducted throughout the day, book in advance. A healthy Takeaway service is available, Bier, t-shirts etc.
At closing time, if it’s a Friday, Brasserie de l’Ermitage is around the corner, Brasserei de l’Ermitage is open later and serves contemporary Craft Beer. Don’t be surprised if the Cantillon staff accompany you.
Kriek 5.5%
200g of cherries per litre.
This is the second-most cheek-sucking, cherry experience there is.
(after Hansenns)
Lambic sourness supposedly predates the current – Sour – fad by decades.
Geuze 5.5%
The most sour of the Greuze.
Close to vinegar in a glass, but surprisingly moreish.
Rosé de Gambrinus 5.5%
Lambic with Raspberries.
A much more gentle experience, however, if the price is right, and one is having session, have a go.
Lou Pepe Kriek 2015 5.0%
Overpriced, for less
Lou Pepe 2015 5.0%
Lacks the hit of the Kriek
