Beer by Bridgeneers

Beer A r o u n d o f F l e m i s h B r aba n t

www.toerismevlaamsbrabant.be â&#x20AC;˘ www.visitleuven.be

Appetizer

OTHER WALKS

14 / BEER WALKING

DIEST, MY BEER TOWN

LEUVEN

Flemish Brabant lies at the heart of the beer country of Belgium and is the beer province par excellence. The number of local beers is large and surprising.

OVER A BEER 1

Diest has always been a true beer town. In the 19th century, brewing was even the town’s most important economic activity. Loterbol Brewery still makes delicious beer, and the traditional Gildenbier still flows freely. This walk takes you into Diest’s beer past, with plenty of tasting too. Follow the brochure or head off in the tracks of a town guide.

OUDE MARKT (OLD MARKET SQUARE) - With

its 40 cafés, it is ‘the longest bar in Europe’. 2 MECHELSESTRAAT - The breweries used to jostle for space on the banks of the Dijle. The plaque with the inscription ‘De Kruiwagen‘– Mechelsestraat 37 – refers to the brewery ‘Den Grooten Cruywaeghen’, where beer was already being brewed in the 15th century.

More information at

WWW.TOERISMEDIEST.BE

BREWING TRAIL The brewer’s village par excellence is Hoegaarden. In 1758, the village had no fewer than 38 breweries, and beer is still brewed there today. Hoegaarden native Albert Guilluy has unravelled his village’s brewing past. With a free guide in your hand you can set out on the

3 DE HOORN BREWERY - The famous Stella logo stands high on the old brewery buildings on the Vaartkom. De Hoorn Brewery was in existence as early as 1366, and was bought by Sébastien Artois in 1708. 4

DE LANTAARN - An authentic pub with a

view of the marina. According to legend, the best Stella in Leuven is served here, because the pipes apparently come straight from the brewery.

5 AB INBEV - The Stella Artois brewery – part of AB InBev – looks out over the Leuven canal.

DOMUS HOUSE BREWERY -From the taps of the Domus inn, their own beer - Con Domus and Nostra Domus – comes straight from the wort boiler. 7

You have to experience beer: it is part of the region, the tradition and the people. A local beer tastes best after a brewery visit. Or go on a beer walk or bike ride and sample the atmosphere en route in authentic pubs. Your B&B or hotel probably has a beer package in store for you. In Leuven, the best restaurants and brasseries offer a delicious beer menu. And all year long there are foaming events throughout the province, because the Flemish Brabanters like showing off their beers. And quite rightly so! Enjoy your beer! Tourism Flemish Brabant and Tourism Leuven

B 6 / BEER FLAVOURS & TYPES

GEUZE

I N T H E G R E E N B E LT

Lambic is an ancient beer which according to some sources has been brewed since the 14th century. This takes place using a method of spontaneous fermentation: brewers do not add any yeast but let the wort - the mixture of water, malt and hops - cool in the ambient air. This “impregnates” the brew with the wild yeasts Brettanomyces Bruxellensis and Brettanomyces Lambicus. These unique yeasts can only be found in the Zenne valley. Hence this beer is unique to this region. After this process, Lambic is stored in oak casks.

FROM LAMBIC TO GEUZE Actual Lambic is hardly ever sold any more. It is acidic and has few bubbles and little head. In the 19th century, several brewers began experimenting. They mixed old and young Lambic and allowed secondary fermentation to take place in a bottle. Thus Geuze was born. The sugars and live yeasts in the young Lambic ensured that secondary fermentation occurs, while the old Lambic gives depth and structure. This process of mixing and secondary fermentation is known in Dutch as “geuzesteken” - Geuze making.

BOOK AT VISIT@LEUVEN.BE

Flavou rs & TYP ES

The use of herbs is typical of Belgian white beers. Herbs are not permitted in the brewing of the German Weissbier. Genuine white beer is fermented twice. The cloudy appearance gives away the fact that it is not filtered. The proteins in the wheat malt also add to the cloudiness.

HOEGAARDEN

DE LAMBIEK The Lambiek Visitors’ Centre immerses you in the tastes, smells, sounds and texture of Lambic beer. It is a true experience centre and the perfect base for discovering the Lambic breweries, the Pajottenland and the Zenne valley. Gemeenveldstraat 1, 1652 Alsemberg T. +32 (0)2-359 16 36 TOERISME@BEERSEL.BE

OUDE GEUZE BOO N

Frank Boon young, eight mixes very and three een month old year old and allow Lambic s re-fermen the mixture to t into mild Geuz a fresh, e.

The best-known white beer is undoubtedly Hoegaarden, named after the village where it is brewed. In 1758, this village had no fewer than 38 breweries. This was down to a Frankish noblewoman who gave her county to the prince-bishop of Liège. Because of this, up until the French Revolution Hoegaarden remained an enclave of Liège in the Duchy of Brabant, and its farmers did not have to pay any high taxes. Farming flourished and the wheat grain disappeared into the white beer. And yet the beer was almost lost to time. In 1957 the last white beer brewery closed, but Hoegaarden native Pierre Celis breathed new life into the tradition in 1966. Today his former brewery is part of AB InBev.

B BEER / 7 FLAVOURS & TYPES

Brewers make white beer with wheat and malted barley, and a mixture of coriander, orange peel and hops. ’T WIT GEBROUW Experience the brewing process of the world-famous white beer, from copper boiler to the hectic bottling plant. Then immerse yourself in the fascinating history, the legends and spicy stories about the pleasant village and its white beer.

WHITE BEER IN THE HAGELAND

Stoopkensstraat 24A 3320 Hoegaarden T. +32 (0)16-76 74 33 WWW.TWITGEBROUW.BE

N HOEGAARDE WITTE

Hoegenuine Gently The only white beer. gaarden ching on a sumthirst-quen ce. Drink it in mer terra ctive hexthe distin glass. agonal

p.6

10 / BEER CYCLING NETWORK

BEER / 11 CYCLING NETWORK

EN ROUTE WITH THE CYCLE NETWORK MAP A cycle ride through the beer region of Flemish Brabant is very easy to plan, whether it be for an hour, a day or even multiple days. On the cycle network map you will find the best routes linked by hundreds of intersections. Map out your route and note the numbers of the intersections you will pass in the right order. Then you simply follow the route on your bike from number to number, i.e. from intersection to intersection, by following the signs. And on the way you will find more than enough spots to try a delicious regional beer: there are more than 120 cycle cafés on the network. The map is available for 9 euro from tourist information centres in the province of Flemish Brabant and in all good bookstores, or you can order it from WWW.TOERISMEVLAAMSBRABANT.BE/PUBLICATIES

Fietspun +32 (0)16 fietspunt Mon. - Fr 1/4-15/10

This walk starts every Saturday (D 11 a.m. at the Town Hall, from 1 Ap 2 euro. Or book a guide for your round, max. 25 people.

One or two genuine beer cafés on the way:

BLAUWE KATER 1 , METAFOOR 2 , DE FIERE MARGRIET 3 . (Zie p. 26-27)

The rich beer tradition goes back to a time when every village served its own beer in the inns next to the church. Beer capital Leuven takes the cake. A century ago, the city had no fewer than 788 drinking establishments. The artisan breweries of yore are still alive today: together, the more than 30 small brewers produce close to 250 different local beers. AB InBev, the biggest brewing group in the world, began in around 1366 as a small city brewery in Leuven. Haacht Brewery, Palm Breweries and Hoegaarden also developed into household names in the world of beer.

Would y by bike? areas on need to Fietspun – at the Cycle m route ca Naamse

Set off in the tracks of a guide for a ished) breweries. On the way liste facts. Why is Leuven’s beer so fa be brewed with water from the Di between a pub and a tavern? All

7 1

More info

DETUINE

BY BIKE

LEUVEN BEER

6 DIESTSESTRAAT - In 1910 there were no fewer than 85 cafés here, and in the whole of Leuven there were 788 at that time. Today it is one of the top shopping streets.

historica Obvious genuine Nieuwhu

p.10

B Beer / 3 INGREDIENTS

B BEER / 15 WALKING

INGREDIeNTs

al journey of discovery yourself. sly you have to try Hoegaarden’s e Witte and the beers of uys Inn-Brewery on the way.

ormation at

ENVANHOEGAARDEN@TELENET.BE

you like to ride through Leuven ? Or explore the city’s green n two wheels? Then you don’t o take your bike to the city. At nt Leuven (Cycle Point Leuven) station – you can hire a bike. maps or tips for an interesting an be found at Tourism Leuven, estraat 1 (side of Town Hall).

BEER / 43 BEER TRIPS

HOEGAARDEN: A GREAT PLACE FOR A PINT

nt Leuven station 6-21 26 01 tleuven@velo.be ri.: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., 0 also open on Sat.: 8.30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

BEER VISITS FOR GROUPS

STORIES

a walk past old cafés and (vanen to tasty beer stories and fun amous? Did beer really used to ijle? And what is the difference will be revealed.

Dutch) and Sunday (English) at pril to 30 October. Joining costs r group by appointment all year

Het Bolhuis Organic Farm

BEERS AND FARMERS Experience real farm life on this organic farm in the heart of nature. Take a ride on a donkey and enjoy a farm picnic while out and about, with local beer, naturally. And then you can choose between a beer walk in Diest or a visit to the Loterbol brewery, depending on availability. € 211/MAX. 5 PERSON/2 NIGHTS (OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS) € 272/MAX. 5 PERSONS/2 NIGHTS (DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS)

Asdonkstraat 49 3294 Diest-Molenstede +32 (0)13-33 85 12 +32 (0)473-94 79 08 info@bolhuis.be WWW.BOLHUIS.BE

Discover the former glory of a brewer’s life and sample the tastiest Hoegaarden beers. The programme includes 4 local cafés, 4 beers, appetizers and an enjoyable explanation by a local guide. A tip: combine this walk with a visit to the ’t Wit Gebrouw visitors’ centre.

BEERTOURS IN LEUVEN 10

Hanenbos Accommodation

p.14

ON THE TRAIL OF LAMBIEK You and your group will stay in a country apartment. After breakfast your bicycles await you, along with a cycling map, a packed lunch and tickets for Huizingen park, the De Lambiek Visitors’ Centre and a Geuze brewer or maker. In the evening, the Boelekewis restaurant will regale you with local specialities. You will be given a bottle of the house beer, “het Haneboske”, to take home.

A brewery visit with a delicious tasting session? A walk or bike ride past authentic beer cafés? A cookery workshop with beer? In Flemish Brabant and Leuven, you can book the most fantastic beer visits for groups. It’s an original way to discover the region and its traditions, and it can be combined perfectly with a visit to a tourist attraction. Just the thing for a day out with the family, friends, the club or the firm. We’d be happy to give you some tasteful suggestions.

EUR 72.50/PERSON/NIGHT (MIN. 8 PEOPLE)

Lotsesteenweg 103 1653 Beersel +32 (0)2-380 47 13 hanenbos@ vlaamsbrabant.be

p.43

WWW.HANENBOS.BE

With the ‘Le(u)ven in de brouwerij’ city game you can explore the beer city of Leuven by bicycle or kickbike, or on foot. The game takes you past breweries old and new. Fun photo assignments and a beer tasting make it a relaxed group activity.

MEISE BOTANICAL GARDENS AND PALM BREWERIES In the National Botanical Gardens in Meise, admire the unique collection of 18.000 species of plants from all over the world, and after lunch visit the Palm Breweries in Steenhuffel. There you will experience the brewing process of the well-known amber-coloured beer, Palm. Afterwards you will obviously be offered a refreshing Palm, and can pat the powerfully built Brabant draught horses on the head at Diepensteyn stud farm, where the brewery breeds genuine Brabant draught horses. More information on these and many other group visits can be found at WWW.TOERISMEVLAAMS BRABANT.BE/EN AND WWW.LEUVEN.BE/ BEERCAPITAL

20 / BEER PROUD OF BEER

BEER / 21 PROUD OF BEER

Proud of beer Brewing is in the genes of the people of Flemish Brabant. Ever since the Middle Ages there has been brewing in abundance, and every village has a beer to its name.

p.20

That beer flowed freely in the village pubs you still find below every church tower. Brewing knowledge was handed down from father to son and from small initiatives back then grew the large breweries of today. The tradition of these small, artisanal breweries lives on: Flemish Brabant has more than 30 brewers, together producing more than 250 different regional beers. For many enthusiasts, brewing begins as a hobby, but if they have the taste for it, a new professional brewery is created. Each beer has its own taste, its own accent, but they all hark back to this great Flemish Brabant beer tradition.

THE MIRACLE BREWER OF HOEGAARDEN

STELLA CHRISTMAS BEER

The brewers of Hoegaarden have had a cast-iron reputation since the Middle Ages. For this they have one man to thank: Claes. He was abandoned as a baby at the De Kluis brewery - Claes is Kluis in the local dialect - but the brewers did not know what to do with the little fellow. They asked Charles V for advice. The emperor commanded the brewers to each take the child in for a while.

Bottles of Stella Artois say 1366, but the famous Pils is nothing like that old. In 1892, Leuven’s Artois brewery first brewed Pils according to a method brought over from today’s Czech Republic and christened it Bock beer. The people of Leuven liked it, but they liked the brewery’s Christmas beer for 1926 - “Stella”, Latin for star - even better. As demand was so great, it was decided to brew the Christmas beer all year round. Stella Artois became by far the brewery’s most successful product.

Claes therefore grew up between the wort boilers, and tasted all the brews produced in the village. He learned all the tricks of the trade and put right the mistakes of one brewer with the skill of another. The child grew into the best brewer in the area. His statue stands in the inner courtyard of the Kouterhof, part of Hoegaarden’s old brewery buildings.

And 1366? That refers to the Den Hoorn brewery existing in that year, which grew into the city’s biggest in the 15th century and was bought by master brewer Sébastien Artois in the 18th century. Today, AB InBev is the largest brewery chain in the world

4 BEER CHART 6 FLAVOURS & TYPES 10 En route with the cycle network map 12 steer for beer 14 Leuven over a beer 16 Mmmmmh. 18 brewing on the farm 19 In the lab of the world's biggest brewery 20 Proud of beer 22 beer and science 24 The never-ending bar 26 beer cafes 28 beer en gastronomy 30 Bapas, tapas for beer 32 Beers of Flemish Brabant 34 beer is sexy 36 Tasting beer, How's it done? 37 beer pulling, How's it done? 38 Through the eyes of Bruegel 40 Bed en beer 43 Beer visits for groups 44 An overview of all breweries in Flemish Brabant 49 Beer Diary

B 4 / Beer BEER CHART

Discover the extensive beer chart

An overview of

a l l b r ew e r ie s i n F l e m i s h B r aba n t

1. Affligem

Brewery 2. 3 Fonteinen Brewery 3. Boon Brewery 4. Brouwerij Broeder Jacob 5. De Block Brewery 6. De Schuur Brewery 7. De Troch Brewery 8. De Vlier Brewery 9. Den Herberg Brewery 10. Girardin Brewery 11. Haacht Brewery 12. Hof ten Dormaal Brewery 13. Kortrijk-Dutsel Brewery 14. Lindemans Brewery 15. Lupus brewery 16. Montaigu Brewery 17. Mort Subite Brewery 18. Oud Beersel Brewery 19. Timmermans Brewery

20. Hoegaarden

Brewery 21. Vercauteren Brewery 22. Vissenaken Brewery 23. Brewery - Distillery Craywinckelhof 24. De Kale Ridders 25. Geuze maker De Cam 26. Geuze maker Hanssens Artisanaal 27. Guldenboot 28. Domus House Brewery 29. Lestedrรถppel House Brewery 30. Loterbol House Brewery 31. Nieuwhuys Inn-Brewery 32. Micro-Brewery AngerikGALMAARDEN 33. Micro-Brewery Den Triest 34. Palm Breweries BEVER 35. Promaco Vision 36. Stella Artois Brewery / AB InBev

LONDERZEEL

KAPELLE-OP-DEN-BOS

BOORTMEERBEEK

ZEMST

1 MEISE

OPWIJK MERCHTEM

GRIMBERGEN

KAMPENHOUT

Green Belt

ASSE AFFLIGEM

VILVOORDE STEENOKKERZEEL MACHELEN KORTENBERG

17 LIEDEKERKE

TERNAT

ZAVENTEM

DILBEEK

Brussels

ROOSDAAL

TERVUREN

LENNIK

GOOIK

2 18

PEPINGEN

BEERSEL HALLE

HERNE

HUL

SINT-PIETERS-LEEUW

HOEILAART

OVERIJSE

B BEER / 5 BEER CHART

BEGIJNENDIJK

KEERBERGEN

SCHERPENHEUVEL-ZICHEM

TREMELO

AARSCHOT

DIEST

hageland

ROTSELAAR

HAACHT

12 8

BEKKEVOORT

HOLSBEEK

TIELT-WINGE

HERENT

GEETBETS

KORTENAKEN

LUBBEEK

Leuven

GLABBEEK

ERTEM

LDENBERG

NL BIERBEEK

BOUTERSEM

ZOUTLEEUW brussels

LINTER OUD-HEVERLEE

TIENEN

Flemish Brabant

22 35 HOEGAARDEN

31 LANDEN

The beer region of Flemish Brabant is the 足absolute heart of the beer country of Belgium. The brewing tradition is alive here like nowhere else, so you never have to go very far to find a brewery or taste a delicious local beer. The 足details of all the breweries on this map can be

found at the back of the brochure (p. 44-46). This way you can see straightaway which breweries will welcome you with open arms for a peek between the wort boilers. Great for tourists, but there is a whole lot more to discover in the province.

Flemish Brabant is situated in the centre of Belgium. The capital of this province is Leuven.

B 6 / BEER FLAVOURS & TYPES

Geuze

I n t h e G r e e n B e lt

From lambic to Geuze Actual Lambic is hardly ever sold any more. It is acidic and has few bubbles and little head. In the 19th century, several brewers began experimenting. They mixed old and young Lambic and allowed secondary fermentation to take place in a bottle. Thus Geuze was born. The sugars and live yeasts in the young Lambic ensured that secondary fermentation occurs, while the old Lambic gives depth and structure. This process of mixing and secondary fermentation is known in Dutch as “geuzesteken” - Geuze making.

Flavou & typ

De Lambiek The Lambiek Visitors’ Centre immerses you in the tastes, smells, sounds and texture of Lambic beer. It is a true experience centre and the perfect base for discovering the Lambic breweries, the Pajottenland and the Zenne valley. Gemeenveldstraat 1, 1652 Alsemberg T. +32 (0)2-359 16 36 toerisme@beersel.be

Oude Geuze Bo

Frank Bo young, e on mixes very ig and thre hteen month old ey and allow ear old Lambic s re-ferme the mixture to nt into a mild Geu fresh, ze.

Hoegaarden The best-known white beer is undoubtedly Hoegaarden, named after the village where it is brewed. In 1758, this village had no fewer than 38 breweries. This was down to a Frankish noblewoman who gave her county to the prince-bishop of Liège. Because of this, up until the French Revolution Hoegaarden remained an enclave of Liège in the Duchy of Brabant, and its farmers did not have to pay any high taxes. Farming flourished and the wheat grain disappeared into the white beer. And yet the beer was a lmost lost to time. In 1957 the last white beer brewery closed, but Hoegaarden native Pierre Celis breathed new life into the tradition in 1966. Today his former brewery is part of AB InBev.

B BEER / 7 FLAVOURS & TYPES

Brewers make white beer with wheat and malted barley, and a mixture of coriander, orange peel and hops. ’t Wit Gebrouw Experience the brewing process of the world-famous white beer, from copper boiler to the hectic bottling plant. Then immerse yourself in the fascinating history, the legends and spicy stories about the pleasant village and its white beer. Stoopkensstraat 24A 3320 Hoegaarden T. +32 (0)16-76 74 33 www.twitgebrouw.be

en Hoegaared Witt e Hoe-

genuin The only e beer. Gently it h w gaarden ching on a sum n e u q in tit s k thir ace. Drin mer terr ctive hexn ti is the d lass. agonal g

White beer In the hageland

B 8 / BEER FLAVOURS & TYPES

A “pintje” or a Pils beer is a light, golden beer, brewed from malt, water, hops and yeast. It contains around 5% alcohol. By drying the malt under controlled conditions, the beer’s golden-yellow colour is retained. Sometimes brewers also add maize and rice. This makes the beer even lighter in colour and easier to digest. After maturing, Pils is filtered. This produces a very clear beer and also takes the sharpness out of the taste. Fermentation takes place at a temperature of 6 to 8°C, known as “low fermentation”. In contrast to high fermentation - a process between 15 and 25°C - this low fermentation takes quite a long time, but the process is less sensitive to bacteria.

Pils The name Pils comes from the Czech city of Pilsen. Its inhabitants opened their own brewery in 1842 out of dissatisfaction because the beer in Pilsen was of very poor quality at the beginning of the 19th century. German brewer Josef Groll was brought in and together they brewed the first Pils. Pils beer and the new brewing techniques gradually conquered the world.

pils In Leuven

Stella Artois Brewery Take a tour around the heart of the beer city of Leuven: Stella Artois brewery (AB InBev), where centuries-old brewing tradition and modern technology are combined. You will discover all the secrets of the brewing process before enjoying a delicious glass of Stella. As a little extra, you can combine your visit with a tasting, a serving course or a tasting board. Info: Tourism Leuven T. +32 (0)16-20 30 20 www.leuven.be/beercapital

Stella Artois

The wa genuine ter for the only , fr pumped esh Leuven pin t u layers of p from below d is eep clay ben eath the It was bre city. wed in 1926 a for the first tim e nd imme d ousted a ll the oth iately e r Pil beers in Leuven. s

B BEER / 9 FLAVOURS & TYPES

Other Types of Beer Fruit beer is created by adding fruit during the brewing process, just prior to fermentation. Almost every kind of fruit can be used: from peach to banana, from strawberry to mango. The Lambiek-based cherry beer is famous.

This high fermentation beer contains more raw materials than “normal” beer. The alcohol percentage varies between 6 and 9%. “Double” beer is generally dark brown in colour, but that does not always have to be the case. Drying the malted barley grains at a high temperature gives the beer a dark colour. Sometimes, concentrated caramel is also added.

Kriek Lindemans

Grimbergen Dubbel

This fruity slightly sour beer is a top thirstquencher and perfect in many dishes, such as rabbit with cherries. It is produced by mixing pure cherry juice with Lambiek at least eight months old.

A bittersweet abbey beer with a full flavour and hints of caramel, the mixing of different varieties of malt gives the beer its characteristic deep-red Burgundy color.

Amber beer At the beginning of the 20th century, Brabant’s brewers refined their typical brews as a reaction against the rise of Pils. The new type of beer was named Spéciale Belge. The use of colour or caramel malts gave it its amber colour. It is a lightly hopped beer with high fermentation.

Palm The best-known amber beer of Flemish Brabant is Palm, brewed at the Palm Brewery in Steenhuffel. It is a true special beer with an alcohol percentage of 5.4%.

“Dubbel” beer

Fruitbeer

“Tripel” beer Not every high fermentation blonde beer is a tripel. “Tripel” is a beer term which means that more raw materials are used than in a “normal” and a “double” beer. The colour varies from blonde to amber and re-fermentation takes place in the bottle. The alcohol percentage is generally between 7 and 11%.

Affligem tripel This abbey beer has a huge head, an original nose, a deep-golden and complex taste. One to really savour.

Blonde beer In contrast to Pils beer, when making blonde beer, the brewer uses high fermentation. The alcohol percentage generally varies between 6 and 7%.

Keizer Karel Goud Blond This beer from Haacht Brewery has a herby, hoppy aroma and a soft fruity taste. In the aftertaste you get bitterness, but softness also predominates.

B 10 / BEER CYCLING NETWORK

En route with the cycle network map A cycle ride through the beer region of Flemish Brabant is very easy to plan, whether it be for an hour, a day or even multiple days. On the cycle network map you will find the best routes linked by hundreds of intersections. Map out your route and note the numbers of the intersections you will pass in the right order. Then you simply follow the route on your bike from number to number, i.e. from intersection to intersection, by following the signs. And on the way you will find more than enough spots to try a delicious regional beer: there are more than 120 cycle cafĂŠs on the network. The map is available for 9 euro from tourist information centres in the province of Flemish Brabant and in all good bookstores, or you can order it from www.toerismevlaamsbrabant.be/publicaties

B BEER / 11 CYCLING NETWORK

B 12 / BEER CYCLING

Beersel Castle

Oud Beersel Brewery

Explore the country of the Geuze, the world-famous and unique beer of the Pajottenland and the Zenne valley. The route leads you through a green, hilly region, scattered with breweries where tradition and craft are still very important. You start at 3 Fonteinen Brewery and pass by the Oud Beersel Brewery and Geuze maker Hanssens Artisanaal. Between intersections 61 and 83 you can call in at the “De Lambiek” visitors’ centre for artisanal Lambic beers in Alsemberg, where you will discover the complete history of this sublime and unique beer.

The Basilica in Halle

Start: 3 Fonteinen Brewery, Hoogstraat 2, Beersel The route follows the intersections of the Flemish Brabant cycle network: start, 63, 62, 53, 64, 65, 28, 50, 49, 61, 83, start.

Cycle route (paved)

Reduction to 24.6 km: start, 63, 62, 53, 50, 49, 61, 83, start.

Cycle route (paved, no cars allowed)

Reduction to 14.8 km: start, 63, 61, 83, start

Cycle route (not paved) Cycle route (semipaved, no cars allowed) Cycle route (cobble stone)

Halle Forest

B BEER / 13 CYCLING

Other cycle routes 3 fonteinen brewery

72 km

Jan Primus route

39 km

Hop route

32 km

Beers and Beets

De Lambiek Visitors’ Centre

The Groene Wandeling

Geuze maker Hanssens Artisanaal

The Geuze route connects with the “Groene Wandeling” (Green Trail). At intersection 83, leave the route towards intersection 47. Turn off left before the railway and follow the Perkstraat. The Groene Wandeling is a marvellous walking and cycling route of more than 63 km through the stunning green region around Brussels. You cycle or stroll through the most beautiful parks and protected nature zones. Via the Groene Wandeling you can also connect with the Brussels cycle route network. This is a cluster of radial cycle routes running from the edge to the centre of the city.

Duke Jan Primus was a true hedonist and beer lover. He granted the breweries of Brabant priority rights, and Haacht Brewery even immortalised him in Primus Pils. The route starts at this brewery and winds through woods, farmland, pretty sunken lanes and - of course - beer terraces.

The Abbey of Affligem is your starting point for this cycle ride in the wake of the hop. For centuries, this hilly region was one of Europe’s richest hop-producing areas. The route takes you past fields of hops and old breweries, monuments and little churches. In Asse market square you can even stand face to face with the Hop Devil, and at one of the many beer terraces you can naturally try one of the Affligem abbey beers.

Set off from the charming beer village of Hoegaarden for a cycle ride to Tienen and back. You will pass down sunken lanes and through expansive landscapes, past picturesque villages and former breweries. Stop off at Nieuwhuys Inn-Brewery for a mild Alpaïde, or try a Tienen beer such as Tiense Kweiker, Lorejas or Zoeg. Download these cycle routes for free at

Further information on the Groene Wandeling and the Brussels cycle route network can be found on: WWW.GROENE-WANDELING.BE www.mobielbrussel.irisnet.be

www.toerismevlaamsbrabant. be/en

B 14 / BEER WALKING

Leuven

over a beer

1 Oude Markt (Old Market Square) - With its 40 cafés, it is ‘the longest bar in Europe’. 2 Mechelsestraat - The breweries used to jostle for space on the banks of the Dijle. The plaque with the inscription ‘De Kruiwagen‘– Mechelsestraat 37 – refers to the brewery ‘Den Grooten Cruywaeghen’, where beer was already being brewed in the 15th century. 3 De Hoorn brewery - The famous Stella logo stands high on the old brewery buildings on the Vaartkom. De Hoorn Brewery was in existence as early as 1366, and was bought by Sébastien Artois in 1708. 4 De Lantaarn - An authentic pub with a view of the marina. According to legend, the best Stella in Leuven is served here, because the pipes apparently come straight from the brewery. 5

AB InBev - The Stella Artois brewery – part

of AB InBev – looks out over the Leuven canal.

6 Diestsestraat - In 1910 there were no fewer than 85 cafés here, and in the whole of Leuven there were 788 at that time. Today it is one of the top shopping streets. 7

Domus House brewery -From the taps of

the Domus inn, their own beer - Con Domus and Nostra Domus – comes straight from the wort boiler. One or two genuine beer cafés on the way:

Blauwe Kater 1 , Metafoor 2 , De Fiere Margriet 3 . (Zie p. 26-27)

7 1

Other walks Diest, my beer town

www.toerismediest.be

Brewing trail The brewer’s village par excellence is Hoegaarden. In 1758, the village had no fewer than 38 breweries, and beer is still brewed there today. Hoegaarden native Albert Guilluy has unravelled his village’s brewing past. With a free guide in your hand you can set out on the

BEER / 15 WALKING

historical journey of discovery yourself. Obviously you have to try Hoegaarden’s genuine Witte and the beers of Nieuwhuys Inn-Brewery on the way. More information at detuinenvanhoegaarden@telenet.be

By bike Would you like to ride through Leuven by bike? Or explore the city’s green areas on two wheels? Then you don’t need to take your bike to the city. At Fietspunt Leuven (Cycle Point Leuven) – at the station – you can hire a bike. Cycle maps or tips for an interesting route can be found at Tourism Leuven, Naamsestraat 1 (side of Town Hall). Fietspunt Leuven station +32 (0)16-21 26 01 fietspuntleuven@velo.be Mon. - Fri.: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., 1/4-15/10 also open on Sat.: 8.30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Leuven beer stories Set off in the tracks of a guide for a walk past old cafés and (vanished) breweries. On the way listen to tasty beer stories and fun facts. Why is Leuven’s beer so famous? Did beer really used to be brewed with water from the Dijle? And what is the difference between a pub and a tavern? All will be revealed. This walk starts every Saturday (Dutch) and Sunday (English) at 11 a.m. at the Town Hall, from 1 April to 30 October. Joining costs 2 euro. Or book a guide for your group by appointment all year round, max. 25 people. Book at visit@leuven.be

B 16 / BEER BEER ON THE WALL

B BEER / 17 BEER ON THE WALL

Mmmmmh! Follow your sense of taste on a culinary stroll past the most delightful pieces of the collection of Museum M in Leuven. With a guide in your hand you will linger over fun facts about the eating and drinking culture of the Middle Ages, the 17th and the 19th centuries. After your visit, a delicious regional beer awaits you in the M-CafĂŠ. This visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s package costs 12 euro. The Smaakmakers guide (2 euro) is also available separately. More info via www.mleuven.be

B 18 / BEER ARTISAN

Dries Janssens Artisanal brewer

Brewing on the

farm

In the barn of the imposing Hof ten Dormaal in Tildonk, wort boilers and fermentation tanks are simmering. Here, André Janssens and son Dries brew their Hof Ten Dormaal beer with home-grown hops and barley.

“And that makes us unique in the world,” André smiles. “Here, brewing and farming go hand in hand.” The boilers, tanks and machinery are housed in the barn of the courtyard farm, in the middle of the fields. Three times a month André and Dries brew 1500 litres of beer, using only natural products. At bottling time, the whole family gathers round the machine. “Once the machine is up to speed, we can bottle 2000 bottles an hour.”

The story Brewer and farmer Dries’ tipple of choice is Hof ten Dormaal Bruin. “Because I have to work hardest at it. To achieve the dark colour, we use roasted malt. One kilo too much and the caramel taste will be too strong. Some brewers use caramel sugars, but that doesn’t fit in with our artisanal story.”

And that story is the strength of Hof ten Dormaal, says André. “Our beer is the real stuff, a naturally pure, artisanal product we can be proud of.”

Experimentation But that authentic story does not mean the family of brewers cannot show its creative side. One successful example is chicory beer where some of the hops are replaced by chicory roots. “We’re now experimenting with beer we allow to mature in wooden casks. Casks that were previously used to make jenever, port, calvados and other drinks, so the beer takes on some of that taste.” Fancy a visit to Hof ten Dormaal, in a group or individually? Visit www.hoftendormaal.com

B BEER / 19 HIGH-TECH

Jeroen Laenen brewing manager

Bio-engineer and Brewing Manager Jeroen Laenen guides us between the shiny steel wort boilers of AB InBev in Leuven. “The contents of one boiler are good for 280.000 glasses of Stella Artois,” he tells us. “And we export it all over the world. If you drink a Stella Artois in New York, it was brewed here with Leuven water.”

Precise measuring High technology plays an important part. Jeroen takes us to the labs where technicians are busy with all manner of measuring instruments and analytical devices. “The alcohol content, the pH value, the colour, the thickness of the head… there’s a piece of equipment for everything. We don’t leave anything to chance.”

-176 °C Brewmaster Jeroen sneaks us into another laboratory. “This is where we test all the beers for perfect quality before they go out the door.

We also cultivate yeast here. That begins with a stem cell that is multiplied at microlevel until there is enough for a whole boiler of wort. We store our yeast strain very carefully at headquarters at a temperature of -176 °C. Yeast lives and mutates, but by freezing the yeast strain, we can be certain that our Stella Artois is always Stella Artois.”

Tasting But despite all the high technology, tasting the beer remains the best quality control. “Our tasting panel tastes all the ingredients: they make a tea from the hops, they taste the water, the yeast, the wort, the unfiltered beer and, obviously, the finished product. Our tasters undergo strict training, and can describe fifty different characteristics.” Fancy a nose around the wort boilers of the world’s biggest beer brewer? Visit www.leuven.be/ beercapital

In the lab of the

world’s biggest brewery

High-tech labs and massive steel beer barrels. A glance behind the scenes at AB InBev is really impressive.

B 20 / BEER proud of beer

Proud of beer Brewing is in the genes of the people of Flemish Brabant. Ever since the Middle Ages there has been brewing in abundance, and every village has a beer to its name.

B BEER / 21 proud of beer

The miracle brewer of Hoegaarden

Stella Christmas beer

B 22 / BEER SCIENCE

Beer science &

A brewing process that took three to four months can now be completed in ten days thanks to science.

The common sense of PROF. FREDDY DELVAUX

A genetically modified super-yeast that gives the beer more or less of a fruity taste. Or a blonde beer that tastes like a dark beer. In the Laboratory for Malting and Brewing of the KU Leuven, researchers approach beer in a scientific way, with surprising results. It’s strange to see bowls of beer among the microscopes and Petri dishes, but in the Laboratory for Malting and Brewing it’s perfectly normal. Here, re-

searchers from the Faculty of Bio-engineering Sciences conduct scientific research into every aspect of beer brewing. For Professor and Doctor Freddy Delvaux, beer no longer holds any secrets. “Yeast is the most important ingredient,” he says. “This is why we research it so extensively, looking into the formation of esters, for example. This component gives beer a fruity taste. By genetically modifying yeast, we now know how these esters are formed in the wort. And depending on the

Why does beer froth? Beer contains proteins. And these froth as soon as you shake them or if CO2 escapes. And that is precisely what happens when you open and pour a bottle. Resulting in a foaming head.

type of yeast, the temperature, the quantity and the aeration, different e sters are

B BEER / 23 SCIENCE

How many beers are there? In 2011 the 10 provinces of Belgium brewed a total of 1.132 beers. That makes Belgium the country for beer. Flemish Brabant tops the list, with 250 beers.

1132 roduced. Interesting stuff p for brewers.” Beer that tastes of butter

In fact, over twenty breweries call on the expertise of the laboratory to improve their product. With success! “After primary fermentation, a low fermentation beer would formerly mature for another three months in barrels. This was because during primary fermentation, diacetyl is formed, and that gives the beer an unwanted buttery taste. While in the barrels, the diacetyl is broken down. We have now learned how diacetyl can be broken down more q uickly. A brewing process that took three to four months

can now be completed in ten days thanks to science.” Immobilising yeast

Other research is still in its infancy, but it could radically alter the entire brewing process in the future. “By immobilising yeast,” the professor explains, “the fermentation process converts the wort into beer, after which the multiplied yeast settles on the bottom of the tank as mash. After the process, this yeast is pumped to a different tank to re-ferment. What if we were to immobilise the yeast, in other words fix it in the tank so that the wort flows into the tank on one side and beer flows out of the other side? Then the

Does beer give you a beer belly? There is no scientific evidence that beer gives you a beer belly. A glass of Pils has approximately 44 kilocalories per 100 ml, which is comparable with an average sweetened soft drink.

brewer wouldn’t have to always clean the tanks and pump the yeast out. We’ve succeeded in this, but the

system is not yet perfect. Nevertheless, it’s already being used with certain alcohol-free beers.” Blonde or dark beer?

Malt and hops don’t escape the scientific eye of the Leuven researchers either. “The way malt is dried determines the colour of the beer,” says Professor Delvaux. “The higher the drying temperature, the darker the beer. But we succeeded in producing a lot of sugars even at a low temperature during the malting process. We were even able to develop a blonde beer with the taste of a dark beer. A fun little experiment.”

aha!

Footsteps of Science: walk yourself wiser Not only is Leuven a true city of beer, it is also a leading city of knowledge. Whizz kids from the university and colleges are constantly coming up with new and amazing things. Did you know that Leuven bio-engineers developed a sheep that eats thistles? That engineers from Groep T built a solar-powered car that performed excellently in the world championship race for solar-powered cars in Australia? You will find all this out - and much more - through Aha! Footsteps of Science. Armed with a guide, you walk past info panels at all faculties of the university and college. Discover what goes on behind the façades of these bastions of knowledge. Free walk brochure from Tourism Leuven Naamsestraat 1, Leuven www.visitleuven.be

B 24 / BEER The never-ending bar

B BEER / 25 The never-ending bar

The never-ending bar Fancy a drink in Leuven? Then you have to go to the Oude Markt, for centuries the preferred meeting place. More than forty bars line the square, transforming the Oude Markt in summer into one big terrace. It is no coincidence that it is nicknamed the â&#x20AC;&#x153;longest bar in Europeâ&#x20AC;?.

Beer cafĂŠs

A popular bruine kroeg (a typical pub often with dark wood), a warm inn where the landlord gives you a word of explanation for every brew, a trendy pub with an impressive beer menu. In some cafes you feel it as soon as you walk through the door: they'll do a local beer justice here.

De Fiere Margriet

De Blauwe Kater

De metafoor

In the shadow of the Sint-Pieterskerk, right in the historic heart of the city. The 17th century building has a surprisingly trendy interior with a cosy, homey atmosphere. The menu contains around 280 Belgian beers: classics, but also from very small breweries from all corners of the country. The boss can tell you all about them.

A pub with an authentic jazz & blues feel and a wide selection of regional beers. On Mondays you can take in a swinging show. Beer tastings can be arranged.

A cafĂŠ with a cosy vintage feel where the seven taps serve the best beer from the keg. Ask about the seasonal beer, a pleasant surprise every time! And the boss will be happy to arrange a tasting.

In the heart of the city of beer

Margarethaplein 11 3000 Leuven Open every day from 7 a.m.

jazz and blues

Hallengang 1 3000 Leuven Open every day from 7 p.m.

The best from the keg

Parijsstraat 34 3000 Leuven Open every day from 11 a.m.

B BEER / 27 BEER CAFÉS

In den Rozenkrans

Brasserie Demervallei

In the quiet of the magnificent V lierbeek abbey complex there has been a unique inn since the 19th century. The prevailing atmosphere of nostalgia perfectly suits the artisanal beers on the menu. Enjoy one under the linden trees on the terrace, with a wonderful view of the abbey church.

You wouldn’t suspect it from the outside, but this is a true beer palace with an awe-inspiring menu of more than 500 beers. According to the café boss, every Flemish Brabant beer is represented. The house beer is their own brew, Deimerwachter, and beer tastings can be arranged.

The abbey inn

Abdij Vlierbeek 14 3010 Kessel-Lo Open from 11am. Closed on Mondays

Awe-inspiring beer palace

Statieplein 8 3200 Aarschot Open from 11 a.m. (Thursdays from 1 p.m.). Closed Tuesdays.

In de Verzekering tegen de Grote Dorst Out of love for Geuze and Kriek

This inn, with the longest name and the shortest opening hours - it opens for just a few hours on Sundays and high days - literally “insures you against great thirst”. Brothers Kurt and Yves Panneels renovated the ancient inn in 1950s style. The menu features old Geuze and old Kriek. Frans Baetensstraat 45 1750 Eizeringen Open on Sundays and high days from 10 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.

Straight from the brewery Where does a pint taste better than from the actual brewer? After all, no one knows the story behind the beer better than the man or woman who makes it. Many brewers in Flemish Brabant have their own cosy café in the brewery, or work exclusively with a small café nearby. And generally you can also simply buy beer there to take away.

Pub De Cam (Gooik) • Loterbol Brewery (Diest) • Nieuwhuys Inn-Brewery (Hoegaarden) • Den Triest Micro-Brewery (Kapelle-opden-Bos) • Brouwershof (at Haacht Brewery, Boortmeerbeek) • Kouterhof (at Hoegaarden Brewery) • Gasthof d'Oude Brouwerij (Affligem) • Domus House Brewery (Leuven)

B 28 / BEER GASTRONOMY

The tastiest beer menus With beer, all your options are open in the kitchen, as proven by Leuven’s chefs. In connection with the Zythos Beer Festival taking place in Leuven, they are serving a special beer menu all year round with the tastiest beer dishes or specific beers as surprising accompaniments. In both classic brasserie cooking and innovative gastronomy. Enjoy!

Beer gastronomy Kwinten de Paepe INTERVIEW

Visit www.leuven.be/beercapital

for all participating restaurants.

Haddock with soft wheat and white beer City cocktail by

800 g haddock fillet

Jeroen Meus

200 g wheat

Head chef and native of Leuven Jeroen Meus came up with a lively city cocktail based on Stella Artois. Try it!

250 ml Hoegaarden (white beer)

For 1 glass: »» 1,25 cl vodka »» 1,25 cl fresh lemon juice »» 2,5 cl Fraise des Bois or Crème de Cassis »» 5 cl Stella Artois from a bottle Serve in a jockey glass with crushed ice and mint leaves.

300 ml chicken stock

1 lemon “mandjeskaas” cheese (soft curd cheese, cheese-dairy Walschot - Beersel) a few sprigs of chervil

The culinary power of beer

BEER / 29 GASTRONOMY

Beer is always within arm’s reach in the kitchen of Head Chef Kwinten De Paepe in the trendy restaurant Trente in Leuven. Not for drinking himself, but to use in his top dishes or as an accompaniment to a menu. “Don’t underestimate the culinary power of beer,” he says.

Preparation Cook the wheat in the chicken stock and white beer. Drain and rinse the wheat under cold water. Allow to drain. Season the wheat with salt and pepper and mix the mandjeskaas into/through it. Finish the wheat with a few drops of lemon juice. Season and cook the haddock in a pan (+/- 8 minutes). Put some wheat on a plate, place the cooked fish on top and finish with a few sprigs of chervil.

Alternative beer: Huardis Nieuwhuys Inn-Brewery honours the Hoegaarden tradition and brews a fresh, cloudy, wheat-based white beer.

We have to admit, Kwinten is not entirely impartial. As culinary ambassador of the non-profit organisation for regional produce in Flemish Brabant, cooking with regional produce comes more naturally to him than any other master chef. And what regional product is more authentic than a strong local beer? But the chef also knows what tastes truly delicious. In 2011, the famous GaultMillau culinary guide even voted him Best Young Top Chef in Flanders Beer in a top restaurant is no longer the exception. A good thing? “Absolutely. Fine dining always used to be associated with wine. Fortunately beer is now making serious inroads as an accompaniment with meals. A well-chosen beer gives a classic dish a completely different dimension. And

the customers are certainly open to new sensations.” You serve beer with a menu. In dishes too? “Yes, I like experimenting with beer in the kitchen. Beer often gives that little something extra that finishes off a dish and it can be used in so many different ways. Beer gives taste, aroma and personality to a dish.” What beers do you enjoy working with most? “Geuze is one of my favourite ingredients. That complex, mildly acidic taste of old Geuze is a gift to any chef. Delicious with pork if you use it together with mustard. White beer gives starters a fresh, acidic accent. Brown beers in turn give desserts a sweet, slightly bitter and caramelised taste. Beer is so versatile.”

B 30 / BEER bapas

Bapas, tapas for beer Everyone has heard of Spanish tapas. And the regional beers of Flemish Brabant are world famous. What do you get if you combine the two? Delicious bapas, the perfect snack with a foaming head of beer.

You will find more recipes in the book “Bapas, Belgische biertapas” (“Bapas, Belgian Beer Tapas”) by Karl Van Malderen, Sven Gatz and Jan Pille.

Violet oysters with passion fruit & Oude Geuze 3 Fonteinen 20 minutes

Ingredients (serves 6) ww 24 oysters (size 3) ww 6 passion fruits ww 1 dessertspoon sugar ww 3 g agar-agar ww 1 piece ginger ww 24 edible yellow violets ww fresh coriander ww black pepper ww ice For the vinaigrette: ww 8 cl extra virgin olive oil ww juice of 1 lime ww 5 cl rice vinegar ww 1/2 teaspoon cane sugar

Oude Geuze 3 Fonteinen A natural Geuze consisting of a blend of 1, 2 and 3 year old Lambic, matured in oak casks. After bottling, spontaneous fermentation takes place in the bottle for at least 6 months.

Alternative beers Oude Gueuze (Mort Subite), Oude Geuze (Oud Beersel), Oude Geuze (Timmermans)

Preparation 1 Cut the passion fruits in half and spoon out the flesh. Extract the juice from the flesh through a sieve into a saucepan. Add the sugar and the agar-agar and heat thoroughly. Refresh with a few drops of lemon juice and leave to cool until the jelly has set. 2 Open the oysters. To do so, squeeze the oyster gently and watch where liquid escapes. You now know where the edge is. Wrap a towel around your hand. Insert an oyster knife between the muscle where it attaches to the inside of the top shell (about halfway across) and prize the oyster open. Discard the oyster liquor and place the oyster on a board. 3 Make a vinaigrette by mixing together the olive oil, lime juice, rice vinegar and cane sugar. 4 Grate a piece of fresh ginger over the oysters. Spoon half a teaspoon of vinaigrette over, and place some passion fruit jelly onto the oysters. Finish with a violet and a coriander leaf. 5 Crush the ice in a blender and serve the oyster on crushed ice. Add one last turn of the pepper mill.

Caramelised ribs & Affligem dubbel 20 minutes (+ 2 hours’ preparation)

Ingredients (serves 6) ww 12 ribs ww sesame oil ww sesame seed For the marinade: ww 20 cl olive oil ww juice of 2 lemons ww 8 cl Teriyaki sauce ww 2 sticks lemongrass ww 6 cloves garlic ww salt and pepper For the caramel sauce: ww 4 dessertspoons honey ww 1 dessertspoon water ww 3 dessertspoons marinade ww 1 dash rice vinegar

Affligem Dubbel A ruby-red beer with a slight spiciness that drinks well. With secondary fermentation in the bottle.

Alternative beer Grimbergen Dubbel

Preparation 1 Make your marinade by placing all the ingredients in a large glass bowl. Place the ribs in the marinade for 2 hours. 2 Remove the ribs from the marinade and pat them dry with kitchen paper. 3 Heat the sesame oil in a casserole and fry the ribs for 10 minutes until almost cooked through. Turn the ribs regularly to prevent them burning. 4 At the end of the cooking process, bring 3 dessertspoons of marinade, 4 dessertspoons of honey, 1 dessertspoon of water and the rice vinegar to the boil in a saucepan until you obtain a syrupy caramel sauce that trickles off the spoon. 5 Pour the caramel sauce over the ribs in the casserole and shake them well to distribute the caramel evenly over the ribs. Remove the casserole from the heat after 1 minute. 6 Toast the sesame seeds over a low heat in a dry skillet or frying pan. Scatter some sesame seeds over the ribs.

Omelette spéciale with brown shrimps & Op-Ale 35 minutes

Ingredients (serves 8) ww 125 g hand-peeled shrimps ww 1 dl cream ww 3 teaspoons sherry vinegar ww 1 shallot ww 3 eggs ww milk ww 1 bunch finely chopped chives ww 1 bunch watercress ww butter ww olive oil ww salt and pepper

Op-ale A full-bodied amber beer with a very bright copper colour and fine head. Slightly fruity with a delicious aftertaste.

Alternative beer Palm, Speciale 1900 (Haacht Brewery), Ginder Ale (AB InBev)

Preparation 1 Beat the cream until just stiff. Mix the sherry vinegar into the cream and season with salt and pepper. 2 Then mix in the shrimps. Keep one or two shrimps back for the garnish. 3 Beat the eggs with a little milk. Add salt, pepper and the chives. 4 Peel and finely chop the shallot. 5 In a frying pan, cook half the finely chopped shallot in butter. Then add a little olive oil and cook half the eggs into a thin omelette. Make a second omelette in the same way. 6 Cut 2 rounds from the omelette using a circular cutter. Place one omelette round in the ring and place some of the cream and shrimp mixture on top. Top with a second omelette round. Carefully remove the ring. You can cut 4 or 5 rounds from 1 omelette. 7 Finish with watercress, a few shrimps and if desired extra shrimp sauce. 8 Serve on a plate with two forks.

Beers of Flemish B r aba n t

All delicious beers So many beers, so many flavours to discover. And to taste the beer is to taste the local area, since Flemish Brabant also has plenty of variety to offer: from the hills of the rural Hageland to the parks, gardens and castles of the Green Belt, with the art and beer city of Leuven in between. Visit Flemish Brabant at www.toerismevlaamsbrabant.be/en

B ee r

history On these clay tablets found in the Syrian city of Ebla, archaeologists discovered one of the oldest beer recipes and beer laws. At that time, beer could only be brewed and drunk by priestesses in honour of their goddess.

y x e s s i Beer a man’s drink? In ancient Babylonia, only the priestesses were permitted to brew and drink beer in honour of their goddess. In the Middle Ages too, brewing was purely woman’s work. “The experience of beer, the tastes and the smells, that’s all woman,” says Sofie Vanrafelghem, amateur brewer, beer author and lover. “Beers are sexy!” ‘Vurige Fie’. The beer Sofie brews herself typifies her when she talks about her passion. She has a devout mission: to share her love of beer with women. After all, out of sight, out of mind, she says. “In cafés or restaurants women prefer to choose wine of d ubious quality that a fine beer. Yet beer has a much broader range of tastes. Is it not elegant? Not feminine? Yes it is. Serve beer in a wine glass and straight away you have a different experience.”

Women’s beer? Major brewery groups have already understood. Carlsberg and S ABMiller have taken on more female beer tasters because women’s senses of taste and smell are generally better developed. “There’s no such thing as a typical women’s beer. The cliché says that women mainly go for sweet Kriek beers, but often there simply isn’t an alternative. At each tasting I notice how enthusiastically women react to the different tastes. Their choices vary con-

siderably. One goes for sweet and dark, another chooses sour or bitter.” But Sofie still has much to do. “If as a woman you order a strong abbey beer in a bar or restaurant, it’s served to the man at the table. Advertising and marketing are directed towards men. And yet the experience of beer, the nuances of taste and the recipes, belong more to the world of women. The hospitality industry is beginning to understand this, and more and more restaurants are serving beer in nice glasses as an accompaniment to meals, for men and women.”

Brewster, not brewer Once, beer was purely woman’s work. On clay tablets found in the Syrian city of Ebla, archaeologists found one of the oldest beer recipes and beer laws. “At that time, beer could only be brewed and drunk by priestesses in honour of their goddess,” says Sofie. “Later, beer remained woman’s work. Did you know

B BEER / 35 BEER IS SEXY

Sofie Vanrafelghem amateur brewer, beer author and lover

that the English word ‘brewer’ didn’t exist before 1600? A historian from Oxford University discovered that between 1300 and 1600 there were many brewsters, but no brewers. Brewing was a women-only thing, like washing and cooking. Only when the first commercial breweries emerged did men get involved. Even now, brewing is a culinary activity. You follow a recipe and work magic with tastes and flavours, and happily women are again discovering the art of brewing.” So how so, beer a man thing?

There’s no such thing as a typical women’s beer. The cliché says that women mainly go for sweet Kriek beers, but often there simply isn’t an alternative.

What is Sofie’s favourite Beer from Flemish Brabant? Hanssens Artisanaal Oude Geuze. ‘Sidy Hanssens is the only female Geuze maker and she’s doing a fantastic job. Moreover, real Geuze smells of sweaty feet or stale socks, but Sidy describes the smell as steamy lovemaking,’ Sofie smiles.

B 36 / BEER TASTING

Tasting beer How’s it done?

“Deeper tastes, more variation in alcohol content, and above all fantastic with food,” says beer expert Jef van den Steen. Surprise yourself with a beer and a delicious meal. And Jef should know. He is a beer expert, beer brewer, beer author and - it has to be said - mad Jef van den Steen about beer. “In wine there are nuances of taste that can only really be tasted by experts. The taste of beer has more extremes: you have sour, sweet and bitter and every possible combination of these. Some typical Flemish Brabant products - chicory

and asparagus - taste wonderfully bitter. Wine doesn’t go with them, but beer does,” says Jef. “We have the best beers in the world. So serve them at the table.”

One or two golden rules? “Respect the alcohol content. Start with a beer with little alcohol and work up with each stage of the menu. For example, if you serve a strong Tripel as an aperitif, a Pils with the main course will taste too weak. And respect the intensity of taste: an intense dish de-

mands an intense beer.”

Beer cocktails Jef has written many books about beer, even one about beer cocktails. “You can make great cocktails with beer. One third Geuze and two thirds champagne: phenomenally tasty. Or try a Kruvel: half Duvel and half Kriek. You won’t often see a beer cocktail on the menu in Belgium. Nevertheless, since we have so many beers, there’s something to everyone’s taste.”

Look

Listen

Smell

Taste

Swallow

What colour is the froth? How thick and how fine is the head? Determine the colour and clarity of the beer. Inspect the carbon dioxide: are the bubbles small or large?

Listen to how the bubbles of carbon dioxide in the froth pop. This tells you how quickly the froth will dissolve.

Your nose is where you sense aroma. A hint of fruit? A suggestion of cognac? You can even smell the sickly sweet smell of alcohol with a little practice.

Take a sip and roll the beer around your mouth. Taste sour, sweet and bitter, and the intensity and relationship of these tastes.

In contrast to wine tasting, you should swallow beer. The carbon dioxide expands on heating in your throat, lodging for a second in your nose. The aftertaste helps determine the character of the beer.

B BEER / 37 Pulling Beer

Pulling beer

hoe How’s doeitje done? dat?

Not all pints are the same. Jan Van Dessel (23) knows this better than anyone: the barman of the Den Deugniet inn in Haasrode is the Belgian beer pulling champion for 2011. “There are nine steps to pulling beer,” he says. “It starts with cleaning the glass and ends with a perfect presentation. You have to perform these steps with perfect consistency, and above all pay attention to the details. Make sure, for example, that the logo is always facing the customer, even when rinsing the glass. And the froth of a good pint should spill over slightly. You remove the surplus with a skimmer to leave a perfect, strong head of three centimetres.”

Den Deugniet Jan learned the serving ritual from Toets, the boss of the Den Deugniet inn. “He demands perfect pints, and taught me the puling process,” Jan smiles. “A tray full of pints with one or two that aren’t perfectly pulled? Not in his book. That’s the way you learn your trade.”

The taste The head is not just aesthetically important, it also adds to the taste. “By pulling just too much beer and froth, you can get rid of the big air bubbles full of CO2. That gives a tastier pint, and you won’t get a headache as quickly.”

The cleaning

The offering

Rinse the glass in cold water.

Open the tap in one smooth movement and let the initial froth drain away.

The swirling alchemy

The head

Hold the glass under the tap at an angle of 45 degrees.

Gradually straighten the glass and drop it down a little for a perfect head.

6 7

The removal

The decapitation

Close the tap and don’t let the last few drops fall into the glass.

Remove the surplus froth with a skimmer. The head should be three centimetres.

Jan Van Dessel

The final cleaning

The presentation

Rinse the base and sides of the glass.

Place the glass on a cardboard coaster, with the logo facing the customer

B 38 / BEER bruegel

B BEER / 39 Bruegel

Through the eyes of Bruegel Is there Lambic in the pitchers of the painting The Peasant Wedding by Pieter Bruegel the Elder? Perhaps! In the 16th century, Bruegel set up his easel in the Pajottenland & the Zenne valley, the birthplace of Lambic. In the last years of his life, his Brussels period, he took 足inspiration from the landscape. Many elements therefore appear in his paintings. On the Bruegel Walk in Dilbeek you will find 11 reproductions of paintings in which you will recognise the landscape through which you are walking. Or follow the Bruegel cycle route and meet even more reproductions en route. More information at

www.toerismevlaamsbrabant .be and www.dilbeekserfgoed.be

B 40 / BEER bed & beer

A pleasant stay in a

Bed & Beer Obviously you also get the ‘Breakfast’ as well, but these beer packages have much more to offer than a room and breakfast.

Martin’s Klooster

Enjoying Belgian Beers Stay in the heart of Leuven, city of beer, in a stylish hotel in a fine 16th century building. A tasting awaits you in the bar, and you will receive a café map of the city with the book “207 originele cafés in Brabant en omstreken”, including tasting coupons, for getting out and about. After a night in a “Charming” room - with jacuzzi! - enjoy an extensive breakfast buffet. And on checking out you will receive half a metre of beer to take home. € 199/2 persons/night

Predikherenstraat 22 3000 Leuven +32 (0)16-21 31 41 kh@martinshotels.com www.martins-hotels.com

Park Inn by Radisson Leuven Hotel

Leuven beer stories A brand-new hotel close by Leuven station. In the evening there is a tasty beer menu with a traditional Flemish stew with Geuze and French fries, and a glass of Leffe. A hearty breakfast is followed by a tour of the city, during which you will be served up several juicy Leuven beer stories. € 130/2 persons/night

Martelarenlaan 36 3010 Leuven +32 (0)16-60 10 00 info.leuven@rezidorparkinn.com www.parkinn.com/hotelleuven

Begijnhof Hotel

Beer and beguines This atmospheric hotel is in the centre of Leuven’s splendid beguinage, “Groot Begijnhof”. Over breakfast you can sense the history in the walls of the 13th century cart-house. Enjoy a Begijntje - the house beer - as a welcome drink, and try the three Domus beers in the city brewery, Domus. € 120/2 persons/night

Groot Begijnhof 15 3000 Leuven +32 (0)16-29 10 10 info@bchotel.be www.bchotel.be

B BEER / 41 bed & beer

5 6

Bed & Bokes

Life in the brewery A stylish farm in the heart of the quiet countryside, on the edge of the hilly Hageland and the woody Limburg Kempen. You receive a welcome sample of four Diest beers, a picnic basket full of local produce and a delicious dinner in a nearby brasserie. Discover Diest’s rich beer past by bicycle or on foot, and in the morning tackle a hearty breakfast. A beer set as a memento rounds off this package. € 265/2 persons/2 nights

Kriekelswarande 1 3290 Schaffen-Diest +32 (0)477-910 913 info@bedenbokes.be http://www.bedenbokes.be/

La Royale

With appropriate beers Enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner with appropriate beers in the restaurant of this cosy city hotel on the Martelarenplein, right by the station. In the morning breakfast awaits you, as well as a tourist info guide. € 130/2 persons/night

Martelarenplein 6 3000 Leuven +32 (0)16-22 12 52 info@laroyale.be www.laroyale.be

Nokernote

Local beer, gastronomy and nature In the quiet of the countryside, a blissful stay awaits you with breakfast and a local beer as a welcome drink. You will visit the Vissenaken brewery - with tasting - and in De Gempemolen brasserie a tasty dinner awaits you, with the surprising aperitif beer dUtsel a highlight.

Leuven Brussels

€ 150/2 persons/2 nights

Romeinsebaan 55 3300 Vissenaken +32 (0)474-65 53 44 +32 (0)495-58 84 47 info@nokernote.be www.nokernote.be

8 7

These packages are valid subject to availability until the end of 2013.

B 42 / BEER bed & beer

B&B Gusto

Taste and discover Hosts Rita and Paul welcome you to their stylish, cosy B&B with a local beer. A place for cyclists or walkers who also enjoy a good pint: with a bite in a local restaurant, breakfast, a trip to the De Lambiek visitors’ centre and the local den Herberg brewery. € 160/2 persons/night (bicycles: € 20)

Henri Devedeleerstraat 8 1501 Buizingen (Halle) +32 (0)2-356 62 71 +32 (0)497-70 89 90 contact@gustobnb.be http://www.gustobnb. be/www.gustobnb.be

B&B Klein Paradijs

A Hoegaarden tasting Combine a blissful night in a charming B&B with a lively beer tasting in the Nieuwhuys Inn-brewery. The welcome drink is - of course - a local beer, and as a memento you receive a bottle of Alpaïde and Cuvée van de Generaal beer to take home, each with its own glass. € 120/2 persons/night € 185/2 persons/2 nights

Walestraat 2 3320 Hoegaarden +32 (0)16-76 64 70 +32 (0)478-67 92 80 info@kleinparadijs.be www.kleinparadijs.be

Het Bolhuis Organic Farm

Beers and Farmers Experience real farm life on this organic farm in the heart of nature. Take a ride on a donkey and enjoy a farm picnic while out and about, with local beer, naturally. And then you can choose between a beer walk in Diest or a visit to the Loterbol brewery, depending on availability. € 211/max. 5 person/2 nights (outside school holidays) € 272/max. 5 persons/2 nights (during school holidays)

Asdonkstraat 49 3294 Diest-Molenstede +32 (0)13-33 85 12 +32 (0)473-94 79 08 info@bolhuis.be www.bolhuis.be

Hanenbos Accommodation

On the trail of Lambiek You and your group will stay in a country apartment. After breakfast your bicycles await you, along with a cycling map, a packed lunch and tickets for Huizingen park, the De Lambiek Visitors’ Centre and a Geuze brewer or maker. In the evening, the Boelekewis restaurant will regale you with local specialities. You will be given a bottle of the house beer, “het Haneboske”, to take home. EUR 72.50/person/night (min. 8 people)

Lotsesteenweg 103 1653 Beersel +32 (0)2-380 47 13 hanenbos@ vlaamsbrabant.be www.hanenbos.be

B BEER / 43 BEER TRIPS

Hoegaarden: a great place for a pint

Beer visits for groups

Beertours in Leuven

Meise Botanical Gardens and Palm Breweries In the National Botanical Gardens in Meise, admire the unique collection of 18.000 species of plants from all over the world, and after lunch visit the Palm Breweries in Steenhuffel. There you will experience the brewing process of the well-known amber-coloured beer, Palm. Afterwards you will obviously be offered a refreshing Palm, and can pat the powerfully built Brabant draught horses on the head at Diepensteyn stud farm, where the brewery breeds genuine Brabant draught horses. More information on these and many other group visits can be found at www.toerismevlaams brabant.be/EN and www.leuven.be/ beercapital

B 44 / BEER BREWERIES

An overview of

all breweries in Flemish Brabant

Affligem Brewery The fathers of the abbey of Affligem had such great faith in the De Smedt family brewery that they entrusted them with their centuries-old beer recipes. Opwijk www.affligem.biz beers Affligem Dubbel, Affligem Blond, Affligem Tripel, Affligem Patersvat, Op-Ale

3 Fonteinen Brewery Armand Debelder grew up among the Lambiek and Geuze of his father’s brewery and continued the craft with an excellent knowledge of the business. Beersel www.3fonteinen.be

Oude Kriek, Oude Schaarbeekse Kriek, Oude Geuze, Vintage Geuze, Beersel Bio, Beersel Blond, Beersel Lager, Doesjel, Hommage, Zwet.be beers

Boon Brewery

De Block Brewery

Frank Boon converted an old Geuze “stekerij” into a modern Lambic brewery with respect for the centuries-old tradition.

Henricus De Block acquired the right to make beer in the 14th century, and since then brewing has been in the family’s blood. To this day.

Lembeek www.boon.be

Oude Geuze Boon, Geuze Mariage Parfait, Faro Perte Totale, Kriek Boon, Oude Kriek Boon, Framboise Boon, Duivels Beer, Jack-op beers

Broeder Jacob Brewery Johan Claes and Bruno Verbiest breathed new life into the tradition of village beers. Wezemaal www.broederjacob.com

Broeder Jacob Tripel, Broeder Jacob Bruin beers

Merchtem www.satanbeer.com beers Kastaar, Satan Gold, Satan Red, Special 6

De Schuur Brewery A micro-brewery with a family feel: here, father Jan and son Bert Symons fill the fermentation tanks. Linden www.brouwerijdeschuur.wordpress. com beers Meneer, Nikolaas Tripel

De Troch

Brewery Traditional Geuze and exotic tastes is a surprising but delicious combination, as the De Troch Brewery proves. Wambeek www.detroch.be

Chapeau Abricot, Chapeau Banana, Chapeau Exotic, Chapeau Faro, Chapeau Framboise, Chapeau Gueuze, Chapeau Kriek, Chapeau Lemon, Chapeau Peche, Chapeau Fraise, Chapeau Cuvee Oude Gueuze beers

De Vlier Brewery After years of wandering round breweries, engineer Marc Andries converted his passion into his own brewery. Holsbeek www.brouwerij-devlier.com beers Kessel Blond, Kessel 69, Gulden Delle, X-Mas, Holsbeek Lentetripel, Carrousel, De Vlier Brut, Ferme Framboos

B BEER / 45 BREWERIES

Den Herberg Brewery Bart Devillé and Ann Heremans pull their own delicious brews in Den Herberg café. Buizingen www.denherberg.be

Den Herberg Amber, Den Herberg Blond, Den Herberg Bruin, Den Herberg Tarwe beers

Girardin Brewery A genuine farm-brewery: the Girardin family makes Lambiek from homegrown grain. Sint-Ulriks-Kapelle beers Lambik, Gueuze Fond met hergisting op de fles, Gefilterde Gueuze, Kriek, Framboise, Faro, Ulricher

Haacht Brewery This independent family brewery is the third largest in the country. The mineral water from its own spring and original recipes produce worldfamous beers. Boortmeerbeek www.haacht.com

Primus, Keizer Karel Robijn Rood, Keizer Karel Goud Blond, Gildenbeer, Speciale 1900, Horstbeer, Park Abdijbeer, Export 8, Maltosa, Mystic Krieken, Mystic Limoen, Mystic Perzik, White by Mystic beers

Hof ten Dormaal Brewery A real farm brewery: hops and barley are homegrown, even the power comes from their own rape seed. Tildonk www.h o f te n do rma a l.co m

Hof ten Dormaal Amber, Hof ten Dormaal Blond, Hof ten Dormaal Bruin, Wit Goud beers

KortrijkDutsel Brewery Valerie Stoens brews the perfect aperitif beer on an idyllic site in the rolling green of Hageland. Kortrijk-Dutsel www.brouwerijkort rijkdutsel.be beers

Kortrijk-dUtsel

Lindemans Brewery Cousins Geert and Dirk Lindemans are maintaining a two hundred year old family tradition. Vlezenbeek www.lindemans.be

Faro Lindemans, Framboise Lindemans, Kriek Lindemans, Pecheresse Lindemans, Geuze Cuvée René Lindemans, Apple Lindemans, Cassis Lindemans, Kriek Cuvée René Lindemans, Gueuze Lindemans beers

Lupus brewery Four friends got the taste for brewing and pay tribute to the wolf with their artisan brewery. Aarschot www.brouwerijlupus.be beers

Wolf 9

Wolf 7, Wolf 8,

Oud Beersel Brewery

Hoegaarden Brewery

Beer lover Gert Christiaens could not stomach the fact that his favourite beer was in danger of disappearing and took over the Oud Beersel Brewery himself.

Hoegaarden village and beer are inseparably linked thanks to the famous white beer.

Beersel www.oudbeersel.com

Montaigu Brewery Brewer Gunther Bensch brings his love for his town and beer together in a few artisanal brews. ScherpenheuvelZichem www.brouwerij-montaigu.be beers Nondedju, Notre Passion, 400 Quadringenti, Lobosbeer, Beker 5, Beker 9, Beegaarden Blond, Beegaarden Bruin, Drunk Munk Serie’s

Mort Subite Brewery Beer has been brewed in the picturesque heart of Kobbegem since at least 1604. The name Mort Subite comes from the last throw in the folk game “pitjesbak”.

Bersalis Tripel, Oude Kriek Oud Beersel, Oude Geuze Oud Beersel, Bersalis Kadet, Framboise beers

Timmermans Brewery A household name in the Pajottenland since Jacobus Walravens brewed his first Lambiek in 1781. A fun piece of trivia: the people on the labels are actual employees. Itterbeek

Hoegaarden www.hoegaarden.com

Hoegaarden witbeer, Hoegaarden Speciale, Hoegaarden Rosée, Hoegaarden Grand Cru, Hoegaarden Citron, Verboden Vrucht beers

Vercauteren Brewery Alfons Vercauteren took up the thread of a long family tradition, and his sons Johan and Bert also have the taste for it. Londerzeel brouwerijvercauteren.be beers

Kossaat

www.brtimmermans.be beers Gueuze Lambic, Oude Gueuze, Oude Kriek, Faro Lambic, Lambicus Blanche, Kriek Retro, Kriek Lambic, Warme Kriek Chaude, Framboise Lambic, Pêche Lambic, Strawberry Lambic, Bourgogne des Flandres Blond, Bourgogne des Flandres Bruin

Kobbegem www.mort-subite.be

Original Kriek, Original Gueuze, Natural Oude Gueuze, Xtreme Kriek, Xtreme Framboise beers

For individual visits For group visits More info on visiting times and conditions at www.toerismevlaamsbrabant.be and www.leuven.be/beercapital

B 46 / BEER BREWERIES

Vissenaken Brewery Beer fanatics Rudy Scheys and Philippe Smolders have a vision. Their goal is not to make a profit, but their love of beer and sharing their brewing knowledge. Vissenaken www.vissenaken. info/brouwerij beers Himelein, Fasso, De Nacht

Brewery Distillery Craywinckelhof In a long row of oak casks - brought from Scotland by brewer Louis Schrevens - the Straffe Hagelander beer matures at the Craywinckelhof. Lubbeek Louis.schrevens@ skynet.be

Metteko, Straffe Hagelander Amber, Straffe Hagelander Blond, Straffe Hagelander Bruin, Straffe Hagelander Donker, KraaiKe Gouden, KraaiKe Tripel Blond, KraaiKe Tripel Donker beers

De Kale Ridders Six friends with a love of brewing give Landen its own beer. Landen www.tumulus.biz

Tumulus Magna, Tumulus 800, Tumulus Nera beers

De Cam Geuze maker Geuze maker Karel Goddeau transforms artisanal Lambiek from local breweries with great patience into sparkling Gooik www.oudecam.com beers Faro De Cam, Oude Lambiek De Cam, Oude Krieken Lambiek De Cam, Oude Geuze De Cam

Hanssens Artisanaal Geuze maker Sidy Hanssens makes Geuze with the same passion as her greatgrandfather. Beersel Hanssens.artisanaal @proximedia.be

Oudbeitje, Oude Gueuze, Oude Kriek beers

Guldenboot A beer made only from organic ingredients? It exists. Brewer Leo De Smedt from Guldenboot in Opwijk produces beers that are good for you and the environment. Opwijk www.leirekenbeer.be

Leireken Boekweit Blond, Leireken Boekweit Bruin, Leireken Lager, Leireken Wilde Vruchten, Leireken Witte Spelt beers

Domus House Brewery

Nieuwhuys Inn-Brewery

The beer flows via pipes from the brewery straight to the cosy café within the historic heart of Leuven.

Hoegaarden’s smallest brewery in the oldest house in the village, with a cosy café attached.

Leuven

Hoegaarden

www.domusleuven.be

www.nieuwhuys.be

beers Con Domus, Nostra Domus, Nen Engel

Lestedröppel House Brewery The municipality of Linter asked the local Lestedröppel brewery to develop a delicious regional product, with success! Linter www.walsberger.com

Walsberger Dubbel, Walsberger Blond beers

Loterbol House Brewery The former town breweries De Brouwketel and Duysters Brewery live on, feeding off the Diest beer tradition. Diest www.loterbol.be beers Loterbol 6°, Loterbol 8° blond, Loterbol 8° bruin, Tuverbol 11°

beers Alpaïde, Rosdel, Alpaïde Blond, Alpaïde Cuvée van de Generaal, Huardis

Angerik Micro-brewery Gravity does its work as it always has, the installation of micro-brewery Angerik is arranged vertically and no pumps are used. Dilbeek erikdecuyper @hotmail.com beers Boerke Amber, Boerke Donker, Krieken Boerke

Microbrewery Den Triest A micro-brewery that only works with pure natural ingredients. Available to taste in the cosy occasional café. Kapelle-op-den-Bos www.dentriest.be

Blond, Dubbel, Tripel, Kriek, Kesse, De Neus en Kerstbeer beers

Palm Breweries The Brabant Draft horse on the glass shows the strength and pride of the Palm beers. Steenhuffel w w w. pa l m b r e w e r ies .com beers Palm, Palm Royale, Dobbel Palm, Estaminet Premium Pils

Promaco Vision Tienen native Miel Mattheus rediscovered the old doctor’s beer Zoeg, and invented the o rganic beer Tiense Kweiker, available in three variants. Tienen www.tiensekweiker. handelsgids.be beers Tiense Kweiker Amber, Tiense Kweiker Donker, Tiense Kweiker Tripel, Tiense Zoeg

AB Inbev The world’s largest brewery group has its headquarters in Leuven, where its rich brewing tradition began. Leuven www.ab-InBev.be

Stella Artois, Belle-Vue Framboise, Belle-Vue Extra Framboise, Belle-Vue Gueuze, Belle-Vue Kriek, Belle-Vue Extra Kriek, Belle-Vue LA, Belle-Vue Kriek Classique, Ginder Ale beers

B BEER / 47 BREWERIES

Beer brewed carefully, to be discovered with care

On the last weekend in April, Leuven is more than ever the capital of beer! For it is then that you can unashamedly taste more than 400 different beers from 100 brewers during the annual Zythos Beer Festival in the Brabanthal. And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not all, because throughout the city there are beer tours, beer workshops, Leuven beer stories, tastings at Domus House Brewery and even the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest brewer, AB InBev, throws open its doors to the curious visitor. Leuven is the place to be(er), so why not make a delicious beer weekend of it? Many hotels offer surprising beer packages and restaurants put tasty beer dishes on the menu. Cheers! www.leuven.be/beercapital www.zbf.be

Beer Diary

BEER / 49 BEER DIARY

Toer de Geuze

april

During this biennial event, the Lambiek breweries and Geuze makers open their doors to the general public. You get a tour and obviously you can taste the beers. One bus calls at all the breweries. The next Toer de Geuze is on 21 April 2013, but you can take a digital tour all year round. A trail of QR codes takes you to thirteen special Geuze locations. The digital Toer de Geuze can be taken from July 2012.

Geuze all year round In the land of Geuze they are so proud of their unique beer that there are celebrations and tastings of it all year round. Take note:

april last Friday

www.toerdegeuze.be

The culinary event of Leuven’s city centre, with numerous stands where the city’s restaurants offer the tastiest samples. The Oude Markt is transformed into one big beer market with exclusive beers. During the barmen’s race, the cream of Leuven’s barmen take each other on, and on the Grote Markt gastronomic chefs give an amazing cooking demo. www.hapje-tapje.be

The international Geuze and Kriek festival of the Pajottenland in the beautiful village square of Eizeringen. www.nachtvandegrotedorst.be

Hapje-Tapje august First weekend

Night of Great Thirst

The Day of the Kriek Tastings of traditional Kriek beers.

june

www.dagvandekriek.be

Day of the Old Geuze november

Discover the genuine old Geuze beers of the Pajottenland and the Zenne valley. www.lambikstoempers.be

De Dag van de Lambik Tastings of the oldest beer in the world still in existence. www.dagvandelambik.be

december

publications Cycle network map and walking maps

On two wheels or on foot, with maps from Tourism Flemish Brabant you won’t miss a single sight on the way. Order from www.toerismevlaamsbrabant.be/publicaties

Going out in Flemish Brabant, how about it?

Tourism Flemish Brabant would like to know if you enjoyed your stay in Flemish Brabant. Share your views with us at: www.toerismevlaamsbrabant.be/peiling

and win a gift voucher worth 150 euros.

colofon This magazine is an initiative of Tourism Flemish Brabant vzw in conjunction with Tourism Leuven / April 2012 Concept and editing: Marie Vanhellemont, Gonda Craeninckx, Lucie Vangerven┃Design: Absoluut┃Copywriting: Bart Claes (www.wartaal. be)┃Photos: © Lander Loeckx; Toerisme VlaamsBrabant; Toerisme Leuven; www.straffestreek.be - L. Collet; Marc Sluys; Brouwerij Haacht; Danny Van Tricht; Felix Merckx; Bram Belet en Inse Van Rossem - Karl van Malderen, Sven Gatz, Jan Pille, Bapas. Belgische biertapas, Standaard Uitgeverij, 2011; Steff Gilissen; Jokko - Joris Bulckens;Piet Vranckx; Arno Raps, p.4647 - http://arnoraps.be; www.milo-profi.be; Erfgoedcel Leuven, Marco Mertens - Tussen Pot en Pint, La Royale, Archief AB InBev┃Cartography: Elke Feusels and Tourism Leuven ┃Printing: Albe De Coker┃Legal deposit: D/2012/4058/04 This brochure has been compiled with the utmost care. Tourism Flemish Brabant vzw is not responsible for any changes and/or inaccuracies in the information. This brochure has been translated from Dutch. Publisher: Toerisme Vlaams-Brabant vzw, Provincieplein 1, 3010 Leuven, company no. 0422.667.404, T +32(0)16 26 76 20, toerisme@vlaamsbrabant.be, www.toerismevlaamsbrabant.be

Meeting Leuven Why not a brewery visit as an original teambuilding activity with colleagues? Or a beer tasting to round off a business dinner? Or discover how inspiring a meeting in a brewery can be, obviously followed by some time getting to know the beers. Meeting Leuven will find the perfect formula for your firm. Because Meeting Leuven is the place to go for meetings, incentives, conferences and events in Leuven and Flemish Brabant. www.meetingleuven.be

How to get to the beer part of Belgium?

NL brussels Flemish brabant

By airt Direct connections from all over Europe to: Brussels Airport Zaventem The direct train takes you to the centre of Brussels or Leuven in 15 min. More info at www.brusselsairport.be

Brussels South Charleroi Airport The airport bus takes you to Brussels in 45 min or Leuven in 75. More info at

www.charleroi-airport.com

By train High speed trains connect Brussels South to several European destinations. The extensive railway network will then take you anywhere you want in Flemish Brabant. Brussels to 足Leuven takes 20 minutes. Plan your journey at www.b-rail.be

By car Brussels is within easy reach of major cities such as Amsterdam (224 km), Paris (336 km), London (397 km) and Berlin (745 km). It takes 45 minutes to reach any corner of Flemish Brabant from the centre of Brussels via the Brussels Ring and the E40 and E314 motorways. Brussels to Leuven takes 20 minutes.

By bus De Lijn buses will take you to any corner of the province. More info at www.delijn.be

Brewing has been a central part of Flemish Brabant life for centuries. Discover the region’s rich beer tradition in over 30 small and large breweries, no fewer than 250 regional beers and countless authentic beer cafés. Stay in lovely accommoda tion, have a look around a brewery or enjoy a delicious tasting on a sunny Leuven terrace. Why not combine it with a visit to Flemish Brabant as a whole? There is so much to do in the region: beautiful walking and cycling routes, fascinating museums, charming towns, historic heritage and bustling events and festivals. All this in the heart of Belgium, just a stone’s throw from the capital, Brussels.