T'Gaverhopke

Probably the smallest brewery the group has visited, T'Gaverhopke has a tiny brewery and cool brewpub open on the weekends. I'm sure if I lived in the neighborhood, it would be a favorite hangout.  Gudrun is not only attractive and charming, she is one talented brewer.   The newest beer, the singing blond, a 9% triple made a big impression on everyone. Check out the review on this cool Belgian Beer site.  The beers are now being imported to the USA, be sure to look for them at your favorite beer store.

Rodenbach Brewery

Our second stop was at Rodenbach Brewery for lunch.  One aspect of this visits which is fascinating to me is the mix of  old tradition and modern equipment. Much of the old brewery is evident on the out side, yet you find new brewing equipment on the inside.

However, at Rodenbach, the key to the beer is aging in oak barrels, hundreds of them.  Many  of them the oak is more than 300 years old.

The beer is carefully monitored and blended so each bottle has the perfect balance.


Here is an interview with the master brewer, Rudi Ghequire, who was our informative and gracious host.

First stop- Timmermans Brewery

My secret is now out.  I've just returned from a trip to the land of beer- Belgium!  So there will be much to share with you.  Our first stop after a long and sleepless flight, Timmermans Brewery.
Even though Timmermans is owned by the British giant, Anthony Martin, the beers are still made the way they have been for centuries.  They have a great site, so you can read more there if you wish.

My education about lambic beers has been a bit lacking, so they have not been common on my tastings.  They are spontaneously fermented by the wild yeast that inhabit region of the country.  Lambic beers have been brewed in this manner for hundreds of years.

They can be slightly or very sour, depending on the exact methods.  Cherries are added for the kriek beers, and other fruits can be used to make other fruity lambics.  I'm certain many of you  have seen or tasted the lovely raspberry framboise.

It was a very refreshing way to start  our day.