Cantillon Iris

A Beer to Remember

I’ve made a few journeys to beer country. (That’s Belgium in my book.) So as I flipped through the Facebook pics of friends that are currently over there enjoying all the sights and tastes, I was instantly brought back to a few of my favorite experiences.

One was my introduction to gueuze and lambics -- those funky ales that hardly taste like beer at all.  And the best place in the world to get them is at the Cantillon brewery in Brussels, Belgium.

So I was super psyched when I found a bottle of Cantillon’s Iris 2007 vintage at a local Whole Foods recently.

Super tart and dry, bubbly and light, and yes, a little woodsy and earthy.

One sip and I was back in Brussels, a city built on swamps, where irises used to grow in abundance. And where great beer can be had by all.

The Beer Details Brewer: Cantillon (Brussels, Belgium) Style: Lambic - unblended ABV: 5% Cost: ~$13/ 375 mL bottle Goes with: breakfast, lunch, dinner

The Beer Extras Once a year, you can watch the masterful brewers at Cantillon do their thing.   Print a beer shopping wish list. Try these other happy hour tips and ideas.

Want this beer? Cantillon gueuze and lambics have wide distribution throughout the US. Check your local bottle specialty shop. 

Erin Malone is a Thursday Happy Hour contributing editor, providing the what's-up of beer all over on Fridays. What's your favorite gueuze or lambic? Let me know in the comments below. Or chat with me on Facebook.