“They thought I was mad for wanting to keep making Geuze,” says Frank Boon. In the 1970s, geuze seemed doomed to disappear, but Boon persevered. Today, Boon Brewery is a fixture in Lambiekland: traditional yet high-tech, producing two million litres of beer a year. In the cellars, the beer matures in 161 imposing oak foeders, lovingly maintained in the brewery’s own cooperage. Sons Jos and Karel are continuing their father’s work with just as much passion.
Find out more about Lambiekland and the various breweries and events
Practical
This brewery is part of the Lambiekland Passport.
The Alambic Walk passes by the brewery.
Alcohol abuse is harmful to your health.
Location and accessibility
Bicycle rack made from reclaimed oak.
Story
Frank Boon was a regular visitor to René De Vits, one of the region’s last Geuze blenders. In 1975, he became an independent geuze blender and Boon Brewery was born. Two years later, his iconic Geuze Mariage Parfait was launched, and remains one of the most sought-after geuzes to this day.
Since then, Boon has become an undisputed master in Lambiekland. No fewer than 2.1 million litres of beer are maturing in four warehouses, stored in 161 oak foeders, some of which date back to the 19th century. Furthermore, the Boon Brewery is the only lambic brewer with its own cooperage, where the wooden casks are expertly repaired and, in some cases, even crafted from scratch.
Frank has now handed over his life’s work to his sons, Jos and Karel Boon. They share their father’s passion with a modern outlook, whilst remaining firmly rooted in the region. The brewery sells most of its beers locally, and the name Boon pops up everywhere. It even appears as a sponsor on the local football team’s shirts. If you’re in the area, be sure to take a look at the colourful mural along the railway line on Zuiderstraat. It depicts the history of Lembeek, and naturally the brewery features prominently in it.
Experience
Discover the high-tech side of lambic, from the modern brewhouse to the impressive giant vats. And of course, round off your visit with a tasting glass in the cosy Boon Bar.
Visit and guided tour
Fancy a look behind the scenes? You can do this individually or in a group. A guide will take you on a tour of the brewery, followed by a tasting session where you’ll sample three beers.
🕙 Open all year round on Fridays and Saturdays from 10.00 to 19.00.
🧍🏻Individual visits are only available on Saturdays. Booking in advance via the website is recommended but not compulsory. Visits are in Dutch. From April to September, they are also available in English.
🧍🏻🧍🏻Guided brewery tours are available for groups on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Group tours must be booked in advance via the Brouwerij Boon website. Tours are available in Dutch, French and English.
🦽 No accessible toilets, but the facilities are sufficiently wide.
BOON Bar
Inside the brewery itself, you’ll find the Boon Bar, a cosy spot where you can discover the full range of lambic beers. Fancy something special? Then choose a vintage bottle of Oude Geuze.
🕙 Open all year round on Fridays and Saturdays from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm. From May to August, also open until 9.00 pm on Fridays.
🦽 Not accessible (1st floor via stairs).
Beer Shop
In the shop you’ll find all Boon beers as well as some great extras: beer glasses, T-shirts, gadgets and more to take home with you.
🕙 Open all year round on Fridays and Saturdays from 10.00 to 19.00.
🦽 Accessible to people with mobility impairments.
