Gert Christiaens did more than just save Oud Beersel from permanent closure. He brought a breath of fresh air with unique beers such as lambic infused with herbs and even tea, alongside other innovative ideas. At the heart of it all is Het Bierhuis, where you can sample the beers and get a taste of the region. The large cherry orchard regularly hosts great events.
Find out more about Lambiekland and the various breweries and events
Practical
This brewery is part of the Lambiekland Passport.
The Kesterbeek walk passes by the brewery.
Alcohol abuse is harmful to your health.
Location and accessibility
Bicycle parking available. Electric bikes can be charged.
Story
When brewer Henri Vandervelden retired, the news sent shockwaves through Beersel. The Oud Beersel Brewery, a household name in the region since 1882, was in danger of disappearing. But beer enthusiast Gert Christiaens wasn’t going to let it come to that. He learnt the tricks of the trade from Henri and breathed new life into the brewery as a geuze blender. The lambic beer itself is brewed at the Boon Brewery, but still according to Henri’s recipe. It matures in barrels, pipes and foeders in the old Oud Beersel brewery buildings.
Gert gave the lambic tradition a fresh twist with unique and innovative beers. Think of lambic infused with herbs, fruit or tea, or a maceration of walnuts and organically grown rhubarb. Or lambic in a pressure-resistant BEER BOX. Here, innovation goes hand in hand with tradition.
Of course, beer is best enjoyed in good company, right here in the region itself. That’s why Gert reopened Het Bierhuis, the brewery’s former pub. It had, in the meantime, been taken over by a florist’s. There, you can sample the extensive range of beers, accompanied by a menu full of local dishes and beer snacks.
Beersel is buzzing once again, with regular fun events at the geuze blender and in the cherry orchard behind the brewery.
Experience
Visits, tastings, events, workshops. It’s not just beer that’s buzzing in Oud Beersel.
Visit and guided tour
Every Saturday, you can visit Oud Beersel on a guided tour. Choose between Dutch and English. Group tours can be arranged at other times by appointment.
🧍🏻Every Saturday, brewery tours take place at 11.00 and 16.00 in Dutch, and at 12.00 and 17.00 in English.
A guided tour lasts 45 minutes and is followed by a tasting.
🧍🏻🧍🏻Groups of 8 or more can book a brewery tour on request from Friday to Sunday during the Bierhuis’s opening hours.
Het Bierhuis
Here you can sample the full range of beers – and there are plenty of them – as well as beer snacks and hearty local dishes.
🕙 Open on Fridays from 2.00 pm to 9.00 pm. Open on Saturdays from 10.00 am to 9.00 pm. Open on Sundays from 11.00 am to 6.00 pm.
🦽 The venue is accessible. However, there are no adapted toilet facilities.
Shop
Plenty of choice, and with every beer you’ll get a brief explanation of the subtle flavours and historical background. You’ll also find gift packs, T-shirts, glasses and other must-haves.
🕙 Open Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Please ring the bell.
Open on Saturdays from 10.00 to 15.00. After 15.00, access via the Bierhuis.
Events
A barbecue at the Kriekerij, a vinyl and cocktail evening at the Bierhuis, a walk to Beersel Castle … Check the calendar – there’s always a fun event coming up.
Walking and cycling in the area
