The Belgian Smaak Podcast | Exploring the world of Belgian beer EP009 | Jean Van Roy of Brasserie Cantillon
Aug 31, 2017
Join Jean Van Roy, a seasoned brewer and blender at Brasserie Cantillon, as he dives into the world of Lambic beer from Brussels. He shares the brewery's shift to organic ingredients and the profound impact of climate change on brewing. Discover how local brews connect football fans and family traditions, and learn about innovations in Lambic production, including hermetic barrels. Jean also addresses the complexities of beer trading and the necessity for smaller breweries to collaborate while preserving their rich brewing heritage.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Cantillon's Football Connection
- Jean Van Roy's father supports the football team Union Saint-Gilles.
- Cantillon created the Cuvée Saint-Gilles for the team, highlighting their Brussels identity.
Lambic's Brussels Heritage
- Cantillon, while in Brussels, isn't a Brussels brewery in the traditional sense, but Lambic is a Brussels beer.
- Van Roy emphasizes Cantillon's role in preserving Lambic in Brussels, as post-WWII, the city had over 50 breweries, decreasing to only Cantillon in the 2000s.
Joining the Family Business
- Jean Van Roy began working at Cantillon in 1989 after a workplace accident left his father short-handed.
- His plan to work in French wineries was abandoned, highlighting Lambic's connection to wine.