The History of Timmermans Brewery, Itterbeek, Brussels
A family tradition that dates back 230 years
Jacobus Walravens established “The Mole Brewery” (“Brasserie de la Taupe”) in 1702 a few miles from the center of Brussels. At the time it included a farm, an orchard, a cafe and a malt-house. The Timmermans have been brewing at this site since 1781, when they began brewing Gueuze Lambic.
The production of Lambic beers differs from traditional beer
Most beers are produced by the introduction of a cultured yeast to a malted grain in a tightly controlled environment. Lambic beer is a product of “wild yeast” which is believed to native to the Senne Valley, in which Brussels lies, in a process called spontaneous fermentation. This process may only be performed from October to May as the summer months present too many impurities in the air which may spoil the beer. Gueuze Lambic is a mixture of young (one year old) and old (two or three year old) Lambics which is then bottled. The young portion re-ferments the beer increasing its alcohol content and producing carbon dioxide. These bottles may be aged a year to twenty years.
The Mole gets a new name
Early in the 20th century, Paul Van Cutsem, the son-in-law of Frans Timmermans, and the fifth generation of Timmermans to run the brewery, changed the name to “The Timmermans Brewery.”
The seventh generation to run the brewery
About the time of the name change, Bourgogne des Flandres was developed in Bruges, With this addition to the brewery, seven generations of the Hourtryve family had been continuing with the very old and unique brewing process. Called “infusion of lambic,” a selection of the best lambic is mixed with high-fermentation ale.
Other offers from Timmermans Brewery
Timmermans Strawberry Lambic and Timmermans Framboise Lambic are both traditional Lambic brews. Produced only by the spontaneous fermentation process possible only within this region of the world. The Framboise Lambic is characterized by its fresh flavor of Raspberries and both overcome the acidity of a traditional Lambic by a fruity finish without sweetened saturation.
Bourgogne des Flandres has been brewed since 1985
Timmermans has brewed Bourgogne des Flandres since 1985 and became a member of Martin’s Finest Beer selection in 1993. This brew maintains its authenticity thanks to its time-honored brewing process that has remained unchanged since the early 1900′s. Belukus Marketing finds Bourgogne des Flandres to be a great export beer and is proud to offer it in their line of the best beers in the world. See our list of the great breweries like Timmermans affiliated with Belukus Marketing, Inc.