Brasserie Cantillon - Saint Gilloise 5.5%
Founded in Brussels in 1900, Cantillon is the benchmark for spontaneous fermentation. Brewed from malted barley and unmalted wheat wort, using open-cellar coolers, indigenous yeasts and bacteria from the Senne Valley, and aged for extended periods in large oak casks. Bottled without filtration or pasteurization, allowing for natural refermentation and fine effervescence. A dry, straightforward, and precise style.
Saint Gilloise is a pure lambic dry-hopped beer. No fruit is added. A base of one- to two-year-old lambic provides the perfect setting for dry hopping with noble hops, which imparts aroma and bitterness without being heavy. Extended aging in oak barrels followed by secondary fermentation in the bottle results in a lively texture and a crystal-clear finish.
The nose opens with lemon zest, grapefruit, and fresh grass, with hints of white flowers, fine resin, and a sensation of damp stone. On the palate, the attack is lively and dry. The heart blends citrus, hoppy infusion, and a chalky texture that gives rhythm to each sip. The bitterness, clean and elegant, lengthens the body without harshness. The finish is long, mouthwatering, lemony, and delicately herbaceous.
At the table, serve it with oysters, sea bream ceviche with citrus, sole meunière, grilled white fish with fennel, fresh goat cheese, crisp green vegetables, Niçoise salad, or a thin tomato tart. It's also ideal as an aperitif with lean charcuterie and dried fruit.
