Tuesday 10th of December 2019 09:03:20 AM

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This is a magical place, truly unlike any other on the planet. Surreal and potentially maddening to some, it’s best to approach in a relaxed frame of mind and just roll with it. Only on the second day we visited, on a rainy weekday, did the peaceful quiet atmosphere lend itself to a beer epiphany. This was truly the best place in the world to contemplate a really special beer. The atmosphere is on the eccentric side, and many of the beers are really old. If that doesn’t appeal, approach with an open mind or seek elsewhere.

A hall of wonders awaits inside the doors, past faded beer signs, teddy bears, ancient plants, dim reading room lighting, bookshelves piled with books, games, and stacks of "things". A very pleasant garden patio in back when there’s no chain smoking going on. You will meet locals and international beer travelers alike, first night we met people from Italy, Taiwan, UK, & US. I even met a guy that used to live just a few blocks away from me, oddly enough.

So many beers, so many vintages. Hard to keep them all straight, but trust the experts, as they innovated beer cellaring back in the 70's. Draft Oud Beersel lambics (rhubarb, oude lambiek) are a great place to start. Beyond that, there's no way to detail the sheer volume what's available here. Certainly an endless supply of vintage trappists and strong ales, plus good representation of lambic.

There *is* food available, buried in the beer bible is a page of assorted snacks including dry sausages, cheese plates, nuts, etc.

Leen is truly an angel, cheerful and patient, also an expert in the art of beer pouring. Dirk may be a little cranky, but i’d imagine it’s a put-on to avoid chatting with insufferable beer nerds. I brought them a can of Rev Straight Jacket, which seemed to be very well received. Expect to wait outside to be buzzed in, specify you are there to “taste beer”, and bring cash. Another protip: order at the bar. Relax and enjoy is the mantra.

Mysterious wonders such as this must be experienced firsthand. I’d encourage a visit sooner than later, as next year they are further limiting their opening hours. Long live the Kulminator.

2020: The hours are permanently changing to Monday-Friday from 11am - 7pm.

Sunday 5th of September 2010 04:15:15 PM

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Probably the best place in the world to drink cellar aged Belgium beer, including gueuzes. They have a lot of beers, at least 500 in stock. They also stock some old beers from UK. No place to drink lager in. This is a perfect place to learn how beer develops by keeping in store 10+ years. There is not much food available but they always have some very old Belgium cheeses, served with strong mustard and celery salt. Music is always classical which enables quiet conversation without problem.