Cora

This is a Walmart-wannabe big-box store in the Anderlecht district of Brussels, but it's a chain available in other areas. Way, way off the beaten touristic track, but might have the best grocery story selection in Brussels. In a long row and part of another, there must be 200 or so brews -- I didn't take pains in getting a total but counted at least 70 in big formats, 75 cl or higher, including Leffe and other run-of-the-mill Belgians but also Rodenbach Caractère Rouge (€8.74), Cantillon bio gueuze (€5.54 vs. €5.20 at the brewery on the same day), most of the Duponts, Abbaye des Rocs, Brasserie de Blaugies, 5 Trappists from Chimay, Achel, Westmalle (remember, we're still talking big formats -- they had smaller bottles from the others), plus Christmas seasonals including St. Bernardus's (€3.99) and Gouden Carolus (€3.49). Other lambics including Tilquin (€3.66 in 37.5 cl), Cantillon lambic and 3F oude gueuze in that size, Oude Beersel, a bunch from Boon, Lindemans including the Cuvee René, a few of their rarer fruits, and several of the other common brands. Most/all other styles were represented, as well. Almost an entire shelf was devoted to glassware, too. Just noting a few more prices from my receipt: Uthel Hop-It €1.46 and Samaranth €2.56, Ellezelloise's Hercule stout €2.05. It remains to be seen about freshness, care and feeding -- I found a few dusty bottles on the shelves but spot checks showed things to be in date and a couple subsequent tastings showed well. The rating for atmosphere is relative to other stores, not bars. The service rating reflects my few interactions with staff, and the cleanliness and order of the beer department -- I didn't specifically ask anyone about beer. The food rating reflects the range of groceries on offer, wide but nothing extraordinary. The all-important selection rating is relative to the wider world of beer stores -- relative to just supermarkets, it would be outstanding, but still better than some specialty/drinks centers.

UPDATE MAY 2014: Where did it all go so wrong? Maybe a seasonal thing, but the selection seemed fairly winnowed on a recent visit. Size of the supply and the glassware about the same. But, lots less in the lambic family and other past finds were, um, not to be found. I'm not re-reviewing for now, but this bears watching.