Cantillon Quintessence 2016

I finally have everything lined up and can say with 100% certainty I will be at the Quintessence as well!

Question for people living in Brussels. We are staying at the Sheraton Brussels Hotel and it looks like it's a 30 minute walk to Cantillon from there. Is that a decent walk or would we be better off taking a taxi/train to get closer before walking? I'll be going with my wife who is travel savvy but never been to Europe and will most likely want to look at stuff a long the way.

 

Can anyone confirm that they will give out special glassware for the event like the last Quintessence? Was looking to trade for some, but then realized I should make sure there will be a glass first. Thanks.

 

"You will receive a tasting glass produced especially for this event when you arrive at the brewery."

http://cantillon.be/br/3_18

 

I stayed at Husa Presidential Park and it was a 30 minute walk, however, because there is so much to see I actually enjoyed the walk and would get distracted along the way. The city is absolutely beautiful to me and because the weather was nice every day I liked walking.

 

I was in one of the last, or maybe even the last group at the 2014 event. I didn't miss out on anything on the list. Even went back around for seconds of the ones the wife didn't want to try. The only small gripe I have from being there late in the day was that it was hotter than balls, especially on the top floor, because of all the people hanging around from earlier groups. That didn't detract from an amazing experience.

 

Does anyone have a line on tickets? I somehow didnt realize I would be in Brussels during this, any help with tickets for any session would be greatly appreciated!!!!

 

Jean with the smack-down today, in light of In-Bev buying out one of the participating breweries.

 

People that have done previous years, do they still sell to-go bottles that day? Not looking for anything special but just curious if they still have that part of the business open on that day?

 

Which one? What did he say? I noticed a selection of beers have been removed from the tasting list! pretty disappointing.

 

The removed Del Borgo from the list because it was acquired by AB-Inbev:

"Cantillon organised the Quintessence for May 5 with the participation of two breweries, Masia Agullons and Del Borgo.
As you have probably read today, Birificio Del Borgo was bought by AB Inbev.

Brewery Cantillon has fought for decades to promote and preserve traditional Lambic production.
When big Belgian companies produced only industrial Lambic, my parents, Claude and Jean-Pierre, were almost alone to continue to produce this amazing beer in a natural way.
Today real Lambic is playing an important role again, and we have to stay alert.

For this reason, I decided to cancel the participation of Del Borgo at the next Cantillon Quintessence.
For us to open the Cantillon doors to ABI is to allow the fox to mind the geese.
This decision was not easy to make. More then just being a great brewer, Leonardo is first of all a friend!

Some of you will be disappointed about this decision and I totally understand.
Brewery Cantillon is ready to refund anyone who wishes it.

It is clear that in place of the Del Borgo beers, our visitors will have access to other Cantillon offerings!
I promise you very special things within an expanded Cantillon beer list. More news in the coming days.

Amitiés,

Jean Van Roy"

 

It is disappointing. I was looking forward to trying stuff from a a brewery I've never had before, with some very decent sounding beers.
Having said that, the prospect of "very special things within an expanded Cantillon beer list" really does soften the blow!

 

Looks like two tickets for the 10:30am session opened up.. http://cantillon.be/br/3_18

 

Not anymore...

 

...on that note, anyone know the returns policy?! I can't find anything on the site... at least not in english.

 

Does anyone know what this is? I couldn't find any reference to a 2, 3, and 4 year old lambic from Cantillon.

 

Wasn't that one of the blends thay made to put away in those (former) bombshelters they are allowed to use by the city of Brussels?

 

Ah yes, my memory didn't fail me, it's mentioned here: http://drinkbelgianbeer.com/breweries/cantillons-bomb-shelter-cellar

 

Thanks for sharing that @Maakun, that was a good read.

Also does anyone know if the " 1996 Gueuze" is the Cuvee De Florina Gueuze? Aka the Birth Beer.