Hanssens Oude Geuze
Description
Hanssens Oude Gueuze is a regularly available oude gueuze produced from wort that Hanssens obtains from Boon, Girardin, and Lindemans. It is released in 375 mL and 750 mL bottles and has been available on occasion in 1.5 L bottles as well. Hanssens Oude Gueuze is labeled as 6% ABV.
In recent years, the brewery decided to lower the level of acetic acid in their production to fit more modern palates, especially on the Oude Gueuze. Following high temperatures in 2024 that forced them to dump 30 000 L (70 oak barrels) of lambic because of high acetic acids, they installed air conditionning into the building to have more control on the production.
A first Oude Gueuze with a softer profile and made from 6 different barrels was released that year as well as another gueuze (both bottled in 37,5cl format) called "Gueuze Extra" to mark a higher acetic content than the new regular release, though still softer than previously. Both contained Boon and Lindemanns lambic ranging from 1 to 4 years old, with an average of 24 months in barrels.
Future releases (including the next one in 75cl format to be offered in 2025) will also contain lambic from other producers : Girardin and Lambiek Fabriek - and later on, lambic from Den Herberg should be added as well.
History / Other Notes
Hanssens Oude Geuze is the oldest beer in the Hanssens portfolio. With so many lambic breweries in the immediate area during the mid-20th century Theo Hanssens used wort from Van Haelen in Beersel (closed in 1957), Van Haelen-Coche in Uccle (closed in 1968), La Fleur d’Or in Brussels (closed in 1969), Timmermans in Itterbeek and Winderickx in Tourneppe/Dworp (closed in 1969). The numerous brewery closures after World War II lead to Hanssens using wort from Lindemans and Girardin. By 1990 the blend also contained wort from Boon.[1]
Label Log
References
- ↑ Jef Van den Steen, Geuze & Kriek: The Secret of Lambic Beer, 2012
Pictures
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Oude Gueuze Hanssens, unknown vintage. Photo: Ben Nevels
