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Brussels’ unique Bières de Quartiers: Crafting local beers with community spirit

by editor

Brussels, renowned globally for its exceptional beers, has introduced an innovative concept known as Bières de Quartiers, or Beers from the Block. Launched in 2018, this initiative aims to create distinctive craft beers that resonate with the unique identities of the city’s neighborhoods, rather than aiming for mass production.

A collaborative brewing experience

The essence of Bières de Quartiers lies in its participatory approach, inviting local residents, shopkeepers, and other community figures to band together in the beer-making process. It all begins with a survey where participants share their experiences and feelings about their neighborhood. This culminates in a convivial meet-and-greet session where they collaboratively decide on the beer’s recipe, flavor profile, and label design.

Creativity knows no bounds; residents are encouraged to conceive beers inspired by local breweries, infused with floral notes, fruity undertones, or even local spices. They can contribute unique elements, such as neighborhood logos or intriguing anecdotes that enrich the overall narrative of the beer.

The visionaries behind the project

The Bières de Quartiers project emerged from the friendship of Bruno and Greg, both passionate about beer and community engagement. Bruno, a dedicated beer enthusiast since childhood, teamed up with Greg, who champions local initiatives, to bring this creative vision to life. Their primary aim is to delight the taste buds of locals while simultaneously fostering stronger connections within the neighborhoods of Brussels.

Despite not owning a brewing facility—except for a modest 30-liter tank for testing—Bruno and Greg proudly collaborate with local craft brewhouses to bring their creations to life. This collaborative model is central to the Bières de Quartiers mission, as they engage local stakeholders in every step of the brewing journey.

The process unfolds in three main stages: first, local residents are gathered to share their ideas through a questionnaire. Then, during a friendly gathering, participants collaborate on selecting ingredients and designing the beer label. Finally, the crafted beers are brewed at partner locations like CoHop in Etterbeek and ILLegaal in Forest, where creative workshops and tasting events are also held. The final stages involve fermentation and maturation in specialized brewing tanks.

Flexibility and attentiveness to community needs are at the heart of this project. Greg notes, “We offer three packages to suit everyone’s needs. With the ‘Basic’ package, we provide a questionnaire to involve local people, personalized posters, and the beer production process. The ‘Support’ package includes a workshop led by a zythologist, enriching the brewing knowledge of the participants and enhancing the project’s visibility on social networks. Our ‘Tailor-made’ package offers the inclusion of a photographer to capture the experience and create a summary video. The participatory aspect of the project is paramount to us. Each block decides how it wants to support the project and define its goals.”

A model of community engagement

A notable case of this initiative is the Quartier de la Levure, which created its own signature beer for its annual braderie—a vibrant community event. They purchased 500 liters of beer, managed storage and distribution, and aimed to resell it with a €1 margin to fund a neighborhood project, even creating videos featuring key local figures. Within just eight months, they achieved their goal, showcasing the effectiveness of community-driven initiatives.

In essence, Bières de Quartiers transcends the notion of mere beverages; it fosters a collective experience that deepens the sense of belonging within neighborhoods while honoring Brussels’ rich brewing traditions. The project invites all beer enthusiasts to consider the possibility of crafting a signature brew for the European Quarter. Interested individuals can reach out via email at [email protected] with the subject line: Quarter Beer.

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