What would you say if I told you that beer is more like wine than you think? What if I told
you beer can even have, dare I say, terroir?
Terroir (from the French terrier, or “land”), is a word often associated with the wine world; it is defined as “a sense of place.” The term encapsulates certain qualities of the local environment, including climate, culture, and means of production, and it takes into account how those qualities define a product.
Would you believe that beer, like wine, has its own “demographically infused”
characteristics? On a recent trip to Europe, I visited a producer that epitomizes the
regionality and terroir of their locations and are perfectly reflected in their liquids.
Steam Infused Beer – Brasserie A Vapeur
About an hour southwest of Brussels in a small town called Pipaix, lies a very special brewery. Originally opened in 1789, Brasserie a Vapeur, the only remaining functional steam powered brewery in Europe, churns out a delightful mix of regionally classic, historically infused brews.
The Brewery, bought by the current owner and brewmaster Jean-Louis Dits in 1984, still has most of its original parts dating back to the early 1800s. However, during the German occupation of Pipaix in 1914, soldiers scavenged the brewery for metal and were only able to make away with the copper vat. Although now revamped with a few more additions, the brewery style is with many of its original parts and is absolutely archaic with pumps, vats and pistols reminiscent of 18th century steam engines. Jean-Louis along with his wife Sittelle only brew once a month using steam to power all aspects of the brewing process. Tours, brewing and a lovely lunch of homemade bread and cheeses are served on the last Saturday of each month.
It’s truly fascinating to drink the liquid whilst taking in the strange and complex setup at A Vapeur. The brews are almost alive with carbonation and complexity, just like the moving parts of the brewery seem to breath and move like a massive living being.
Not only are the beers coming from Brassiere a Vapeur, just like the brewery itself, 100% unique, but the locals have been drinking this beverage for hundreds of years. By using this historical brewing process, Jean-Louis has been able to reproduce the one of a kind, historical brews loved by locals and international beer enthusiasts alike. From the effervescent, tart and pleasantly acidic Saison de Pipaix to the sweet and sour Vapeur Cochonne, Jean-Louis has brought 18th century style to the modern brewing world.
The heart of the brewery… the steam engine!
For product information please visit Brasserie a Vapeur