Oude Gewurzt Tilquin a L'Ancienne 750ML

Oude Gewurzt Tilquin à L'Ancienne 750ML is an 8.4% ABV spontaneous-fermentation grape lambic blending Gewürztraminer grapes with traditional Belgian lambic in a 750ml bottle. Scoring 4.49 out of 5 on BeerAdvocate, this unfiltered, unpasteurized expression has earned a devoted following among lambic enthusiasts for its seamless integration of aromatic white grape character and wild-fermented funk.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8.4%  |  Origin: Bierghes, Wallonia, Belgium  |  Grape Lambic  |  Brewery: Gueuzerie Tilquin

Production & Heritage

Gueuzerie Tilquin, located in Bierghes in the municipality of Rebecq, Belgium, operates as a blendery — meaning it does not brew its own wort but instead sources lambic worts from renowned producers including Boon, Lindemans, Girardin, and Cantillon. Those worts undergo spontaneous fermentation and aging in smaller 400-liter former wine barrels, which contribute additional complexity from the wood. The Gewurzt expression uses a precise ratio of 250 grams of Gewürztraminer grapes per liter of lambic, and the final product is refermented in the bottle without filtration or pasteurization, preserving the full spectrum of wild yeast character and grape-derived aromatics.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with waves of tropical fruit — passionfruit and guava dominate — layered over a foundation of oak and the telltale leathery brett character Tilquin is known for. Sweet grape skin and lychee emerge as the beer warms, with subtle herbal notes hovering beneath.

Taste: The entry is lush and fruit-forward, with passionfruit, yellow kiwi, and pink grapefruit arriving immediately. Mid-palate, grape skin tannins and lemon zest add structure, while a woody, oaky backbone and light funk keep the sweetness honest. The body is surprisingly full for a lambic, with medium carbonation carrying the flavors across the palate without aggression.

Finish: Medium-length with a balanced acidity that resolves into gentle bitterness, grapefruit pith, and lingering grape skin. A touch of brett lingers alongside fading lychee and strawberry notes, leaving the palate clean and inviting another sip.

How to Drink Oude Gewurzt Tilquin

Serve at cellar temperature, around 8–12°C (46–54°F), in a tulip glass or wine glass to concentrate the aromatic complexity. This is a beer built for slow, contemplative drinking on its own. For those who enjoy creative pairings: try it in a Lambic Spritz with a splash of sparkling water and a grapefruit twist to extend its tropical character; use it in a Belgian Shandy blended with a small measure of elderflower cordial for a floral-fruit combination; or deploy it in a Lambic Kir with a teaspoon of cassis to amplify its berry undertones.

Best For

• Gifting a craft beer or lambic collector seeking a hard-to-find Belgian expression
• Pairing alongside a multi-course tasting menu as a wine-beer crossover
• Cellaring for special occasions, as bottle refermentation allows further development over time
• Introducing wine drinkers to the world of spontaneous-fermentation lambic

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Oude Gewurzt Tilquin taste like? It delivers intense tropical fruit — passionfruit, guava, lychee, and pink grapefruit — anchored by oak, grape skin tannins, and a balanced wild-yeast funk. The acidity is moderate and well-integrated, making it approachable despite its complexity.

How does Oude Gewurzt Tilquin compare to Oude Riesling Tilquin à L'Ancienne? Both use the same 250g-per-liter grape-to-lambic ratio and Tilquin's blending process, but the Gewürztraminer version skews more tropical and lychee-driven, while the Riesling expression tends toward citrus, minerality, and a crisper acidic profile. The grape variety is the primary differentiator, as the base lambic sourcing and barrel aging remain consistent across the series.

Is Oude Gewurzt Tilquin good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — this is designed as a slow-sipping beer, best enjoyed from a tulip or wine glass at cellar temperature to let its layered aromatics fully open up.

Where is Oude Gewurzt Tilquin made? It is produced at Gueuzerie Tilquin in Bierghes, within the municipality of Rebecq in Belgium's Wallonia region. Tilquin operates as a lambic blendery, sourcing worts from established lambic breweries including Boon, Lindemans, Girardin, and Cantillon.

What foods pair well with Oude Gewurzt Tilquin? Soft-ripened cheeses like Brie or Camembert complement its fruit and funk. Seared foie gras mirrors the lychee and tropical richness. Fresh shellfish such as oysters or ceviche play against the acidity. Southeast Asian dishes with lemongrass and galangal echo its herbal-tropical profile. Stone fruit tarts or crème brûlée round out a dessert pairing.

What sizes does Oude Gewurzt Tilquin come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, consistent with traditional Belgian lambic packaging for bottle-refermented products.

Is Oude Gewurzt Tilquin worth the price? It positions as a premium craft lambic expression, reflecting the labor-intensive spontaneous fermentation, multi-source blending from four renowned lambic producers, barrel aging in smaller 400L casks, and the added cost of Gewürztraminer grapes. Within the grape lambic category, it represents strong value given its critical acclaim and limited availability.

Why Oude Gewurzt Tilquin?

What distinguishes this expression is Tilquin's singular approach: blending spontaneously fermented lambics from four of Belgium's most respected traditional producers — Boon, Lindemans, Girardin, and Cantillon — then macerating them with a generous 250 grams of Gewürztraminer grapes per liter. The aging in smaller 400-liter former wine barrels adds a layer of vinous complexity that larger-format casks simply cannot replicate. The result is a grape lambic that genuinely bridges the world of natural wine and wild ale, with tropical depth, structural tannin, and the kind of brett-driven funk that rewards both immediate drinking and patient cellaring. For anyone serious about lambic, this bottle earns its place on the shelf.