Catalogue no. BBG157
Glasses
Exhibit information
Beer style Lambic A spontaneously fermented beer from the Brussels and Pajottenland tradition, often dry, tart and strikingly different from conventionally fermented beers.
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Explainers Glass style Lambic A straight-sided tumbler traditionally associated with lambic beers, designed for simple, generous drinking rather than elaborate presentation.
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Explainers Curator’s Notes I bought this glass directly from Brasserie Cantillon for €4, where it was described to me simply as the brewery’s “classic” lambic glass.
It is a substantial piece of glassware. The straight-sided tumbler has a reassuring weight, while the lower section is heavily moulded with deep vertical grooves. These are both decorative and tactile, giving an otherwise simple drinking glass considerably more character.
The decoration is restrained. Only the Cantillon name and the brewery’s familiar brewer motif appear on the front, with no capacity mark, manufacturer’s mark or other decoration elsewhere on the glass.
Its form reflects the traditional serving style associated with lambic: practical, sturdy and relatively unadorned rather than stemmed or ceremonial. That makes it an interesting contrast with many of the elaborate goblets and tulips associated with other Belgian beer styles.
There is something particularly appropriate about acquiring such a straightforward glass directly from Cantillon. The brewery has built its reputation on preserving traditional lambic methods, and this solid, functional tumbler feels entirely consistent with that philosophy.
