Achouffe
About this Place
Achouffe is a tiny hamlet in Wibrin, tucked into the Belgian Ardennes and now known far beyond its size as the home of Brasserie d'Achouffe. Pierre Gobron and Chris Bauweraerts began brewing here as a hobby, producing their first La Chouffe in 1982; the little gnome that came to represent the beer has since become one of Belgian brewing's most recognisable characters.
The brewery remains the focus of the hamlet, but Achouffe's wooded Ardennes setting is part of the attraction too. Walking and cycling routes make it somewhere to linger rather than simply arrive, tour the brewery and leave.
Brewery: Brasserie d'Achouffe
Visitor notes
For most beer-minded visitors, Brasserie d'Achouffe is inevitably the main event. Guided visits cover the brewery's history and brewing process before continuing to the Auberge des Lutins, the brewery's tasting room opposite the Chouffe Shop.
Don't confuse the Auberge with La Taverne de La Chouffe nearby. The latter is an independent taverne-restaurant, recommended by the brewery itself, where visitors can settle in for food and, naturally, more Chouffe. The local tourist office also notes that some beers are available there exclusively.
The surrounding Ardennes countryside makes Achouffe particularly well suited to combining a brewery visit with walking or cycling. The brewery has free visitor parking and is also served by TEC buses, although its rural setting makes it worth checking transport and current tour arrangements before setting out.
Dogs can enjoy the village and surrounding countryside on a lead, but the brewery states that pets are not permitted in either the Chouffe Shop or Auberge des Lutins for food-hygiene reasons. Four-legged Chouffe enthusiasts will therefore need to delegate the tasting.