Iris: The Jewel of the Craft Beer Industry

In the diverse world of craft beer, Iris from Brasserie-Brouwerij Cantillon is not just a name, but also a symbol of sophistication, originality and the art of brewing. Born from a passion for endless creativity, Iris has conquered the hearts of many beer lovers around the world. With its complex and unique taste, Iris is not just a beer, but also a work of art, a perfect combination of tradition and innovation.

I. The birth and formation of Iris beer 

In 2002, in the heart of Brussels, Belgium, a small craft brewery called Brasserie-Brouwerij Cantillon created a work of art in taste: Iris Beer. This was not only the birth of a new beer, but also the affirmation of a creative spirit, daring to break all traditional limits.

Iris, whose name is inspired by the flower that is the symbol of Brussels, has become a representative of the complexity and uniqueness of the Lambic beer world. The appearance of Iris in the craft beer scene not only arouses curiosity but also shows the distinct and unique identity of Cantillon.

The Iris story begins with a passion and love for the art of brewing. It is the result of constant experimentation, innovation and a commitment to excellence.

II. Special fermentation process of Iris beer

Brasserie-Brouwerij Cantillon’s Iris is a work of art. Distinct from the brewery’s other products, Iris does away with the usual 35% wheat and uses only pale ale malt, giving the beer its alluring amber colour. This preserves the characteristic flavours of the natural fermentation, with complex aromas and a wine-like taste.

The hopping method also sets Iris apart. While Lambic is made with 100% dry hops, Iris combines 50% dry hops with 50% fresh hops. Fresh hops add a wonderful sour flavor, while dry hops, with their tannins, help preserve the beer while keeping all its qualities intact. After two years of barrel aging, Iris is given a fresh hop bath just two weeks before bottling. This technique, called “cold hopping,” adds body to the beer and makes it more bitter.

Iris is produced only once a season and all beers come from the same batch, which is why each bottle is marked with a production date. Although it is a spontaneously fermented beer, Iris is very different from Lambic. The amber colour, bitterness and slightly caramelised flavour all combine to create a complex and unmistakable beer.

III. Flavor and characteristic features 

When we talk about Iris, we tell a story of taste and art. Iris, a unique creation of Brasserie-Brouwerij Cantillon, is the perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

Iris stands out with its characteristic floral and fruity aroma. When enjoying it, you will feel the harmony of soft, gentle floral scent with the gentle, delicate sourness of raspberries. This is not only a meeting of natural ingredients, but also a dialogue between beer and Belgian cultural identity.

Each sip of Iris feels like walking through a colorful flower garden, where the scents of flowers and grass blend together to create a colorful picture. The beer not only contains a pleasant sour taste but also a slight bitterness from the hops, opening up a complex yet harmonious flavor space.

VI. Iris Style and Alcohol Content

Iris, a gem in the world of Lambic beers, is the choice of beer lovers and the pride of the Brasserie-Brouwerij Cantillon. It is a beer that demonstrates the sophistication of the art of brewing, and is a symbol of the long-standing Belgian beer tradition.

Iris’ Lambic style offers a unique experience, different from the usual beer. This is a beer style that uses natural fermentation in the air, where natural bacteria and yeasts play an important role in creating the characteristic flavor. The complexity and gentle acidity of Lambic not only challenges but also opens up a new world for the connoisseur.

Iris’ alcohol content is 6.5%, not too high but enough to awaken the senses. It brings a light, delicate but also attractive feeling, reflecting the sophistication and consideration in the brewing process. Iris is an experience to feel and enjoy.

V. Iris Beer Awards and Honors 

Brasserie-Brouwerij Cantillon's Iris, a work of art in the beer world, has been honored with numerous international awards and recognition. Here is a list of the awards Iris has won, a testament to its quality and the love it has received from the global craft beer community:

• Gold Award at World Beer Awards: Iris was awarded Gold in the “Best Lambic” category at the World Beer Awards, one of the most prestigious awards in the beer industry.
• Silver Award at Brussels Beer Challenge: At the Brussels Beer Challenge, a prestigious beer competition, Iris won Silver, confirming its position in the hearts of beer lovers.
• Grand Prize at the Great American Beer Festival:Iris received a Special Award at the Great American Beer Festival, an important and highly anticipated annual event in the craft beer industry.
• Highly Rated at RateBeer: Iris is also highly rated on RateBeer, a leading beer review and ranking site, where it receives excellent reviews from the community.
• European Beer Star Awards: Recognition from the European Beer Star, one of the biggest international beer awards, has also been given to Iris, highlighting its complexity and uniqueness.

VI. Conclusion