Brouwerij Boon Remy Le Mercier

"Brewing is science, expertise, intuition, but sometimes also archival work. Our passion for tradition doesn't stop with the beer itself: every now and then we delve into history, searching for forgotten knowledge. We were recently reminded of a remarkable document from the State Archives of Brussels: an ordinance from 1559, drawn up by Remy Le Mercier, city treasurer of Halle. A piece that will undoubtedly cause a stir among connoisseurs.
The text specifies the correct grain ratios for local beers from that time. Today, the document is considered the oldest known recipe linked to lambic. What immediately stands out? The mention of oats. A grain rarely found in lambic today, but still legally permitted alongside 60% barley malt and 30% wheat. That beer recipes evolve over time is beyond dispute. Technology changes, and legislation also has an impact. And yet: Le Mercier's grain ratio is still remarkably close to what is the standard today.
Thanks to Remy Le Mercier, we know that lambic has been brewed since at least the 16th century. So we used his ordinance as a guide for an exclusive Oude Geuze. On February 22, 2024, we filled no fewer than 5,400 75cl bottles. With this Oude Geuze Remy Le Mercier, we prove that oats can indeed play a role in the production of Oude Geuze. The result: A soft, full-bodied Oude Geuze with a firm head and a clearly recognizable nutty oat flavor."