
Brabanthal could hardly be described as charming. It's a large, gray convention-type hall adorned in drab metal siding. It looks like the type of structure you'd find at the airport. Plus, it's not truly in Leuven. It's closer to Heverlee, a good ten minute drive/bus from Leuven. I envisaged long queues at the beer taps and the shuttles to Leuven, or too many drunks taking the chance to drive.


According to organizers, there were 490 beers from over 100 brewers. Mostly from Flanders with a couple from Wallonia and Brussels to satisfy any rogue Francophones. One of the best things about these types of festivals is that you can try things you don't find every day, including new releases like Malheur's black tripel, Novice (a novelty with little finish; slight Rodenbach aftertaste); specials like the Duvel Tripel Hop (good overall but a strange mix of hops up front with that signature Duvel taste underneath); rarities such as oak-aged tripels (can't locate my tasting notes on those - D'oh!); and stuff that is outside of your comfort zone. For me, the latter category refers to lambics and gueuzes, the uniquely Belgian openly fermented beers lacking carbonation. And despite my buddy Andreas's best efforts, I'm still not a huge fan of them. They taste a tad too sour to me but I'll give them another try.
Overall, a big thumbs up for Zythos 2012. I hope to update more of my tasting notes soon...