In the heart of the Hainaut province, where folklore meets rolling green hills, a unique brewery brings Belgian heritage to life. Born from the union of centuries-old traditions and a resolutely modern vision, the Legendary Brewery has become an essential gem of the Walloon brewing landscape. Between medieval giants, mischievous witches, and eco-friendly practices, dive into an adventure where beer is experienced in the present, with absolute respect for the past.
1. The Brewer's Story: From Chalk to Pitchfork
Pierre Delcoigne: The Chemical Engineer Turned Master Brewer
Initially, nothing destined Pierre Delcoigne, a native of the region, to become one of Wallonia's most emblematic brewers. He first studied chemical engineering and pursued a career in teaching. For several years, he shared his passion for science as a chemistry teacher. But the call of the land and brewing was stronger. Driven by a deep desire to create his own product and showcase his terroir, he decided to trade chalk and blackboards for pitchforks and fermentation tanks.
To turn this dream into reality, he returned to university and earned a degree in brewing engineering from the Catholic University of Louvain (UCL). Armed with this cutting-edge scientific and technical expertise, and supported by his wife Vinciane, Pierre Delcoigne embarked on a bold challenge: to revive a traditional brewery in the Land of Giants.
2. A Saga of Mergers and Traditions
2000: The Irchonwelz Bet (Ath)
The entrepreneurial adventure began at the dawn of the year 2000. The Delcoigne couple set their sights on the historic site of the Castel d'Irchonwelz, a 12th-century building they fully restored to establish the Brewery of Giants. It was here that Pierre Delcoigne crafted his very first beer, the Gouyasse, named in honor of the famous giant Goliath from the Ducasse d'Ath. The success was immediate.
2006: The Mystical Merger (Ellezelles)
Buoyed by this success, the brewer seized the opportunity to acquire the renowned Ellezelloise Brewery, located in the heart of the Pays des Collines and famous for its witch-themed beers. This marked the official birth of the Legendary Brewery, merging the world of Ath's giants with the fantastical creatures of Ellezelles.
3. From Field to Glass: The Obsession with Short Circuits and Precision
A Unique Model: "From Earth to Glass"
As the son of a farmer, Pierre Delcoigne has maintained an unbreakable bond with the land. His background as a chemist and engineer led him to design a unique and fully integrated model: "from earth to glass." The brewery uses barley grown directly on the family farm, "Beauregard." Pierre personally oversees the quality of the crops. Once harvested, this cereal is malted to create the entire range. The pure water, essential for brewing, is pumped directly from the local aquifer.
Scientific Rigor in the Service of Beer
Thanks to his background as a chemical engineer, Pierre Delcoigne approaches brewing with surgical precision. Each brew is meticulously analyzed: balance between the original extract (the initial richness of the wort) and the degree of attenuation, control of bitterness (measured in BU units), and turbidity (EBC). This scientific rigor results in high-fermentation beers of remarkable consistency and complexity, praised by expert juries.
4. The Heart of the Range: Profiles and Analyses of 4 Iconic Brews
Gouyasse Tradition Blonde (6%)
Appearance: A fairly light golden-yellow robe (7 EBC), relatively bright, topped with a beautiful compact and slightly sticky foam.
Nose & Palate: The nose is dominated by aromas of spiced bread, yellow fruits, and hops. On the palate, it reveals a complex and well-balanced profile, with low bitterness (14 BU) and a sweet finish.
Quintine Blonde (8%)
Appearance: A relatively cloudy blonde robe (high turbidity index at 3 EBC).
Nose & Palate: A unique nose marked by intense aromas of reinette apple and rose. Its complexity (notes of orange, licorice, etc.) reveals itself after some time. The palate is powerful and bitter (32 BU), with a very intense aftertaste.
Quintine Amber (8.5%)
Appearance: A beautiful amber robe with copper reflections (29 EBC), slightly cloudy (5 EBC).
Nose & Palate: The nose is very expressive, marked by hops (reminiscent of the Orval type), with spicy, resinous, floral, and fruity notes (citrus, apricot). Phenolic aromas, licorice, and caramel are also present. On the palate, caramel and coffee dominate, combined with hop and apricot aromas. The flavor is bitter (31 BU), slightly sweet, with a marked aftertaste.
Quintine White-Organic (5.9%)
Appearance: A very cloudy robe (8 EBC) with an ochre color, whose coloration remains below the standard detectable limit.
Nose & Palate: The nose is very intense, centered on honey, complemented by notes of candied fruits, oxidation, and fresh fruits (banana, lychee, citrus), with subtle touches of coffee. Well-integrated, its bitterness (31 BU) leads to a persistent aftertaste that brings a certain astringency. Served fresh, it moves away from a classic white beer to flirt with the characteristics of a honey beer.
5. The On-Site Experience: A Spirit of Sharing
The brewer has always seen beer as a vector of conviviality. This is why the company has developed far beyond the brewing tanks to become a major regional tourism destination.
At the Cauldron of Legends
Located in Ellezelles, this tavern-restaurant allows you to taste the different variations of Quintine or Gouyasse directly from the tap, paired with local dishes.
The Biercée Distillery
Still driven by the desire to preserve Walloon know-how, Pierre Delcoigne took over the famous Biercée Distillery in 2019 (known for its Eau de Villée), integrating the art of spirits into his universe.
Conclusion: The Alliance of Science and Tradition
By combining the scientific rigor of the chemical engineer, the love of the land of the farmer, and respect for local folklore, the master brewer of the Legendary Brewery proves that the most beautiful successes are those that combine technical precision with a passion for the terroir.
Every sip of his beers is a tribute to this philosophy, where innovation and tradition meet to create unique flavors.