Discover Brewery De Coureur in Leuven, Belgium — a nano brewery blending cycling culture with Belgian beer tradition. Taste innovative seasonal brews, enjoy chocolate pairings, and meet brewer Bart Delvaux in this sustainable, community‑focused taproom.
Belgium is world‑renowned for its beer, chocolate, and cycling. In Leuven, these traditions converge at Brewery De Coureur, a nano brewery founded by Bart Delvaux in 2020. Despite launching just days before the first pandemic lockdown, Bart has built a thriving community hub where locals and travellers alike discover inventive beers brewed with passion and creativity.
What Is a Nano Brewery?
While most people are familiar with microbreweries, Bart explains that De Coureur is even smaller. Producing just 10,000–15,000 litres annually, it falls into the category of a nano brewery. This scale allows Bart to focus on quality, experimentation, and direct connection with his customers.
Unlike larger breweries, De Coureur doesn’t bottle its beers for supermarkets. Instead, 90% of production is sold directly in the taproom, ensuring freshness and flavour control. Deliveries to a handful of local bars are even made by cargo bike, keeping the brewery’s carbon footprint minimal.
Beer and Cycling: A Belgian Tradition
The name De Coureur translates to “the cyclist,” reflecting Belgium’s deep cycling heritage. Bart sees beer and cycling as natural companions: “After a tour, you’ve earned your beer.” The brewery embraces this theme, naming beers and tasting flights after cycling terms like Peloton.
Tradition Meets Innovation
Belgium’s brewing tradition is recognised by UNESCO as part of the world’s cultural heritage. Yet Bart deliberately pushes beyond convention. While many Belgian breweries stick to classic styles, De Coureur experiments constantly. Alongside three core beers available year‑round, Bart brews a new seasonal beer each month.
Expect refreshing low‑alcohol creations in summer, sometimes infused with sea salt, fruit, or even jalapeño peppers. In winter, darker stouts spiced with seasonal flavours take centre stage. This constant innovation keeps brewing exciting both for Bart and his customers.
A Taste of De Coureur
Visitors to Leuven can sample a rotating flight of beers in the taproom. Highlights include:
- Colleke – A top‑fermented pilsner alternative, crisp and easy‑drinking.
- Sour Gza – Brewed with yeast cultivated from apple blossoms, offering citrus notes, coriander, and a touch of sea salt.
- Vervogwagen – A German‑style wheat beer with hints of banana and clove from the yeast.
- Souplesse – A tropical session IPA bursting with American hops.
Bart’s most popular beer, however, is the Cotton Batter, a West Coast IPA at 6.3% ABV, loved for its tropical aroma and bold hop character.
Pairings and Community
De Coureur isn’t just about beer though, it’s a true experience. Bart often hosts pairings with Belgian chocolate, cheese, or even macarons, showcasing how versatile beer can be. During the week, the taproom serves as a community bar where locals gather for conversation. On weekends, international visitors flock to Leuven to discover this hidden gem.
From Home Brewer to Teacher
Bart’s journey began in 2011 as a home brewer with friends. After a stint living in Chicago, where he fell in love with the American taproom culture, he returned to Belgium determined to create a brewery where customers could meet the brewer and drink beer at its source.
Today, Bart not only runs De Coureur but also teaches brewing at a local school, inspiring the next generation of Belgian brewers.
Why Visit Brewery De Coureur?
For travellers seeking authentic Belgian beer culture, Brewery De Coureur offers:
- A unique nano brewery experience in Leuven.
- Constantly changing seasonal beers alongside core favourites.
- Sustainable practices, including cargo bike deliveries.
- A welcoming taproom where beer, cycling, and community come together
Low Season Traveller Tip: Visiting Leuven outside peak summer means fewer crowds in the taproom, more time to chat with Bart, and the chance to taste his winter stouts. Pair your visit with a cycling tour through the rolling hills of Brabant, then reward yourself with a freshly brewed pint at De Coureur.
