Imagine creating a successful brewery, then repeating that feat a second time. This is no longer a matter of chance, but the mark of an exceptional brewer - methodical and passionate. Pierre Gobron is one of those rare individuals.
1. The Roots: Achouffe, an Ardennes Legend
It all began in 1982, when Pierre Gobron and his brother-in-law, Chris Bauweraerts, founded the Brasserie d'Achouffe in the eponymous Ardennes village. Their flagship beer, La Chouffe, a hoppy blonde ale with fruity and spicy notes, quickly became a symbol of Belgian craft beer.
With its iconic gnome and unique flavor, La Chouffe won over enthusiasts worldwide. Yet despite this success, Pierre Gobron never stopped innovating. Always seeking new challenges, he launched Les 3 Fourquets in 2003, a microbrewery housed in an old farm in Houffalize.
2. Les 3 Fourquets: A Fleeting but Foundational Experience
The name Les 3 Fourquets pays homage to the three founders, as well as to the fourquet, a traditional tool used to stir beer during brewing. The goal was to create a place where gastronomy and craft beer would meet in a convivial, seasonal spirit.
In 2006, Pierre Gobron lost control of Achouffe's production when it was acquired by Duvel Moortgat. Though still contractually tied to Achouffe, he decided to refocus on his primary passion: brewing beer on a human scale, with creativity and freedom.
"I don't want to rush just for the sake of rushing. I only want to make a quality product that I enjoy. And that others enjoy."
3. The Birth of Lupulus: A Fresh Start
2007: The Year of Renaissance
Freed from his contractual obligations in 2009, Pierre Gobron fully dedicated himself to his new dream: Lupulus. The name is a nod to:
- Lupus: the wolf of the Ardennes, extinct for a century.
- Humulus lupulus: hops, the key ingredient in beer.
The first beer, Lupulus Blonde, was brewed on September 27, 2007 in the Les 3 Fourquets facilities. With its 10 hectoliters per batch, Lupulus embodied the spirit of an artisanal microbrewery where every detail matters.
🍺 Lupulus Blonde (8.5%)
Special Feature: Brewed with Ardennes thyme, giving it a unique aromatic touch.
Pairings: Perfect with fish dishes, soft cheeses, or white meats.
4. Controlled Growth
From its beginnings, Lupulus enjoyed meteoric success:
- 2010: 1,800 hectoliters produced.
However, Pierre Gobron remained cautious: there was no question of sacrificing quality for quantity. The brewery continued to produce 8 to 10 batches of 10 hectoliters per week, respecting artisanal methods.
- 2017: 20,000 hectoliters produced.
- Current estimate: 50,000 hectoliters produced (with 70% for export).
Lupulus also distinguished itself with its seasonal beers:
La Fourquette
Light German-style wheat beer.
La Bleuette
Flavored with blueberry syrup.
La Pâquerette
Brewed for Easter.
La Tchesté
Created for the Neufchâteau brotherhood.
5. The Lupulus Legacy: More Than Just Beer
An Evolving Range
While Lupulus Blonde remains the star, the brewery has expanded its range:
🍺 Lupulus Hibernatus (9.5%)
A unfiltered winter beer, powerful and complex, with roasted malts (chocolate-coffee).
🌱 Lupulus Organicus (8.5%)
An organic beer certified by Ecocert, with citrus and floral notes.
🍍 Lupulus Hopera (6%)
A light IPA with tropical fruit notes, dry-hopped.
A Strong Connection to the Ardennes Terroir
Lupulus celebrates the Ardennes:
- The wolf, symbol of the brewery, recalls the wild fauna that once populated the region.
- Local ingredients (thyme, Belgian hops) strengthen this connection.
- Tours and tastings are organized to perpetuate the artisanal spirit.
🍻 Where to Enjoy Lupulus?
- On site: Lupulus Brewery, Courtil (Gouvy), Belgium.
- In Belgium: Specialized bars and beer shops (Brussels, Liège, Namur).
- Abroad: Italy, Netherlands, France (Paris, Lyon).
Conclusion: Lupulus, A Human Adventure
Today, Lupulus is more than just a brewery: it's a legend. Driven by the energy of Pierre Gobron and his sons, Julien and Tim, it embodies the spirit of Belgian microbreweries: bold, authentic, and deeply human.
So the next time you enjoy a Lupulus Blonde, remember that behind every sip lies the story of a man, a family, and a region. And perhaps you'll hear, in the distance, the howl of a wolf... or the laughter of a gnome.