In 2011, We had the privilege of meeting Grégory Verhelst, founder of Rulles Brewery. That day, he shared his contagious fascination for hops and the brewing technology.
Rulles: A Name, A River, A Brewing Legend
Rulles is first and foremost the name of a river, a tributary of the Semois, which flows through the eponymous village in Gaume, in southern Belgium. But since 2000, this name has primarily evoked one of Wallonia's most iconic craft breweries, founded by Grégory Verhelst, a brewing engineer from Tournai.
What sets Rulles apart is its deep connection to its terroir. The brewery draws inspiration from the landscapes of Gaume, its forests, rivers, and the particular light that bathes the region. An alchemy that Grégory has successfully captured in his beers.
2006: The Turning Point
In 2006, Grégory Verhelst attended the Rimini beer fair, where he met an e-commerce vendor and importer of La Chouffe. This person offered to distribute his beers on the condition that he produce a minimum of 500 hectoliters per year.
This collaboration marked a turning point: the reputation of Rulles Brewery exploded, particularly in Italy, where its beers are now served on tap year-round in some cafés.
Another decisive boost came from Joël, the creator of the Delirium Café in Brussels. This native of Gaume has always supported Grégory, and it's no coincidence that Rulles is always available on tap there.
Rulles Brewery's Flagship Beers
🍺 Rulles Blonde (7%)
Created: 2000
Features: Characterful beer, unfiltered and bottle-conditioned. It's the brewery's calling card.
In Gaume, when you order a "Rulles," there's no need to specify: everyone knows it's the Blonde. Sweet yet well-hopped, it wins people over with its balance and aromatic complexity.
☀️ Rulles Estivale (5.2%)
Created: 2004
Features: Highly hopped (45 IBU), but low in alcohol. A light-alcohol beer rich in flavors.
It was originally created for the brewery's 4th anniversary. A refreshing summer beer that proves a beer can be low in alcohol while being extremely aromatic.
An Anecdote That Marked Brewing History
Among the key moments in his journey, Grégory Verhelst often tells how, at the beginning of his adventure, he benefited from the precious help of Jean-Marie Rock, production manager at Orval.
The latter, always open to young brewers, had provided him with Orval yeasts, the seed for many Luxembourg beers. "The more good brewers there are, the better!" he used to say.
A philosophy that allowed Rulles Brewery to flourish, before Grégory developed his own yeasts, adapted to his environment, starting in 2009.
🎉 Open Days 2026: A Celebration of Brewing Passion
In 2026, Rulles Brewery continues to celebrate its passion with its traditional Open Days, scheduled for June 6-7.
On the program: bar, food, concerts and much more! A festive event to discover the brewery's universe, its beers and unique atmosphere.
📅 Practical Information:
- Dates: June 6-7, 2026
- Location: Rulles Artisanal Brewery, Rue Maurice Grévisse 36, 6724 Rulles (Habay)
- Hours: 2pm-12am (Saturday) / 11am-8pm (Sunday)
Conclusion: A Story of Passion and Terroir
Rulles Brewery is much more than just a brewing company. It's the story of a man, Grégory Verhelst, who transformed his passion into an exceptional human and gustatory adventure.
It's also the story of a region, Gaume, whose landscapes and light inspire every recipe. And finally, it's the story of beers that have marked their era, from Rulles Blonde to Estivale, including the Triple and Brune.
So the next time you enjoy a Rulles, remember: you're tasting 26 years of passion, innovation and craftsmanship.