Sako joins HORAL as its 14th member

Preparations for Toer de Geuze 2026 are in full swing

The High Council for Artisanal Lambic Beers (HORAL) has approved Brewery Sako’s admission to the association, bringing its membership to 14 lambic breweries and gueuze blenders that together represent more than 90% of traditional lambic beer production. HORAL promotes and protects traditional lambic beers, particularly Oude Geuze and Oude Kriek. This mission has a growing international reach, supported in part by the organisation of Toer de Geuze. The next edition of this biennial event will take place on 9 and 10 May 2026, when all HORAL members, including Sako, will open their doors to the public. Ticket sales for the HORAL shuttle coaches have already taken off.

Brewery Sako was founded in 2018 by Koen Christiaens. The name combines the first names of Christiaens and his wife, Sandrine. The brewery initially focused on top-fermented beers before Christiaens began collaborating with Willem Van Herreweghen in 2019. Since then, the duo has also been brewing lambic, resulting in Sako’s first Oude Geuze in 2023.

Sako markets its spontaneously fermented beers under the name ‘Bogaerden’, a reference to the Pajottenland village where Christiaens brewed his first batches in 2016. The brewery is now based in a farmhouse property in Gooik (Pajottegem). The brewhouse produces about 3,000 liters of wort per brew. More than 100,000 liters of lambic are currently aging in oak barrels.

Preparations are underway for Toer de Geuze on on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May 2026. This event is held every two years As a biennial event, Toer de Geuze offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore the world of spontaneous fermentation from the inside. Alongside Sako, all other HORAL members (Boon, De Cam, De Troch, Den Herberg, Eylenbosch, Hanssens, Kestemont, Lambiek Fabriek, Lindemans, Mort Subite, Oud Beersel, Tilquin, and Timmermans) will also welcome the public. Admission is free at every site.

Toer de Geuze 2026 is on its way

Visitors can tour breweries and barrel warehouses, with guides offering background on production and local history. Spontaneously fermented beers will be available at each location, and many sites will offer entertainment too.

“Traditional lambic beers are much more than heritage in a bottle: they are a driving force for tourism in the Pajottenland and the Senne Valley,” HORAL chairman Gert Christiaens stated. “Together with partners such as Visit Vlaams-Brabant and Visit Flanders, we are committed to raising our region’s profile in Belgium and abroad, drawing visitors year-round and supporting local hospitality and accommodation businesses.“

HORAL coach tickets are selling fast

Visitors can take part using their own transport, including by bicycle, car, or public transport. HORAL is also providing 27 coaches with more than 1,400 seats. Coaches depart from the railway stations of Halle and Denderleeuw and travel to a selection of producers.

“Ticket sales for the coaches began in early January via toerdegeuze.be. More than 1,000 tickets were sold in the first week,” Christiaens said. “There are still some tickets available for Sunday 10 May, but all buses for Saturday are already fully booked. Anyone who still wants to reserve a seat for Sunday shouldn’t wait too long. We have never seen such demand for coach tickets before. I take it as a very good omen: Toer de Geuze 2026 promises to be a huge success.”

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