Geuze Design Award

• Goal: to reward the “most beautiful bottle of the past year.”
• Selectio: a public vote determines the winner from a shortlist of nominated designs. Those who vote have a chance to win a beautiful bottle of geuze. Only 1 vote per person.
• Organiser: Het Huis van de Geuze with the support of Tradyglass.

“Aroma and taste are without any doubt the most important qualities of a geuze, kriek, or any other lambic beer. But just like in gastronomy, the eye also wants something. More and more people give a good bottle as a gift to friends or family. At that moment, the aesthetics of the label also play an important role.”                    Yves Panneels, Het Huis van de Geuze

In addition to 3 Fonteinen Armand & Gaston Oude Geuze Magnum Vintage 2020, Bogaerden Black Kriek, Boon Oude Geuze Remy le Mercier, Lambiek Fabriek Noëlle and Pajottinga Oude Gueuze by The Brett House Janssens were also nominated.

The winner stands out for its distinctly artistic label with a truly out-of-the-box look and feel. Voters described the design more as a small artwork than a classic label, with a clear ode to Felix De Boeck. In the early 1950s, De Boeck drew inspiration from the lights of ships on the River Scheldt in Antwerp. The result was a series of works titled “Nachtlichten” (“Night Lights”). One of those works was used on the 3 Fonteinen bottle label—only the image of the painting. No brand name, no volume statement and no other product mention. All essential product information appears on the back label. When this bottle is brought out and shared with friends or family, many people are struck by the simple yet remarkably powerful design. The bright blue tones contrast beautifully with the dark glass of the bottle.

The Geuze Design Award itself was a magnum bottle with embossed printing. The bottle was designed by Het Huis van de Geuze and printed by Tradyglass. The winner received two copies: one will be displayed at the Lambik-o-droom in Lot and the other at the Felix De Boeck Museum. The four other nominees also received a bottle with their name on it as a keepsake.

In 2025, there were five nominees: Oude Geuze Black Label Edition N°10 by Brewery Boon, Cantillon Ashanti, El Criador Flamenca Geuze, Hanssens Gueuze Extra, and Parrain Oude Geuze.

The label of Boon Oude Geuze Black Label N°10 received a thorough makeover compared to previous Black Label editions. A great deal of attention was paid to the type of paper and the printing technique, resulting in a stylish and refined look.

Sommelier Andy De Brouwer commissioned designer Steve Habsch to create a label for El Criador Flamenca Geuze, a blend of lambics matured in sherry casks. Andy’s silhouette and cap immediately catch the eye.

Hanssens Gueuze Blending House launched Gueuze Extra in autumn 2024. The label is a nod to the past and contains graphic elements that Sidy’s grandfather already used in his marketing during the Interwar period. The design is completely different from their other products and offers a fresh yet historical look.

Parrain Oude Geuze, blended by Thomas and Julie Debelder of Restaurant 3 Fonteinen in Beersel, radiates elegance and simplicity. The minimalist label is a tribute to their godfather, Armand Debelder, and conveys calm and class.

Cantillon Ashanti attracted attention with a black-and-white label featuring a gorilla head. Although the label is only half the usual size, it makes a powerful statement.

All five nominated designs were strong and unique, but one of them truly stood out according to the geuze lovers who cast their votes. Cantillon Ashanti secured nearly 60% of all votes.

The four nominees were Oude Gueuze by Boerenerf, Bobbi Gueuze, Sporty Geuze Origin-Elle by Lambiek Fabriek, and Oude Gueuze by Timmermans.

More than 600 beer lovers cast their votes. In the end, it was Brewery Bobbi that took home the Geuze Design Award 2024 to Ittre, in Walloon Brabant.