Kulminator

September 15, 2008
I loved the tins and the atmosphere.

September 6, 2008
a verry nice beer bar with a verry good atmofhere a amazing selection a will go again a verry nice place

September 1, 2008
What’s too much, is just too much...!!! After Trappistenlokaal ’t Klooster and Doerak in Delft (start to work at 5 p.m.), De Molenzolder in the Heineken Brewery in Amsterdam (redecorating), Kulminator was also closed for vacation. To make it worse, it starts to work on 5th August, and I was there on 4th! Knowing how much everyone was delighted with it, I wanted to get in somehow and serve myself with their well known aged beers. Unfortunately, I’ll have to wait for the next time. Till then all the scores are going to be temporary.

August 26, 2008
On the Antwerp trip with the LAN-brew crew I visitied this place twice. Its very cosy with plants and beer commercial items all over the place and chamber music from the speakers. Leen is very busy so you better order 2 beers when she is at your seat. Dirk is only finding beer and cleaning glass if you come early at the evening. At night he told us storries and recommended beer for us. The cheese we got there was cheap and good quality. They have a great choice of beers - especially the vintage ones. I had a Courage Impy Stout 1983 and it was awesome! Gotta go back some day.

August 18, 2008
I was here several times during my stay in Antwerp. The first time it was the night before ZBF and the place was really crowded and smoky. The next times it was a lot more pleasant, even if sometimes it could get a bit crowded at peak times. A lot of old beer bottles and beer memorabilia everywhere as a decoration. The Beer list is quite amazing but unfortunately a lot of the best stuff isn’t really available anymore. Luckily, some great stuff that aren’t on the menu, you can see in the cellar window on the way to the toilet (even though some of the stuff there isn’t for sale). Service is quite friendly even if not very efficient on busy times. I liked the fact that unlike in other places in Belgium where you can’t get a glass of tap water, here you can have a glass of mineral water for free! It is also the only place in the country other than Delirium where can find good beers from the rest of the world (for example: Mikkeller, HOTD, Unibroue). Maybe not the best place in Belgium, but certainly one of the best.

August 5, 2008
2008/07/18. Visit with LAN-Brew at our first study tour. First i did not fell wery much at home, and did not know what to think of this place...... but as the first beer, the second and the third went down the drain, one hour took the next, the next thing i noticed was the fact that we were all 4 guys a little drunk and had spend like 5 hours, with all the most exclusive vintage bees. We had a fantastic evening and there was only 10 - 15 people in the bar, so there was plenty of space and a nice quiet atmmosphere. This place is, in more than one way very special :-)

July 26, 2008
Well, what can I say about this place? Been here three times and had similar experiences each visit. Dirk, the owner/bartender is a surly, stoic and somewhat intimidating figure. Probably not going to get him to open much you cant get other places. I have heard stories of getting him drunk or bringing gifts to soften him, but I’m not going to do that...too many other places to go in Belgum. The bar area is tiny and very smokey. Most likely wouldn’t go back, but probably my opinion is in the minority...oh well.

June 4, 2008
This is what my grandparents house would look like if they were beer geeks. Its old, cluttered, and stuffy inside. I like the Bohemian feel to bars this was not something I enjoyed. Just an old place full of junk is the way it came of to me. The bathroom that hasn’t changed since WW2, bar of soap, metal sink, and hand towels, not paper but actual towels. But I will go on. The service was good from Leen but every time I came up to order she always had to make sure with her husband that they actually had the beer, and of course they had them all. The beer list is long and full of a lot of aged stuff. Unfortunately, imo, most of it all tastes the same by now. Another thing is all the stuff on the menu that is not available anymore but still sits on the menu mocking you (damn you cantillon Frambois) or all the visible stuff int he cellar that you can’t have. If you don’t want to sell it to me, hide it then. Lots of cats, lots. Only had the chips for food so wont rate that part. Really felt like they were pushing the crappy taps too much. But I had 3 beautiful bottles and if I had more time would have wanted another thing or 2 on the menu but unfortunately I was short on time. Is it blasphemy to say this was not my fav (or even 2nd fav) stop on my Belgian trip. But it was sadly my last.

May 30, 2008
Slipped in about 11:45 this morning. Leen was in charge. Plants all over. Fresh flowers on the tables. Ours had fresia. Much like an old English pub. Lots of worn wood, a strongly ticking clock, and harpsichord music. Generally classical. Big list. Took awhile to decipher what was out, but Leen took the time to help. There’s a cat or two. Great place.

May 24, 2008 [ Updated May 26, 2008 ]
Went there yesterday. And tasted som beautiful ageed beers. This pub, is a great place. But it can get very crowded. My tasting: Delirium Christmas 2000, Abbey Des Rocs Grand Cry 2002, Westvleteren abt 12 2004, De Dolle Brouwers Stille nacht 1996. Day 2: Westvleteren abt 12 2001, Westmalle dubbel 1994, Rochefort 10 2002, Kasterbier firsrt Brew 1988.