A soft sun in the early New Year's afternoon. Swinging in an old orchard. The intoxication of New Year's Eve still light in the head. Patches of memories of fresh fruit, fragrant grains and the first flowers of the year yet to come. Grazing cows in the background. 'What a night, what a life. What a beautiful, beautiful ride.'

It comes together in a beautiful glass of Malheur Bière Brut. With a sparkle that can outshine champagnes. Beautifully cloudy. Thick head of foam that stands. Slightly malty flavour. Nice, deep bitters. For those who taste it, citrus, peach and apricot. Creamy like good cappuccino. Still 11%. Far from unhappy.

From brewery De Landtsheer from Buggenhout, so between Antwerp and Brussels where so many good brewers live and work. Doses the variety in beers carefully. Malheur 6, 8, 10 and 12. A beautiful black tripel. In addition to the blonde, also a brown brut. Made 'a la méthode traditionelle' from champagnes with refermentation in the bottle. The frozen yeast gives way to the warmth of the beer.