Chef Tim Boury has developed a new Picon in collaboration with brewer Rodenbach and artist Kristof Santy: the Picon Roulers named after the West Flemish city of Roeselare or ‘Roulers’ in French. Picon is a bittersweet French aperitif, a drink before a meal. Gaétan Picon created it in 1837. It is made from dried orange peels, gentian roots, and cinchona bark. It has 18% alcohol by volume (ABV). The drink can be used to give a nice bitter and citrus flavour to other beverages.
3-star chef Tim Boury added his own personal touch to his version of Picon blending it with Rodenbach Grand Cru, a famous West Flemish red-brown ale known for its sour, fruity taste. Rodenbach Grand Cru is 6% alcohol. Rodenbach Grand Cru is a mix of 1/3 young beer and 2/3 aged beer that rested in oak barrels for two years. Many call it the "Burgundy of Belgium". The beer is brewed by the historic Rodenbach brewery in Roeselare.
The new drink is now available in the cafés across the West Flemish town.
In the garden of the Michelin three-star restaurant Boury, the city leadership and three of Roeselare’s ambassadors presented the locally created drink to the world. Head chef Tim Boury, whose eatery has enjoyed 3-stars, the highest Michelin guide award for a restaurant since 2022, developed the cocktail together with his brother Ben and Didi Decaesteker from the Rodenbach brewery. “Ben and I grew up in the Westhoek, (a district of West Flanders Province famous as the scene of much fighting during the Great War) where Picon beer is ubiquitous. With Boury Bottled, we’ve now gained a lot of experience in creating new drinks”.
Boury Bottled is a premium line of artisanal drinks, spirits, and mixers created by Tim and Ben Boury.
“Our Picon combined with Rodenbach Grand Cru quickly proved to be a very good combination. The addition of some elderflower and cherry juice resulted in a truly delicious final product,” says Tim Boury. He believes now is the right time to launch the drink. “This beer cocktail is the perfect match for the lovely weather.”
Artist Kristof Santy designs a gift box
A gift box has meanwhile been designed. For the design of the box, the city collaborated with Roeselare-based artist Kristof Santy. “I’m not used to taking on commissions of this kind. It was a serious challenge, but I’m very proud to have been able to contribute to this unique Roeselare initiative,” Kristof Santy said.
“This project brings three ambassadors of the city together and offers a contemporary interpretation of a drink. The end result is a beautiful reflection of Roeselare’s identity: a unique blend of brewing tradition, culinary excellence, artistic flair and local pride,” says Matthijs Samyn, local alderman charged with Tourism.