An intimate look at lambic beer and three of its most revered brewers and blenders as they each navigate the growing demands of consumers today.

BOTTLE CONDITIONED explores the small Belgian community where lambic beer-one of the oldest, rarest styles of beer-is made. A cultural heritage almost lost after WWII, lambic is on the rise again today.

Academy Award® nominated filmmaker, Jerry Franck, follows three of the most revered lambic producers—Cantillon, 3 Fonteinen, and Bokke—at a pivotal point in time, where each grapple with the growing demand for their beers.

Through their stories the film explores various themes and conflicts, from the challenges of running a multigenerational family business, to complications in expanding upon tradition, to difficulties in meeting expectations from consumers worldwide.

82 minutes
SDH captions

"Viewers are immersed in a layered film that shines a light on...the clash between the old guard and a new generation dedicated to pushing the boundaries and exploring new ideas...All three of their stories are compelling and beautifully shot."
Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes

"BOTTLE CONDITIONED alludes to the fact that as Lambic is shaped by the decisions of its producers, so too are we all as humans conditioned by our heritage, environments, and choices."
Breandán Kearney, The Brussels Times

"The documentary is vivid, beautifully shot, and romantic. The storytelling is bracing, revealing, and one of the most true things I've seen from the world of beer."
Michael Kiser, Good Beer Hunting

"Refreshing...Intimate...Enthusiasts will love hearing about this fermented favorite straight from the legends who make it...For those unfamiliar with lambics, this is a fresh documentary about a beer known for being aged, and I recommend pairing it with a glass or two for yourself."
Jules Caldeira, Film Inquiry

"A fascinating look at a style, the blenders and brewers who make it possible, and the conflict between preservation and proliferation."
Richard Gray, The Reel Bits

"Think you know beer? Think you understand Lambic, barrel blending, terroir, and the poetry of fermentation? Think again. BOTTLE CONDITIONED isn't just a documentary - it's a journey into the soul of beer itself. This film uncorks a story of passion, tradition, and innovation, told firsthand by the families and pioneers redefining what beer can be. It's not just about brewing; it's about artistry, history, and the unseen cosmic and magical forces shaping every bottle."
Julia Herz, Beer Educator, Co-author, Beer Pairing: The Essential Guide from the Pairing Pros

"Blending breathtaking visuals, in-depth interviews, and a story that spans personal ambition and collective identity, BOTTLE CONDITIONED emerges as more than just a film about beer. It explores the enduring spirit of a community bound by a shared passion for craftsmanship, offering insights into the challenges of cultural preservation in an ever-changing world."
Chris Jones, Overly Honest Movie Reviews

"BOTTLE CONDITIONED dives headfirst into the world of lambic beer, which proves far more dramatic than one would assume...Franck's film perfectly captures a moment of real change in a craft defined by tradition."
Alan French, Sunshine State Cineplex

"A sweet new movie...BOTTLE CONDITIONED is an insider's view of where we are today with these incredible beer styles and the producers who create them."
Pete Slosberg, The Alcohol Professor

"A deep and loving look at lambic and some of the revered blenders who have created flavorful, intriguing, and sought-after bottles."
John Holl, All About Beer