Belgium has been famous for its beer since the middle ages but the De Halve Maan brewery in Bruges is now the only brewery still active in the heart of the city.
Benjamin Franklin (1706 – 1790) once said “beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy” and the Belgians have always embraced this sentiment wholeheartedly. To this day there are still hundreds of different types of beer brewed all over Belgium many of which boast their very own style of glass especially designed to enhance the flavour of the beer.
The Patron Saint of Belgian Beer
Legend has it that St Arnold, an 11th century Benedictine monk, was made the patron saint of Belgian brewers after he encouraged everyone to drink beer rather than water during a bout of the plague and miraculously everyone got better. In “Great Beers of Belgium” the author Michael Jackson – a well-known expert and connoisseur of beer - explains that it was probably because the local untreated water was responsible for spreading the infection whereas the water in beer was boiled during the brewing process making beer a much safer drink.
De Halve Moon Brewery in Bruges
The history of De Halve Maan (Half Moon) brewery right in the heart of the medieval city of Bruges, goes back to the mid 16th century when at that time there were over 30 breweries in Bruges. Since 1856 the brewery has been owned by six generations of the Maes family.
Straffe Hendrik
In 1981 Véronique Maes introduced a new beer to celebrate the unveiling of a statue of St Arnold in Bruges. Because the beer was stronger than other beers it acquired the name of Straffe Hendrik (Strong Henry).
The Non-Brewing Brewery
Although Straffe Hendrik was very successful, the Straffe Hendrik brand was taken over by Riva in 1988 and by 2002 its production was transferred to Rivas own brewery. This left the Maes family with a brewery minus the beer.
De Halve Moon Brewery Springs Back to Life
In 2005 De Halve Maan brewery sprang back into life with the launch of a brand new beer called Brugse Zot. Xavier Vanneste the son of Véronique Maes completely renovated the brewery and then developed a unique new recipe for the beer which uses four different kinds of malt and two varieties of hop.
Brugse Zot
Brugse Zot has the distinction of being the only beer now brewed right in the centre of Bruges. Jackson describes Brugse Zot as “an almost iridescent pale bronze colour; a blossomy “hops in the brew house” aroma; a fruity palate reminiscent of peach sorbet; and a light, appetising dryness in the finish”.
The fools of Bruges
The official website of De Halve Maan brewery explains how Brugse Zot takes its name from a story that goes back to the 1400s when Maximillian of Austria visited Bruges. On his arrival the locals organised a “colourful parade of merrymakers and fools”. At the end of the festivities when Maximlliam was asked for a contribution towards a new madhouse he replied: “Today I have seen nothing but fools. Bruges is already one large madhouse!” Ever since that visit the people of Bruges have been known as Brugse Zotten (fools of Bruges).
Tour of De Halve Maan Brewery in Bruges
During the 45-minute tour of the brewery a multi-lingual guide tells you all about the history of brewing and you will see how Brugse Zot is made today. The brewery is still housed in its original building and is spread over a number of different floors. As you make your way up to the top of the building the stairs become narrower and steeper but after the final climb onto the roof terrace you are rewarded with a wonderful view of Bruges. The final reward is back at ground level when you get a complimentary refreshing glass of Brugse Zot.
For further information
address: De Halve Maan, Walpein 26, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
telephone: +32 (0)50 33 26 97
website: www.halvemaan.be
email: info@halvemaan.be
