De Dolle Brouwers

De Dolle Brouwers

De Dolle Brouwers Brewery Door

De Dolle Brouwers is a renowned Belgian brewery located in Esen, a village in the municipality of Diksmuide, in the province of West Flanders, Belgium. The brewery is celebrated for its artisanal approach to brewing and its distinctive, flavorful beers.

History

De Dolle Brouwers, which translates to "The Mad Brewers," was founded in 1980 by the Herteleer brothers, Kris and Jo. The brewery was established in a former brewery building that dates back to 1835, originally known as the Costenoble Brewery. The Herteleer brothers revitalized the site, bringing new life to the historic brewing tradition of the region.

Kris Herteleer, co-founder of De Dolle Brouwers

Kris Herteleer, an architect by training, took on the role of head brewer. His passion for brewing and his innovative spirit have been instrumental in the brewery's success. The brewery's name reflects the brothers' unconventional and creative approach to brewing.

Brewing Philosophy

De Dolle Brouwers is known for its commitment to traditional brewing methods combined with a willingness to experiment. The brewery uses high-quality ingredients, including local hops and malt, and employs open fermentation techniques. This approach results in beers with complex flavors and aromas.

The brewery is also known for its distinctive bottle designs and labels, which often feature whimsical and artistic elements.

Beers

De Dolle Brouwers produces a range of beers, each with its own unique character. Some of the most popular offerings include:

• Oerbier: A strong dark ale with a rich, malty flavor and a hint of fruitiness.
• Arabier: A pale ale with a hoppy aroma and a crisp, refreshing taste.
• Dulle Teve: Also known as "Mad Bitch," this is a strong tripel with a complex, spicy flavor profile.
• Stille Nacht: A Christmas ale brewed with pale malt and candy sugar, known for its warming, sweet taste.

Mash tun at De Dolle Brouwers

Brewery Tours

De Dolle Brouwers offers tours of its facilities, allowing visitors to experience the brewing process firsthand. The tours provide insight into the brewery's history, brewing techniques, and the unique characteristics of its beers.

Visitors can explore the brewery's mash tun, fermentation tanks, and bottling line, gaining a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in brewing.

Bottling line at De Dolle Brouwers

Cultural Impact

De Dolle Brouwers has played a significant role in the resurgence of interest in Belgian craft beers. Its innovative approach and high-quality products have earned it a loyal following both in Belgium and internationally.

The brewery is also a part of the local community, contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of the region.

Related Pages

• Belgian beer
• List of breweries in Belgium
• Beer in Belgium