Hoegaarden Brewery

Hoegaarden logo

Hoegaarden Brewery is a brewery located in the village of Hoegaarden, in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium. It is renowned for its production of wheat beer, particularly the Hoegaarden Witbier, which is a traditional Belgian-style white beer.

History

The history of Hoegaarden Brewery dates back to the early 15th century when the village of Hoegaarden became known for its beer production. The local monks were instrumental in developing the unique brewing techniques that characterize Hoegaarden beers. The brewery itself was officially established in 1445.

In the 1950s, the popularity of wheat beers declined, leading to the closure of many breweries in the region. However, in 1966, Pierre Celis, a milkman from Hoegaarden, revived the tradition by starting a small brewery in his hay loft. His efforts led to the resurgence of the Hoegaarden Witbier.

Products

Hoegaarden Brewery is best known for its Hoegaarden Witbier, a Belgian-style wheat beer that is brewed with a blend of barley, wheat, and oats. The beer is flavored with coriander and orange peel, giving it a distinctive, refreshing taste. Other products include:

• Hoegaarden Rosée: A fruity variant of the traditional witbier, brewed with raspberries.
• Hoegaarden Grand Cru: A stronger, more robust version of the witbier.
• Hoegaarden Julius: A golden ale with a higher alcohol content.

Brewing Process

The brewing process at Hoegaarden Brewery involves traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. The key steps include:

• Mashing: Mixing the grains with hot water to convert starches into fermentable sugars.
• Boiling: Boiling the wort with hops and other flavoring agents.
• Fermentation: Adding yeast to the wort to convert sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
• Conditioning: Allowing the beer to mature and develop its flavors.

Cultural Impact

Hoegaarden Brewery has had a significant impact on the global beer industry. Its revival of the witbier style has inspired many other breweries to produce their own versions of wheat beer. The brewery is also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who are interested in learning about traditional Belgian brewing techniques.

See Also

• Beer in Belgium
• Belgian beer
• Wheat beer
• Pierre Celis

Related Pages

• Beer
• Brewing
• Belgian cuisine
• Flemish Brabant