Visit Bosteels brewery

What could be better than a delicious regional beer with friends on a sunny terrace? Two delicious regional beers of course. Kwak and Tripel Karmeliet are two beloved beers from Bosteels brewery. The tour of their brewery is just as delightful. 

No lack of history here: the Bosteels family has been gathering experience for over two hundred years and across seven generations. Since 1791, the family has brewed their popular beer without interruption, even throughout the world wars. The brewery has such an impact in the region that three of the seven generations have produced a mayor for Buggenhout. That's not to be underestimated and adds fuel to the stories that you hear in the tour today.

Blond beer on the menu

Much work is required by a brewery in order to launch a popular beer, and appeal to a wide audience. At the beginning of the last century, the fifth generation focused hard on expanding sales to Ghent, Antwerp and Brussels. In 1980, Ivo Bosteels reinvented Kwak, which marked the start of some very strong brands for the brewery. 

Not long after, Bosteels brewery added a second great beer to their range with Tripel Karmeliet. The rise of blonde regional beer was spotted in good time and still continues today. Flanders, and meanwhile the rest of the world, is fond of the diverse and hoppy taste explosions. 

The last but one beer, if we can call it that, is DeuS. With its very own creative approach to the brewing process, DeuS Brut des Flandres is best drunk in a fluted glass. In this way, the brewery continues its tradition of launching its innovations at the perfect time to make them shine. And above all be appreciated. 

And those wishing to taste the brewery's very latest creation can ask for the Monte Cristo: a dark speciality beer, with a smooth flavour and complex character. Those paying attention will taste the subtle notes of hazelnut and chocolate. The specific secret of this beer lies in the oak and sherry maturation. 

Behind the scenes

As mentioned earlier, the best things come in twos. The tasting during the tour is the proof of the pudding: two beers are offered along with the appropriate expert explanation and historical background. In two hours, the professional guide immerses you in the world of Bosteels brewery, from the brewing process to the tale behind each brew.

The audience in the banquet hall receive an expert introduction in several languages: Dutch, French or English. Then it's time for the tour of the actual brewery. From the impressive brewing hall to the bottling station, you can watch every step in the brewing process. The giant tanks where the beer ferments will also stop you in your tracks. 

End with a bang by sampling the two beers while hearing an explanation from the guide. You'll learn how the beer reached your glass and how to optimise your enjoyment of this 33 cl golden nectar. The beer will undoubtedly be appreciated by a wider audience, which is why you can also treat your good friends and family to a gift from the shop. 

If you don't want to buy something for all your family and friends, you'd better just take them with you. Guided tours are organised for 12 to 40 people and are offered during the week and on Saturdays. Individuals or small groups can join fixed tours, which you can find on the website of Bosteels brewery. Reservations can be made on visit@kwak.karmeliet.be or 052/33.23.23!

A handy summary

• Point of departure: Kerkstraat 96, 9255 Buggenhout
• Website: www.bestbelgianspecialbeers.be
• Contact: +32 52 33 23 23 or visit@kwak.karmeliet.be 
• Reservation: daily except Sundays and bank holidays
• Duration of activity: 2 hours
• Number of participants: 12 - 40 people