Our brewery through the ages
Created by Jean-Baptiste Bosteels in 1791 — 39 years before the Kingdom of Belgium even existed — the family brewery will go on to inspire seven generations of Bosteels to dedicate their lives to mastering the demanding art of Belgian brewing.
After the death of Antoine Bosteels Sr. in 1958, his wife Adrienne leads the brewery through difficult times, until Ivo and his brothers are old enough to step in.
In the 60s and 70s, Belgian specialty beers are hit by an increasing demand for pilsners. To survive, the Bosteels rely on their pale ales and pilsners, until Ivo finally dares to introduce a new specialty beer, Kwak, in the mid 80s.
In 1993, eager to follow in Ivo’s footsteps and create his own beer, Antoine, his son, joins the company. He’s thinking about a Tripel, but not any Tripel. He finds the inspiration for his 3-grain beer in a local bakery, fascinated by their multi-grained bread.
At the end of the 20th century, as he discovers a historical 1679 beer recipe relating to the Carmelite (or Karmelieten) abbey, in Dendermonde, he realises it’s almost identical to the 3-grain recipe he’s been patiently and passionately refining for the past three years.
Visit the brewery
After a warm welcome in our bar, our guide will take you through the brewery. You will discover the heritage of our brewery and the story of Tripel Karmeliet.
You will learn the whole brewing process, from the brewhouse with our copper kettles to our bottling line, while passing by the fermentation kettles.
We will end the visit with a tasting session of two beers, and you will have the opportunity to purchase some beers, gift-packs and diverse branded articles.
Book a tour
Visit the brewery founded in 1791. See the brewer’s house by architect Louis Minard, the courtyard, family residence, old tower, copper brew house, and tasting room from the 1860s. Walk in the footsteps of brewing masters who crafted Tripel Karmeliet. Discover the refined techniques of seven generations and enjoy a unique tasting.
Contact Information
We can welcome groups from 10 to 40 people.
A tour can be booked during the week or on Saturdays.
Booking: per email to visit@kwak.karmeliet.be
For further information, you can reach us per phone or email :
+3252.33.23.23
We look forward to welcoming you at the brewery soon.
FAQ
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, tastings included in this time.
The price for a tour is €15,00 per person, including the 2 tastings. You will be welcomed by our professional guides.
Unfortunately, the tour is currently not accessible for wheelchairs. The tour includes about 80 stairs.
Located in the middle of Buggenhout town, we can suggest the following parking facilities
Address: Kerkstraat 96, 9255 Buggenhout