Seef Beer from Antwerp: Traditional recipe, rediscovered

The Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie is known for its famous “Seef Bier.” Not only can you buy it in many local shops, but you can also enjoy it in their taproom.

The History of Seef Beer

Antwerp, once considered one of Europe’s most important beer cities, had lost many of its local breweries and traditional beers over the course of the 20th century. Johan Van Dyck, a passionate beer lover from Antwerp, wanted to revive the city’s lost brewing tradition. He set out in search of old, almost forgotten beer recipes.

He was not inexperienced when it came to beer, having worked for several years as the marketing director at Duvel. While leafing through books, he discovered that Seefbier once existed in Antwerp. The beer was known as the “Champagne of the working class” and had been completely forgotten. What remained was the term Seefhoek (the Seef district) north of the old town. But he couldn’t find a recipe for the beer.

The Rediscovery of Seef Beer

Johan began intensive research, combing through old brewery books, speaking with historians, and searching for old master brewers to reconstruct the original recipe. Finally, he discovered a handwritten recipe for the beer in an attic. He learned that special old yeast strains, a regional hop variety, and buckwheat were part of the beer.

This was the starting signal for a period of intense work. Fortunately, he found the specific yeast strain in an old yeast database and began his first brewing trials in 2011. It didn’t take long for the beer’s taste to satisfy the test drinkers. With the rediscovered recipe, Johan founded the Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie in 2012.

In 2012, the first public tasting took place at Antwerp’s city hall, and within a few days, all the brewed beer was gone. It was clear that larger brewing capacities had to be organized to meet the demand.

Contract brewing in an old brewery began. Success was not far behind. The beer was not only enthusiastically received in Belgium but also won numerous international awards, including gold medals at the renowned World Beer Cup and the World Beer Awards.

Final Step: Their Own Brewery

In the long run, contract brewing is not economical, and van Dyck did not want to sell the recipe. He needed his own brewery. Money was tight, and with the help of crowdfunding, 1000 people invested in the Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie project. Above a certain investment sum, they received a lifetime supply of the beer. I certainly would have invested in that.

In the port area of Antwerp, there was an old brick building, a former pumping station from the 19th century. Here, with great attention to detail, not only the brewery but also a taproom and a beer garden were created. Since 2017, 30,000 hectoliters can be produced here annually.

A Visit to the Taproom

We wanted to eat something during our visit to the Seef Brewery, so I booked a table just in case. Luckily! It was a bit too chilly for the beer garden that day, and the tables inside the brewery were well-filled. Without a reservation, we would have hardly found a spot. It only became a bit quieter when a larger group, who apparently had experienced a beer tasting, left the brewery, and spontaneous guests could also find a seat.

Visually, the brewery is quite impressive. On one side, the silver brewing kettles gleam; there is a gallery where you can sit comfortably and some tables near the bar. We really liked the atmosphere.

Whether for food or drinks – you order and pay directly at the bar. The food is brought to the table; you take the drinks with you yourself.

The food we chose was quite typical for a brewery. Patrick chose a huge burger with great homemade fries, and I had fish and chips. Both portions were quite large for our eating habits, and we enjoyed it. But really, we were at the brewery to drink the beer…

The Legendary Seef Beer

The flagship of the brewery is the Seef Beer. Of course, we drank this beer, and I would have loved to take a keg home with me. With 6.5% ABV, Seef Beer offers the perfect balance between strength and enjoyment. It is a classic beer that does without the typical Belgian experimental spirit.

A tempting, pale yellow, and cloudy beer with a generous creamy white head awaited me. Even before the first sip, I noticed light, fresh herbal notes and fruity citrus and banana aromas. The beer is quaffable, smooth in taste, and has excellently balanced aromas that unfold in the mouth with the first sip.

This beer is aimed at lovers of Triples and Blonde beers. It gets a very special rounded taste from bottle conditioning.

In the glass, the beer lover can expect a beer in which different types of tea have been blended using a uniquely developed infusion process. The fruity notes from the tea mix perfectly with the yeast aromas. The flavor palette ranges from fruity (grapefruit, green tea) to very dry. An interesting combination that makes you want more.

Eilandje

FFor me, this is a great summer beer with a lot of fruit! From the first sip, a real tropical cocktail of mango, coconut, and tropical fruits, all from the hops, unfolded in my mouth. The dry-hopped beer tastes almost sweet and creamy-smooth, not bitter at all.

Beer lovers who like NEIPAs will love this interpretation!

Super CADIX

Sometimes (and for me, quite often) you choose a beer based on its label. Especially when I don’t know a beer, the label—and sometimes a look at other people’s glasses—entices me to drink it. Occasionally, it doesn’t suit my taste at all, and sometimes it turns out to be a lucky find. Like this time.

In the glass, a fresh, foamy blonde beer awaited me. Even before the first sip, I perceived a rich hop aroma – tropical fruits, citrus, and a light floral note. The taste: Like a Pilsner! I love it!

Bootjes Bier

To finish, we had an amber-colored beer that is a tribute to the historic “Red Star Line.” Here, American influences are combined with Belgian brewing art.

How Was the Evening?

For us, it was one of the best brewery visits during our stay. Everything was just right here: a great location, good beer, a pleasant atmosphere, and good food. The visit convinced us, and for beer lovers, it is a “must-do” when in Antwerp. If you wish, you can also take a brewery tour.

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Indiëstraat 21,
2000 Antwerpen – Belgien

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