Mechelen is a beer city. The Het Anker brewery brews Belgian-style beers that are known far beyond the region’s borders. You can experience the quality of the beer for yourself on a guided tour of the brewery followed by a tasting.
What is so special about Belgian beers?
One of the most striking features of Belgian beers is the incredible variety of styles. From the sweet and fruity lambics to the strong and complex abbey beers – the range is almost limitless.
Some of the best-known varieties are, for example, Trappist beer (brewed in Trappist monasteries), lambic beers (produced by spontaneous fermentation with wild yeast in the air, with a rather sour taste), Belgian strong ale (e.g. Duvel, with a high alcohol content and intense aromas) and Witbier (wheat beer, light beer often flavored with coriander and orange peel).
Other names such as Dubbel, Tripel or Quadrupel refer to the strength and intensity of the beers.
Dubbel: Dark, malty and slightly sweet
Tripel: Lighter, stronger and more complex
Quadrupel: Very strong, dark and rich, often with notes of dried fruit and caramel.
History of Het Anker Brewery
The origins of the brewery can be traced back to 1471. At that time, a brewery was founded in the Great Beguinage of Mechelen. This was run by the beguines (religious women who lived in monastery-like communities). These women brewed beer to support their community financially and to provide for the local inhabitants. Beer was an important alternative to unclean water at the time and was considered a staple food.
Over the centuries, the brewery changed hands several times. The brewery’s location, close to the trade routes between Antwerp and Brussels, contributed significantly to its growth.
Het Anker family business
In 1872, the Van Breedam family took over the brewery and gave it the name Het Anker (“The Anchor”). The family modernized the brewery and introduced new techniques without forgetting its traditional roots. The range was expanded to include lagers and ale.
In the 1950s, production was switched to the production of top-fermented beers, a decisive turning point in the brewery’s history. It was also at this time that the famous Gouden Carolus range of beers was launched, named after Emperor Charles V (“Keizer Karel” in Dutch), who grew up in Mechelen and, according to tradition, was a great beer lover.
The introduction of the Gouden Carolus series marked a new era for Het Anker. This type of beer, known for its rich, complex and malty aromas, is now the brewery’s flagship beer. The Gouden Carolus Classic in particular, a dark, full-bodied beer, won numerous awards and made the brewery famous far beyond Belgium’s borders.
Over the years, other variants of the Gouden Carolus range have been developed, including the golden Gouden Carolus Tripel, the strong Gouden Carolus Cuvée van de Keizer (a limited special version) and the modern Gouden Carolus Whisky Infused, which is refined with whisky from the brewery’s own distillery.
Brewery today
In recent decades, Het Anker has expanded its activities. In 2010, the brewery opened its own whisky distillery, De Molenberg, which produces Gouden Carolus single malt whisky. This whisky is made from the same malts as the brewery’s beers, creating a unique link between beer and whisky production. Het Anker also operates a brewery hotel and a restaurant.
Today, Het Anker Brewery is run by the fifth generation of the Van Breedam family. Despite its expansion and modernization, the brewery remains true to its mission: to brew unique beers with tradition and character.
Het Anker successfully combines centuries-old craftsmanship with a sense of innovation and contemporary trends. The brewery also plays an important role in preserving Belgium’s beer heritage, which was recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage in 2016.
What beers are brewed at Het Anker?
In addition to the beers that are available in the permanent range, there are also seasonal beers. The brewery is best known worldwide for the Gouden Carolus range. These beers are characterized by their balance between malty, fruity and spicy notes, created by the use of special yeast strains and carefully selected malts.
Gouden Carolus Classic
A dark, malty beer with rich and complex aromas. It combines notes of caramel, chocolate and dried fruit. The beer has a very round taste. I found it to be very sweet, with subtle flavors. For me, it’s a pleasure beer that goes well with hearty food.
Gouden Carolus Tripel
This beer is brewed according to a recipe that goes back to the brewing traditions of the monasteries. It is a classic Belgian Tripel. A pale, strong beer with fruity and spicy notes. It has a pleasant dryness and a fine balance between malt and yeast.
When tasting this beer, it is noticeable that it tastes slightly of coriander. The chamomile added to the beer masks the alcohol taste somewhat. I liked the taste.
Gouden Carolus Cuvée van de Keizer
This beer is a tribute to Emperor Charles V, who grew up in Mechelen. It is brewed every year on February 24, the birthday of Emperor Charles V. There are two versions: a dark and a golden one.
Gouden Carolus Whisky Infused
The Gouden Carolus Whisky Infused combines the brewing and distilling skills of Het Anker. The dark beer is refined with whisky from the company’s own distillery. Unfortunately, this beer did not suit my taste. I found it too strong and the whisky was too dominant for me.
Maneblusser
My favorite beer from the brewery is Maneblusser. The name “Maneblusser” (moonshine) is a reference to a local legend from Mechelen. It is not quite as strong, refreshing and fruity. The blonde beer is drinkable and goes perfectly with a good meal.
Brewery tour
It is possible to learn more about the brewery and the beer during a brewery tour. Tours are offered on certain dates. These are mainly in Dutch, but English tours are also offered from time to time.
On the tour we went on, the tour guide had to speak both languages. This made him seem very rushed to me and (as a German you do understand Dutch a little) he didn’t say exactly in English what he was saying in Dutch. When he realized that the topic of beer brewing was not unknown to us, he only told us the specifics.
In addition to the ingredients that go into every beer, i.e. water, yeast, hops and malt, the brewers at Het Anker Brewery also use some quite unusual ingredients for their beers. For example, chamomile, coriander, liquorice, cinnamon and star anise are used for flavoring.
The tour leads up many steps (often quite steep and narrow) through the building. Storage rooms and brewing kettles are shown. There are short breaks at several stations and you will of course also learn something about the history of the brewery.
I also found the short excursion into whisky production and storage very interesting. We visited a warehouse full of barrels and got a small taste of a whisky.
Tasting
The one-hour tour naturally ended with a beer tasting. You should allow about 30 minutes for this. Before we were allowed to drink the beer, however, we learned how to taste a beer. In other words, the smell, the color, the foam and only then the taste. Two different beers were on offer: Gouden Carolus Whisky Infused and Gouden Carolus Tripel. I liked the Tripel better.
As a small memento of the tour, each participant was given a beer glass, which of course is best filled with a beer from Het Anker Brewery.
By car:
Mechelen is centrally located in Flanders, about halfway between Brussels and Antwerp. The brewery is easily accessible via the E19 and N1 highways. There are parking facilities on site.
On foot:
The brewery is about a 25-minute walk from Mechelen train station.
Opening hours
Opening hours
Guided tours for groups:
By appointment, from 11:00 am. Groups must consist of at least 12 people.
Individual tours:
It is recommended to check the exact times and availability on the brewery’s official website or inquire by phone.
Buy tickets
Admission prices
The prices for guided tours and tastings vary depending on the offer. There are standard tours and extended tours with additional tastings. For exact information on prices, we recommend contacting the brewery directly or visiting the website.
Good to know
What experiences does the brewery offer visitors?
Guided tours of the brewery: Visitors can learn about the history of the brewery, tour the production facilities and find out more about how the famous beers are made. Tastings: After the tour, there is the opportunity to taste the brewery’s beers. Restaurant and hotel: The brewery has its own restaurant serving Belgian specialties, as well as a hotel for overnight stays right on the premises.
How long does a brewery tour last?
The tours usually last around 1 to 1.5 hours. They include an introduction to the history of the brewery, a tour of the production facilities and a beer tasting.
Do I have to book the tour in advance?
It is recommended to book the tour in advance, especially at weekends or in high season. The number of places is limited. Information on booking can be found on the brewery’s official website.
What languages are offered on the guided tours?
The guided tours are generally offered in Dutch, English and French.
Is parking available on site?
Yes, the brewery offers parking facilities for visitors. Alternatively, it is also easily accessible on foot.
Can I buy the beers on site?
Yes, the brewery has a store where visitors can buy Het Anker beers and other products such as Gouden Carolus whisky.
Are there any gastronomic offers?
Yes, the brewery’s brasserie offers a selection of Belgian dishes. These go perfectly with the beers from Het Anker.
Is it possible to stay overnight near the brewery?
Yes, Het Anker has its own hotel directly on the brewery premises.
The brewery visit took place as part of a research trip to Mechelen.
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