Brasserie Vandenkerckhoven

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Vandenkerckhoven label, source: brasseries-uccle-rhode.net

History

Founded in 1876 as "J.B. Herbos VVe. & fils" in Brussels at OLV Van Vaakstraat 79-85. Renamed "Brasserie L'Etoile" in 1893. Between 1904 and 1908, Brasserie L'Etoile was owned by A.J. Vandenkerckhoven. Renamed Vandenkerckhoven in 1940. Offices were located at Boulevard Barthelemy 39.

In 1948 the brewery merged with De Coster-Heymans, officially becoming Vandenkerckhoven-De Coster-Heymans. Previously De Coster-Heymans had been a subdivision of Vandenkerckhoven since 1932. Finally the brewery merged with Brasseries Unies in 1963, which was acquired by Belle-Vue and closed in 1969.

Kriekenlambic, Gueuze, and Lambic were brewed according to traditional methods. The brewery itself performed all phases of the brewing process: from grinding grain with a millstone (very rare in a brewery), barreling, and bottling of the beer. The millstone remained in the building until 1975.

According to a 1914 account from the brewery owner, the working conditions for the brewery workers were as follows: The workers generally lived in Dilbeek and the surrounding area, during the week most slept in the district or in the brewery itself. They were given food at the brewery, and at the end of the week they received a 20 liter oak cask of beer to take home.

Until 1957 there were about fifty employees, and an annual production at about 8,000 barrels.

Timeline

• 1876: Herbos brewery founded
• 1893: Renamed Brasserie L'Etoile
• 1904: Ownership transferred to A.J. Vandenkerckhoven
• 1948: Official Merger with De Coster-Heymans
• 1963: Merged with Brasserie Unies
• 1969: Brasserie Unies closed

Beers

• Gueuze
• Gueuze-Lambic
• Krieken-Lambic
• Lambic

Photos

• Vandenkerckhoven Gueuze-Lambic label, source: Mistertbman, Ebay
• 1948 brewery invoice, source: Leupsstimbiet, delcampe.net
• 1958 brewery invoice, source: jpm876669, delcampe.net
• Brewery letterhead, 1950's

Links/References

Historical info (source: brasseries-uccle-rhode.net)

Almanac listing with address.