Since 2016, the Belgian beer culture has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List. And that beer is well represented in Mechelen. If you visit the city, it’s hard to skip a glass of Mechelen pride.
Mechelse Bruynen, the favourite beer of Emperor Charles, is a barley beer that has been brewed since 1433. The contemporary version is a bit heavier and more hoppy, but still a tribute to the original recipe. The famous Gouden Carolus takes its name from the coin that was minted during Charles V’s reign.
A special beer is the Cuvée of the Emperor, which is brewed only once a year on 24 February, the birthday of Emperor Charles. Het Anker brewery traditionally opens its doors to the public that day. Fun fact: this refined version of the Gouden Carolus gets better the longer you keep it. Since 2009, Mechelen also has a real city beer, the Maneblusser. That specialty beer soon won a place in the hearts of the people of Mechelen.
Het Anker Brewery
Here you can taste the award-winning Gouden Carolus and Mechelse Felle, brewed according to centuries-old traditions. At Het Anker brewery, history, taste and hospitality come together. You can take a tour of the historic brewery and whisky distillery, followed by a drink in the brasserie restaurant. This is how you experience Mechelen with a good glass and a good story.
Guido Gezellelaan 49, 2800 Mechelen
Batteliek
In a former church in Battel, near Mechelen, you will discover Batteliek: an off-the-wall microbrewery, distillery and lemonade factory. Stimulate your senses with surprising beers, spirits and lemonades, and taste an experimental cuisine in a setting overflowing with Belgian surrealism. Do you feel like having a go at brewing or distilling? Take a workshop and create your own elixir. Or just curl up on a couch and enjoy the moment.
Wolverbosstraat 42, 2800 Mechelen
House brewery Karrelees
Since 2020, Karrelees in Leest has been brewing craft beers that follow the rhythm of nature. Each bottle is unique, and you can taste them on the inviting terrace. At Karrelees, craftsmanship and taste come together, just a stone’s throw from Mechelen.
Grote Heide 18 bis, 2811 Leest (Mechelen)
Share
