Brouwerij Het Anker

Brouwerij Het Anker is one of the oldest breweries in Belgium, with roots dating back to the early 15th century. At that time, the Groot Begijnhof in Mechelen housed a brewery connected to the local hospital. In 1471, Charles the Bold granted tax exemption on the beer brewed there for the beguines and their officers – an early testament to the site’s importance.

In 1872, the brewery was bought by the Van Breedam family, who already had experience in distillation. They modernised the business with a steam boiler and focused on brewing special beers inspired by Mechelen’s rich history among the Burgundians. In 1904, the name officially became Brouwerij Het Anker. During the First World War, the brewery was largely dismantled by the German occupiers, but it quickly recovered and flourished in the interbellum.

From the 1960s onwards, traditional specialty beers were resolutely chosen instead of pilsner. Under the leadership of Michel Van Breedam, Gouden Carolus grew into the showpiece of the brewery, with success far beyond Belgium.

In 1990, Charles Leclef, fifth generation, took over the helm. He invested heavily in renovation and expansion. In addition to the brewery, a restaurant, a hotel, a microbrewery and guided tours were added – making Het Anker a real experience place.

In 2010, a whisky distillery was established in the 17th-century family farm in Blaasveld. There, grain whisky is distilled from the malt mash of Gouden Carolus Tripel. In 2013, the first Gouden Carolus Single Malt was launched, a new success.

Het Anker remains true to its roots: quality over quantity, anchored in Mechelen, but with international ambitions. The combination of tradition and innovation is the common thread through five generations of craftsmanship.

A new chapter began in 2025: Brewery Het Anker joined forces with Brewery Huyghe. This collaboration combines two strong heritage brands with shared values ​​around sustainability, quality and innovation. Thanks to Huyghe's international network, Het Anker can continue its growth path without losing its unique identity: Mechelen tradition, craftsmanship and taste experience.