Brouwerij De Halve Maan
Brouwerij De Halve Maan is located in the heart of Bruges, home to beer brands such as Brugse Zot, Straffe Hendrik and Blanches De Bruges. This is the story of a Bruges brewing family that has always believed in authentic Bruges beer.
Over the years, many beers have been reviewed. There was blonde, brown, sometimes a bit hoppier or a bit sweeter, but the care for an honest, high-quality product remained the main thing. The now 6 generations of the family had to continually adapt to changing consumer demands.
From this concern to maintain family traditions, but also to modernize the brewery, a strong individuality grew that makes their brewery strong. They have been brewing unique beers in their brewery on Walplein since the 19th century.
The art of brewing has been passed on from generation to generation and with Xavier Vanneste as the sixth generation at the helm, traditions are upheld. From home delivery by horse and cart to a unique beer pipeline to transport their beer, the brewery has continued to innovate over the centuries.
Now De Halve Maan is the last authentic family brewery in the historic center of Bruges and they can look back on a rich history.
Products from Brouwerij De Halve Maan
Buy De Halve Maan Beers in Our Webshop
At Belgian Beer Heaven, you’ll find over 1,600 Belgian beers, including of course those from De Halve Maan in Bruges. Curious about the taste or already have a favorite in mind? Order easily online and enjoy the following benefits:
- Free pickup or fast delivery
- Order before 12 PM, shipped the next business day
- Compact and sturdy packaging, including insurance against breakage
The Straffe Hendrik Legacy That Put De Halve Maan on the Map in Bruges
The story of De Halve Maan begins in 1856, when Leon ‘Henri I’ Maes becomes the owner of the Bruges brewery. He is succeeded by his sons Henri II and Achère, who take inspiration from England to modernize the business and brew English-style beers. After both pass away at a young age, their widows take over the brewery and lead it through World War I.
Henri III follows in his father’s footsteps, travels to Germany to study, and modernizes the equipment. From 1919 onward, De Halve Maan also begins producing bottom-fermented beer. He continues innovating by launching a bock beer and a light pils, both of which become local hits. After World War II, he adapts to modern trends by distributing not only beer but also water, soft drinks, and cola—first by horse and cart, later by truck.
In 1958, Henri IV officially takes over the brewery. Under the leadership of father and son, De Halve Maan enters a golden era. In 1981, granddaughter Veronique Maes joins the company, becoming one of the first female brewers in Belgium. Together with her father, she launches Straffe Hendrik, a tribute to the strong Henris in the family.
The World-Famous Beer Pipeline of De Halve Maan
In 1997 and 2005, the historic brewery building is renovated and upgraded. The Walplein site, which houses the Bruges Brewery Museum in its cellar, is today a popular tourist attraction. In 2005, Xavier Vanneste, Veronique’s son, joins the team and helps launch Brugse Zot. The growing popularity of their house beers forces De Halve Maan to expand production. In 2010, a new bottling facility opens just outside the city center.
The new bottling plant leads to increased truck traffic in central Bruges. Relocating the brewery is not an option. In 2016, De Halve Maan finds the perfect solution: a 3-kilometer-long underground beer pipeline connecting the brewery with the bottling site. Thanks to this innovation, De Halve Maan remains the last authentic family-owned brewery in the historic heart of Bruges.
The pipeline was partially funded through crowdfunding, just like the solar panels and water purification system at the new facility. These sustainable investments ensure that future generations can keep enjoying the beers of De Halve Maan—not just in Belgium, but worldwide. The brewery exports to around 40 countries and has branches in Mexico, Brazil, and China.
Wide Range of Halve Maan Bruges Beers at Belgian Beer Heaven
In our webshop, you’ll find different versions of Brugse Zot, Straffe Hendrik, and other beers from De Halve Maan Brewery in Bruges. The styles vary greatly, but they all share a distinct taste, a respect for tradition, and a strong character.
- Brugse Zot Blond: the official city beer of Bruges, this golden special beer has a rich foam, complex character, and spicy aromas. Its 6% ABV makes it balanced and easy to drink.
- Brugse Zot Dubbel: a stronger version of Brugse Zot with a distinctive bitter touch. Six unique malts and 7.5% ABV give it a rich aroma.
- Brugse Zot Sportzot: according to De Halve Maan, this was Belgium’s first non-alcoholic special beer in 2018, made by naturally dealcoholizing Brugse Zot Blond without compromising flavor.
- Brugse Bok: a chestnut-brown seasonal beer inspired by the German and Dutch bock beer tradition, with 6.5% ABV and a full malty aroma.
- Straffe Hendrik: since its first brew in 1981, this name refers to several variants paying tribute to the many ‘Henris’ behind the success of De Halve Maan.
- Straffe Hendrik Tripel: a bold, full-bodied tripel with 9% ABV, refermented in the bottle for long shelf life.
- Straffe Hendrik Quadrupel: according to the brewery, this is Belgium’s first quadrupel—a rich, complex and particularly dark beer.
- Straffe Hendrik Wild: a limited edition Straffe Hendrik, refermented in the bottle with wild yeast. It reaches 10% ABV and develops unique flavors over time.
- Straffe Hendrik Heritage: a limited Straffe Hendrik Quadrupel infused beer aged for over a year in oak barrels, reaching up to 11% ABV.
- Straffe Hendrik X-mas Blend: as the name suggests, a winter beer with 11% ABV, not part of the brewery’s permanent lineup.
- Brugs Witbier: now sold as Blanche de Bruges, this wheat beer has 5% ABV, a refreshing spicy finish, and a pleasantly bitter aftertaste.
Craving a typical Bruges beer? Discover the full selection above and order easily in our webshop.
