Our story, since 1858.
MORE THAN 160 YEARS OF TRADITION, QUALITY AND EXPERTISE
It all began in 1858 when Martin Belot, farmer in Purnode, brew a beer for the first time in his farm’s outbuildings. At first, the beer was produced only in winter, the staff not being busy with field work outside of the high season. Moreover, the discovery in Purnode of a layer of water exceptional for its quality and quantity, was a great asset.
The brewery offered the customers a wide range of products, from table beers to strong beers
through a range of densities, colors, bitternesses and tastes. The brewer assured the distribution of his products on his own and in a relatively small radius around the Brewery. In the early twentieth century, La Gauloise,
currently the oldest brand still produced at the Brewery, a brown high fermented beer was brewed for the first time. From the right beginning, this beer was an undoubted success.
The Brewery was incorporated into a limited company in 1949. Independent of any Belgian or foreign brewer, it still beholds its own family nature. In 1960, the agricultural activity and the door to door deliveries of the Brewery are permanently abandoned. This is the beginning of distribution through supermarkets, drink markets and traders in beer. With the recovery of the Central Brewery Marbaix -La-Tour in 1967, the Brasserie du Bocq added two new beers to its product range: the SAISON REGAL that is currently the GAULOISE AMBREE, and whose idea gave birth in 2013 to the SAISON 1858 and the CHRISTMAS REGAL, since renamed GAULOISE CHRISTMAS. It is at this point, that the Belot family decided to direct their beer manufacturing only to the production of special high fermentation beers with secondary fermentation in the bottle.
In 1983, Brasserie du Bocq abandons the exploitation of Central Brasserie Marbaix -La-Tour, to bring all the beer production back to Purnode where the production tools have been radically modernized on the basis of equity. Taking advantage of the craze for traditional beers, Brasserie du Bocq starts exporting. And it is a success.
Indeed, Belgian beers have gained an excellent reputation worldwide. Brasserie du Bocq exports mainly to France, the Netherlands, Italy, Britain, Spain, Switzerland, Finland, Australia, Japan, China, Sweden, the United States Brazil, Russia, Ukraine, etc ... In seven years, the production has doubled reaching 114.683,31 hectoliters in 2018. With a current turnover of more than € 14.8 million, the Brasserie du Bocq is one of the largest independent breweries in Wallonia.
The beers brewed and sold by Brasserie du Bocq are: BLANCHE DE NAMUR, BLANCHE DE NAMUR ROSEE, BLANCHE DE NAMUR APPLE, BLANCHE DE NAMUR HOP' N SPICE, GAULOISE BLONDE, AMBREE, BRUNE, TRIPLE 10 and CHRISTMAS, SAISON 1858, TRIPLE MOINES, DEUGNIET, TETE DE MORT TRIPLE and TETE DE MORT RED, to be enjoyed at all times.
Today in Purnode, although the BELOT family has sold its assets to the Keersmaekers family who has been producing the CORSENDONK at the Brasserie du Bocq for over 30 years, and even though the brewery has far exceeded its regional framework, nothing has changed and the values of the company remain intact. We hope and bet that this story will go on much longer and that the beers produced at the Brasserie du Bocq will fill with life the small Condroz village that is Purnode.
THE BRASSERIE DU BOCQ BEERS ARE BREWED AND MANUFACTURED ONLY WITH THE FINEST, TOP QUALITY PRODUCTS.
This is the case for the malt, fundamental for taste and determination of the color of the beer depending on its degree of roasting . This is also the case of the hop (that brings bitterness and aroma) , the yeast (which converts sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide) and water whose purity is paramount and is drawn from the water layer that extends under the brewery.
The expertise of the brewery takes place primarily in the manufacturing of the special high fermentation beers with secondary fermentation in the bottle. This technique preserves the properties of raw materials and guarantees the naturalness of beers produced without chemical additives or preservatives.
BEERS ARE LIVING PRODUCTS !
For proper maintenance , it is advisable to keep bottles cool (cellar temperature) , away from light and in a vertical position (for a good collage of yeast in the bottle bottom and avoid oversudsing during service).
THE ART OF SERVING AND ENJOYING A SPECIAL BEER.
- 1. Preferably use the appropriate tasting glass, dry and degreased (cleanliness is essential for holding the foam).
- 2. Serve at a temperature ranging from 7 ° to 12 ° C (4 ° C for white beer).
- 3. Hold the glass slightly inclined and pour slowly the bottle to control the yeast deposit that comes from the second fermentation in the bottle.
- 4. For the Blanche de Namur and the Blanche de NAMUR Rosée, pour half of the beer and, before completing, shake the bottle to loosen the yeast and thus enjoy all the aromas and natural disorder of the product.
- 5. Observe the crown of foam, admire the color and vivacity of the beer ... and enjoy slowly.
- THE BREWING
-
The Master Brewer mixes various types of malt that he crushes, turning the grains into flour. Crushing is done so that the straw and grain envelopes are preserved intact. The grain retains the ball (the envelope) so that it can later form a natural filter layer. Then, malt flour is mixed with warm water to obtain a thick liquid paste. This is called mashing. This paste is gradually heated to a temperature of 78 ° C. The gradual heating promotes the dissolution of the soluble components of the malt and the conversion of the fermentable sugars in starches. In the tank a sugar filled juice that is known as mash is obtained. This juice is then pumped into the filtration tank where the grains formed by the envelopes and grain straw is deposited on the bottom of the tank to form a natural filter. The grains are washed with hot water to extract all sugars. The filtered liquid, called wort, is directed to the boiling boiler. The grains are sold for livestock to feed on. At this stage, the wort is boiled for one hour. Then only we add hops. The amount and variety of hops change according to the type of beer that is produced. We also add other spices (coriander, anise, orange peel, ...) that will give a special flavor to the beer. After boiling, the wort is decanted for 30 minutes to clarify. It is then cooled to a temperature of about 22 ° C before being transferred to the fermentation tanks. At this stage, we can not talk about beer since the wort does not contain alcohol. At the Brasserie du Bocq, depending on the season, two to four daily brews are made in manufacturing; a brew represents about 22,000 liters or 220 hectoliters.
- FERMENTATION & STORAGE
- FILTRATION & CANING
- THE RACKING
- REFERMENTION IN THE BOTTLE
- QUALITY CONTROL
Over a century and a half of tradition, quality and expertise.
Blanche de Namur was the daughter of Count Jean de Namur. It is said that Magnus IV
Eriksson, King of Sweden and Norway, was seduced by the beauty of the princess,
while heading to France in search of a prestigious wife. The princess embarked for
Scandinavia in August 1335 and never saw the banks of the Meuse to become Queen of
Norway , Sweden and Skåne.
In memory of her beauty, her gentleness and delicacy, the Brasserie Bocq dedicated
her a white beer: " Blanche de Namur"
Cloudy, smooth and mellow, the Blanche de Namur is a wheat beer of the highest quality. From the first sip, you feel all the roundness and delicacy that make it an exceptional beer. Its qualities and the "know-how" of the brewery,
earned this beer the distinction of the best white beer in the world in 2009, 2013 and 2014.
A true model of its kind, both floral and fruity, with subtle hints of coriander and orange peel. The nose is fresh, rather
delicate. Serve cool, not cold, to enjoy the flavor and accentuate the elegant bitterness that wraps around the mouth throughout the tasting.
Tasting between 2 ° and 4 °C.
Packaging: 25cl , 33cl , 75cl , 1.5 L, barrel.
" The Best White Beer in the World " : In 2009, the Blanche de Namur was voted best white beer in the world in the international competition WORLD BEER AWARDS. In 2013 and 2014 , the Blanche de Namur won the renouned contest " International Beer Challenge" .
" The Best White Beer of Europe": In 2012, the Blanche de Namur was voted best White Beer of Europe at the WBA international competition - WORLD BEER AWARDS
A subtle blend of the unique flavor of the Blanche de Namur, to which our brewers have added natural raspberry aromas and juice. A summery flavor, not too sweet and slightly acidic to increase its refreshing power.
It is the Blanche de Namur with raspberry. The raspberry masks the bitterness of the yeast, without completely making it disappear to allow it to support the mouth and avoid excessive fruitiness. The nose is very aromatic, the raspberry is omnipresent without overpowering the whole. It is bright, cheerful, a call for Spring.
Packaging: 25cl , 33cl, barrel.
Your summerlike fruity beer.
The Apple version of the Blanche de Namur.
Very soft, with a base of fresh apple juice. It will be beautiful and even more refreshing in a cocktail or a granita.
Packaging : 25 cl, barrel.
A subtile blend with the taste of Blanche de Namur, to which our brewers add Mosaïc hops and a hint of ginger, for a fruity and floral perfume and a refreshing taste. 4.5°, EBU 17, EBC 5 !
Wheat beer with lemon juice and natural lime aroma
EBU 17 – EBC 4Packaging : 33 cl, barrel.
Its slight bitterness gives it a slightly fruity and hoppy aroma. Not too strong but round strong character .
A powerful beer structure and a lovely strength. The bubble is fine and soft . The palate is smooth, round and fruity (pear, orange, blond tobacco, milk chocolate). In the end palate, a tangy side and a little bitterness is clearer, giving it balance with its freshness.
Packaging: 33cl, 75cl, barrel.
Its roasted malt gives it a caramelised flavor with notes of caramel , chocolate and spices. It is characterized by a delicious balance.
The robe is very dense, between burned coffee and caramel; the foam is licorice like, beige. The nose navigates between coffee, chocolate, licorice, notes that hesitate between roasted and burned. The palate is rich, round, slightly ticklish with bitterness in the end, just to mark the length.
Packaging: 33cl, 75cl.
The Gauloise Ambrée is characterized by a hoppy aroma. It will give you a range of varied flavors. It is highly digestible and refreshing.
This beer with its reddish robe is a little more dense than the blonde, with a more voluptuous side. The nose is marked with hints of hazelnut, caramel, orange and fruity hops. The mouth’s slight bitternes linked to the subtle liquorice, allows the pleasure to last longer. The finish is round, supple, without sweetness.
Packaging: 33cl, 75cl, barrel.
Back to basics !
Unfiltered blonde beer with a touch of wheat and a strong bitterness. Brewed the good old way, it is very refreshing.
The only Saison beer produced in the region of Namur! The foam and bubbles are delicate and fine.
Balance is the key word for this beer. It shifts between floral aromas, lime, a little broom and a lace mouth, but is robust at the same time. Refreshing as hell, this beer takes us back in time.
Packaging : 33 cl, 75 cl, barrel.
The beer for connoisseurs
This Triple is a performance, powerful and rich at once, without ever falling into excess. This is a beer that spreads its complexity, without falling into heaviness. The color is golden yellow, bright. The nose has touches of honey, candied apricot . The palate is complex, silky, intense, long, fruity with touches of almonds and dried white fruit. The alcohol content is never overpowering and the end is marked by a touch of bitterness that prolongs the pleasure again and again ...
Packaging: 33 cl, 75 cl, barrel.
The beer for little rascals
The Deugniet is brewed with natural ingredients and slowly matured in the cellars of the brewery. This beautiful Triple is both fruity (pear, citrus, mandarin) and slightly floral (lime - acacia). It’s sweet, rich without being too alcoholic. It shows a nice balance with elegant bitterness. A cozy, well balanced beer.
Packaging 33cl, 75cl, 1.5L, barrel.
Tête de Mort is a tripel high fermentation beer. It has an alcohol content of 8.1%. It has a golden blond colour with a fine and generous foam, it is a beer with diverse and complex flavours. The taste is sweet and tasty, fruity and estery.
Packaging: 33 cl, barrel.
The TETE DE MORT TRIPLE AMBER is a smooth amber beer with flavors of malt, caramel, and hops, with a slightly spicy and bitter finish.
Packaging: 33 cl, barrel.
Tête de Mort Red is a delicious blend of red fruits and her big sister, Tête de Mort Triple. Above all, we can smell the different fruits such as cherries, strawberries and blackcurrants, which retains the character of the triple with a perfumed touch, a journey between refreshment and bitterness, a beer that brings the dead back to life!
Packaging: 33 cl, barrel.
Appearance: Brown with a dark robe, generous and fine white foam.
Nose : Rich with a touch of coriander and liquorice.
Taste : Round, heady, pleasant aroma’s of the special malts used.
Remark : tasting between 8’ and 12’, typical « end of the year » beer (high-end beer to enjoy with wisdom with family and friends).
Packaging: 33cl, barrel.
BLANCHE DE NAMUR 4,5% Alc. Vol.
BLANCHE DE NAMUR ROSEE 3,4% Alc. Vol.
BLANCHE DE NAMUR APPLE 3,4% Alc. Vol.
BLANCHE DE NAMUR HOP' N SPICE 4,5% Alc. Vol.
BLANCHE DE NAMUR RADLER LIME 3,4% Alc. Vol.
GAULOISE BLONDE 6,3% Alc. Vol.
GAULOISE BRUNE 8,1% Alc. Vol.
GAULOISE AMBREE 5,5% Alc. Vol.
SAISON 1858 6,4% Alc. Vol.
TRIPLE MOINES 7,5% Alc. Vol.
DEUGNIET 7,5% Alc. Vol.
- Respect: for ourselves (safety and well-being), for others (customers, suppliers, consumers, colleagues), for society, for the environment and for our heritage (1858).
- Quality: our know-how, our traditions and the quality of our products and services for our customers and consumers are at the heart of our concerns.
- Passion: we are a team of passionate professionals
- Discipline: Discipline, structure and performance are the only way to repeat our successes.
- Good mood: We work in a family spirit. We love simplicity and good mood is our source of energy. We can’t take ourselves too seriously – we are just brewers.
Find here our latest news
- Latest News
-
Yvoir: la brasserie du Bocq gagne du temps en plein embouteillage -L'Avenir (lavenir.net)
Gauloise from Brasserie du Bocq
A whole new bottelhall for Brasserie du Bocq ?
To be drunk chilled, without too much fuss
Change in the shareholder structure of the Brasserie du Bocq
- Médaille d’Or Brussels Beer Challenge 2019
-
Après le « World Best Wheat Beer » en 2009 et en 2012, la Golden Medal au concours « International Beer Challenge » en 2013 et en 2014, et déjà l’Or au Brussels Beer Challenge de 2016 et en 2017, notre BLANCHE DE NAMUR vient de remporter, ce lundi 18 novembre, et pour la troisième fois lors les 4 dernières éditions – ce qui est plus qu’exceptionnel ! - la Médaille d’Or lors du BRUSSELS BEER CHALLENGE 2019 dans la catégorie « Bière Blanche - WitBier ».
C’est dire si la Brasserie du Bocq sait refaire l’histoire de cette Reine qui vécut à la Citadelle de Namur jadis en lui permettant, année après année, de porter à nouveau et très régulièrement sa plus belle couronne. Ces récompenses au niveau international sont une preuve incontestable du haut niveau de qualité des bières produites au sein de notre Brasserie. Si notre savoir-faire est ici salué, il est le fruit d’un travail de tous les jours et de toute une équipe ; il s’agit également d’une reconnaissance d’un succès croissant grâce à la confiance que vous, nos clients et fidèles partenaires, vous nous témoignez.
Nous tenons ici à vous en remercier de tout cœur, La Blanche de Namur reste vraiment « LA MEILLEURE BIERE BLANCHE DU MONDE » !
Si vous souhaitez plus d’infos sur le « Brussels Beer Challenge », surfez sur https://www.brusselsbeerchallenge.com; ne manquez pas de surfer aussi sur notre site www.bocq.be.
- Mixology Taste Forum 2016 Winner
- Blanche de Namur elected as Excellent and rates as #1 at the Mixology Taste Forum 2016 in Germany
- La Grande balade
- Les produits de la Brasserie mis à l’honner par Julien Lapraille et RTL Tvi dans la dernière émission de la Grande balade
- La brasserie du Bocq investit 16 millions€ dans un deuxième site
- La brasserie du Bocq se lance dans la construction d’un tout nouveau bâtiment, à la sortie du village de Purnode (Yvoir). Les activités seront désormais réparties sur deux sites. Un projet colossal qui enterre l’idée d’une future délocalisation.
La brasserie du Bocq investit 16 millions€ dans un deuxième site
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