Belgium is known as a beer lovers paradise, with hundreds, if not thousands, of delicious beers to sample. In Bruges, there’s a great beer with a Zot (crazy) story to go with it!
Beer in Belgium
Belgium is world renowned for its beer. But, even as much as Belgians love their beer (just look in any bar on a random weeknight), it is only #26 on the list of beer drinking countries per capita. In fact, Belgium comes in behind the United States and the renowned beer-guzzlers of Panama, Bosnia, and Gabon. Still, the average is half pint every day by each Belgian and that’s not nuthin’.
Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan
Bruges has lots of places to get excellent Belgian-brewed beer, like Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan, a brewery right in the center of the old city.
The history of Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan dates back 500 years to when the Die Maene Brewery was making traditional sour beer sold in barrels on Walplein Square in Bruges. In 1856, the Maan family bought the operation and began brewing beer using their own recipe.
Six generations of Maans have worked to make Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan one of the most innovative breweries in Belgium.
Bruges Zot (crazy Bruges) was introduced in 2005. This beer pays homage to a crazy time in Bruges’ history.
In the 15th century, Maximilian I, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, ruled over Bruges and present-day Belgium with an iron fist. He was incredibly unpopular due to the limited sovereignty he gave the people as well as the taxes he imposed, not to mention the wars the locals were forced to fight in.
So, when ol’ Maxie the First visited Bruges in 1488 to try and quell an uprising, he was taken prisoner. Imagine that, the boss comes to town and the people say “Yeah, you’re going to jail!”
Eventually, Max was released but he held a grudge. So, as punishment, the Emperor banned all festivals and celebrations in Bruges. Ouch!
The people of Bruges, looking to soothe Maximilian’s feelings, offered to have a festival to honor him. As part of the festival, they proposed that a zothuis (Madhouse) be built. Max replied with this amazing roast “Close all the gates of Bruges and you have a madhouse!”.
Now, people from Bruges are forever known as Zots (crazy people).
So, with this story as inspiration, Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan has been brewing Bruges Zot since 2005. The top-fermented blonde is amber in color and malty with some citrus notes and a hoppy finish. Definitely a winner!
There’s also a seasonal bock and a non-alcoholic Zot.
You can visit the brewery for a tour (the beer is still brewed right in the heart of Bruges) or just enjoy a glass of Bruges Zot in the tasting room.
About the Author
Brent Petersen is the Editor-in-Chief of Destination Eat Drink. He currently resides in Setubal, Portugal. Brent has written the novel Truffle Hunt (Eckhartz Press) and the short story collection That Bird. He’s also written dozens of foodie travel guides to cities around the world on Destination Eat Drink, including an in-depth eating and drinking guide to Portugal. Brent’s podcast, also called Destination Eat Drink, is available on all major podcasting platforms.
