The Limburg Beer Tradition: From Abbey to Microbrewery

A Beer History with Centuries-Old Roots

Limburg has a brewing tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. Abbeys like Herkenrode and the famous Trappist Abbey of Achel were the first brewers in the region, and their influence is still felt in the rich, complex beers brewed here today. Castle Ter Dolen, with its own castle brewery, also contributes to the rich beer heritage of the area. From powerful tripels to refined dubbels – Limburg brewers master their craft like no other.

The Limburg Brewing Landscape

What makes Limburg beer so special is the combination of tradition and innovation. Small, artisanal breweries experiment with local ingredients while honoring classic Belgian brewing styles.

Sint-Gummarus: Pioneer from Diepenbeek

One of the flagships is the Sint-Gummarus Tripel – the very first Limburg Tripel. Since 1997, this beer has been brewed with passion by brewer Peter. With an alcohol percentage of 8.3%, it's a 100% high-fermentation malt beer that has won multiple international awards.

The Sint-Gummarus Dubbel is equally impressive: a dark, rich beer with notes of caramel and dried fruit. This beer won gold at the World Beer Awards as best Belgian dubbel.

Jessenhofke: From the Heart of Hasselt

Jessenhofke Brewery from Kuringen-Hasselt brews characterful beers with their own signature. Their Pimpernel is an accessible blonde beer, while the Reserva offers a more complex experience for the connoisseur.

Cristal: The Local Pilsner

No Limburg bar is complete without Cristal, the authentic Limburg pilsner beer. For generations, this has been the beer that Limburgers grow up with, belonging to every celebration and occasion.

Ter Dolen: Castle Brewery with Class

Castle Ter Dolen in Houthalen-Helchteren combines the grandeur of a historic castle with artisanal brewing craft. Their Ter Dolen Tripel is a classic, while the Ter Dolen Donker was chosen as best Flemish Recognized Dark Abbey Beer. For those seeking something different: the Ter Dolen Rouge is a beautiful fruit beer with a red glow.

Brouwerij Wilderen: Where Beer and Whisky Meet

In the picturesque village of Wilderen, you'll find a unique brewery that produces not only beer but also single malt whisky. The Wilderen Goud is an elegant blonde beer, while Wilderen Kanunnik is a robust abbey beer. Particularly special is the Wilderen Cuvée Clarisse, a complex beer aged in whisky oak barrels.

Limburg Fruit Beers

Limburg is also known for its fruit beers. The Kriekenbier from Brouwerij Cornelissen in Opitter is made with morello cherries – a typical Limburg sour cherry variety that gives the beer a surprisingly fresh-sour touch. Perfect for those who love a fruity, refreshing beer.

Modern Brewing Art

The new generation of brewers dares to experiment. The 1758 IPA combines American hop varieties with Belgian brewing techniques, while the Fump Tripel shows that tradition and creativity go perfectly together.

How to Drink Limburg Beer?

Each beer deserves the right glass and proper temperature:

• Tripels and Dubbels: Serve at cellar temperature (12-14°C / 54-57°F) in a tulip glass or chalice
• Pilsner: Ice cold (4-6°C / 39-43°F) in a standard pint glass
• IPA: Slightly chilled (8-10°C / 46-50°F) in a tulip glass to let the hop aromas shine
• Fruit Beer: Chilled (6-8°C / 43-46°F) in a tulip glass or flute

Our Beer Selection

At Lekker Limburgs, you'll find a carefully curated selection of Limburg beers:

• Sint-Gummarus Tripel – multiple award winner
• Sint-Gummarus Dubbel – World Beer Award winner
• Ter Dolen Tripel – castle beer with character
• Ter Dolen Donker – best Flemish Recognized Dark Abbey Beer
• Wilderen Goud – elegant blonde
• Wilderen Cuvée Clarisse – whisky-aged
• Kriekenbier – fruity and refreshing
• Cristal – the true Limburg pilsner
• 1758 IPA – for the hop lover

Looking for a gift? Discover our beer gift packages: 'N Rondje Limburg with a selection of the best Limburg beers in a beautiful wooden crate, or the Bierpakket Hartig Limburg – beers combined with delicious Limburg snacks!

Visitor Tip

Planning a beer tour through Limburg? Visit "In Sint-Gummarus" in Bokrijk or "De Ploeg" in Diepenbeek to taste the local tripel fresh from the tap. And combine it with a visit to the Jenever Museum in Hasselt – because Limburg isn't just about beer, but also jenever!

Cheers!