Celebrating 20 Years of Brugse Zot at Brewery De Halve Maan in Bruges
Brewery De Halve Maan is celebrating a major milestone: two decades since the introduction of its signature beer, Brugse Zot. Launched in the summer of 2005, this specialty blonde ale became a catalyst for the revival of active brewing in the heart of the historic city. Today, it stands as a symbol of local craftsmanship and successful modern independent brewing.
Experience the Living Beer Heritage of Bruges
For visitors exploring the historic streets of Bruges, Brewery De Halve Maan offers a unique window into centuries of brewing tradition. Brewing has occurred continuously on this city-center site for more than 500 years. The Maes family took over operations in 1856, steering the brewery through six generations of innovation.
While brewing in the center had nearly ceased by the late 20th century, a major renovation in 2005 spearheaded by Xavier Vanneste brought the historic copper kettles back to life. Today, De Halve Maan remains the only active family brewery still operating in the historic core of Bruges, offering travelers an authentic taste of local history.
Two Decades of Flavor, Innovation, and the Famous Pipeline
The debut of Brugse Zot Blond in 2005, followed by the darker Brugse Zot Dubbel in 2006, quickly captured the imagination of both locals and international beer enthusiasts. Over the years, the brewery has expanded while committing to local sustainability.
One of its most famous feats of engineering occurred in 2016, when the brewery constructed a pioneering underground beer pipeline. Funded in part by a record-breaking crowdfunding campaign, this pipeline transports freshly brewed beer directly from the historic brewhouse in the city center to the bottling plant outside the city gates, keeping heavy transport trucks off the medieval streets.
What to Expect on a Visit Today
For those planning to visit the brewery, recent updates make the experience even more engaging. A renovated visitor center debuted in 2024, utilizing a state-of-the-art residual heat network powered by the brewing process. Travelers can read more details about the celebration on the official anniversary announcement and book tours that cover the historic cellars, the modern brewing facilities, and the story of the underground pipeline.
Planning your next cultural journey is easy with Musemap (musemap.art). You can explore the city's map to locate the historic brewery, or discover more cultural spots in Bruges to round out your travel itinerary.
