Het Anker Brewery–Distillery

Quench your thirst at Het Anker city brewery, tucked away in the picturesque Great Beguinage and famous for its Gouden Carolus beers. During a visit to this family brewery and distillery, you will discover the whole story behind the beer and learn how whisky is made from beer. Het Anker brewery-distillery is world famous for its Gouden Carolus beer. Founded in 1471, Het Anker is one of Belgium’s oldest breweries. The three copper brew kettles in the brew room date from after the Second World War. 

In the 1990s, the premises were given a makeover. Charles Leclef, the fifth generation of the family, restored the old buildings and modernised the refrigeration, fermentation and lagering facilities. There are several versions of Gouden Carolus. The most famous is undoubtedly the Gouden Carolus Classic. This special beer won the gold medal at the World Beer Awards in 2012 – for the 3rd time! The jury described the beer as follows: ‘Full, rich nose of molasses, toffee and pear drops. Powerful yet smooth. (…) Plenty of body with rich fruit flavours and a long warming finish.’ 

Some cafés, and of course Het Anker brasserie, serve the various beers in ‘tasting glasses’.