Brouwerij Rodenbach
brewery
About this Brewery
Brouwerij Rodenbach was founded in Roeselare in 1821 by siblings Pedro, Alexander, Ferdinand and Amalia Rodenbach. The family played a colourful part in Belgian history: Alexander participated in the National Congress following independence, while another relative, Constantin Rodenbach, helped to write the Belgian national anthem.
The brewery is celebrated for its Flemish red-brown ales and their distinctive mixed-fermentation character. Eugène Rodenbach refined the maturation process during the nineteenth century after studying brewing methods in England. Its beer is aged in enormous oak vessels known as foeders before younger and older beers are blended to achieve the desired balance of fruitiness, acidity and sweetness. The brewery’s extraordinary collection of 294 foeders forms part of Belgium’s protected industrial heritage.
Rodenbach was acquired by Palm Breweries in 1998 and is now owned by Royal Swinkels. Its best-known beers include Rodenbach Classic, Grand Cru, Alexander and Vintage. The historic brewery offers guided tours and has an adjoining café, Het Foederhuis.
Address: Brouwerij Rodenbach, Spanjestraat 133, 8800 Roeselare tel: 051 272700