One of the most remarkable features of the monastery was the brewery that was established here.
The history of the Carmelite convent in Dendermonde is a story of rise and fall. Although the monastery no longer exists, the memory of the monks who lived and worked here lives on in the form of Karmeliet beer and other cultural legacies they left behind.
During the French Revolution the monastery was closed and destroyed, but the Carmelite church was spared and was used as a warehouse and later as a school in the following years. Today, the Carmelite Church is an important religious center in Dendermonde, attracting visitors interested in the city's rich history and the Carmelite order. There is also a statue of Saint Teresa of Avila, a famous Carmelite nun, located in the gardens of the nearby City Hall.
Although the monastery no longer exists, the memory of the monks who lived and worked here lives on in the form of Karmeliet beer and other cultural legacies they left behind. Since its foundation in 1791 by Jean-Baptist Bosteels in Buggenhout, the Bosteels family has been carefully and passionately creating their beers for more than 200 years and seven generations.
The Carmelite Monastery in Dendermonde, Belgium, was one of the region's most important religious centers until it was destroyed during the French Revolution. Today, little remains of the once majestic monastic complex, and many people are unaware of the rich history associated with it.
In Napoleon's time, brewer Pauwel Kwak was the manager of the coaching inn De Hoorn in Dendermonde. Because the coachmen were not allowed to abandon their coach, Kwak had a special glass made with a convex bottom, which hangs in a wooden holder. The importance of the coachman's glass for marketing is evident from the lawsuit initiated by the Bosteels brewery against a small brewer who had invented a different special glass in a wooden holder.
The monks brewed their own beer, which was known for its unique taste and quality. This beer, which later became known as Karmeliet beer, is still produced by Brouwerij Bosteels.
A visit to the Bosteels brewery in Buggenhout is a must for all discerning beer connoisseurs. Seven generations who always strived with the same determination to produce the best beer in Belgium, while constantly trying to improve their craft. The fact that the Bosteels brewery never stopped brewing, not even during the world wars, can serve as proof of this. In fact, brewing has played such an important role in the history of the area that 3 of the 7 generations of Bosteels have even been mayors.
Karmeliet, Kwak, Monte Cristo and Deus
If you want to immerse yourself in the extraordinarily rich history of a Belgian brewery that is older than Belgium, you must taste beers from the Bosteels family straight from the source. Karmeliet beer, also known as Tripel Karmeliet, is a Belgian beer known for its refined taste and rich history. The beer has won many awards over the years and is acclaimed by beer enthusiasts all over the world. For example, in 2014 it was voted 'World's Best Ale' at the World Beer Awards.
The recipe for Karmeliet beer is based on a mixture of three grains: wheat, oats and barley. This gives the beer its distinctive flavor profile, which offers a perfect balance between sweet and bitter. In addition, the beer is brewed using a unique three-fermentation process, which adds to the complexity of the taste. The brewery complex is located in Buggenhout, Belgium and is a popular destination for tourists and beer enthusiasts. In addition to Karmeliet beer, Brouwerij Bosteels also produces other well-known Belgian beers such as Kwak, Monte Cristo and DeuS.
Karmeliet beer is often served in a distinctive glass specially designed to enhance the taste and aroma of the beer. The beer is a great accompaniment to many dishes, especially fish dishes and soft cheeses. In recent years, the popularity of craft beers around the world has experienced tremendous growth. In short, Karmeliet beer is a refined and complex beer that has been brewed for centuries and is known for its unique taste.
visit the brewery
Bring one visit to the brewery in Buggenhout. Brouwerij Bosteels is proud of its many visitors and even more proud of its hospitality. The positive feedback the brewery receives from visitors has earned it Tripadvisor's Travelers Choice Award for several years in a row. A visit to the Bosteels brewery starts with a tour of the large party room. Afterwards, a professional guide will carefully show you around the unique historic brewery.
Get to know the rich stories and details of the world-famous Bosteels beers and their brewing processes. The extensive tour takes you from the brewing room and the bottling plant to the tanks where the beer is fermented. Each tour ends with a tasting of two of the best Bosteels beers. At the end of your visit you will have the opportunity to take home a valuable memory of your visit from the unique collection of gifts.
