Although it sounds like it, the Belgian brewery De Halve Maan is not named after half a man, but after half the moon. The golden semicircle with a serious face and stately nose adorns the labels of all beer bottles and is the brewery's magnificent mascot.
The brewery in the heart of Bruges was first mentioned in a document in 1564. A lot has happened since then, mainly thanks to the Maes family. The first brewer of this family was Leon Maes, who bought the brewery and began brewing beer according to an old recipe. His creation was a cloudy, slightly sour beer that quickly gave him and the brewery a good name. In 1867, the second Maes took over the hallowed halls and at the same time brought a breath of fresh air into it: Hendrik and his brother Achère were ambitious brewers and got ideas and inspiration from England during the industrial revolution. Fascinated by the English art of brewing and with a whole host of innovative brewing techniques, the brothers return to Belgium and put their new knowledge into practice. They modernize the brewery, add buildings and equipment and introduce two new brewing styles. With their stouts and pale ales, the two are causing a sensation in Bruges and the surrounding area and are gaining more and more fans. The two brothers' streak of good luck ends with their premature deaths, but their wives continue the legacy. They defy the horrors of the First World War and, when the work is done, pass the brewery on to the third Hendrik in the group. This also sets new standards in the Belgian beer scene and is making a name for itself with its bock beer and bottom-fermented lager. After the war, the sophisticated brewer entered the soft drinks industry and, in addition to his fine beer, also sold lemonade and cola. The family business has flourished ever since.
The Maes family has been at the helm of the Halbmond brewery for 165 years and passes on the passion for good beer and the wealth of innovation from generation to generation. A small highlight in the history of the brewery is the creation of the Raffen Hendrik. The special beer was developed by Véronique Maes and her father on behalf of the mayor of Bruges. The two of them were supposed to brew a celebratory beer to unveil a statue in honor of Saint Arnold and in the process created the tough Hendrik. The name is derived from the long line of strong, admirable Hendriks of the Maes family and fits wonderfully with the two beers, which honor not only Saint Arnold but also the Maes brewers.
Here you will find the popular Hendriks.
