For many years, Kasteel has been at the heart of this brewery, primarily known for its characterful top-fermented beers. The Kasteel range largely mirrors the rich Belgian beer tradition as it includes a blonde, a dark beer of the ‘dubbel’ type and a tripel. Kasteel Hoppy was developed by Van Honsebrouck as a response to the up-and-coming IPA trend (India Pale Ale). This well-hopped beer is brewed using Belgian hops and re-ferments in the bottle, hence its rich flavour. The odd one out in the range is the unique Kasteel Rouge, a blend of Kasteel Donker with a cherry liqueur.

A new variety of yeast was recently introduced. It has benefited the Kasteel Blond and Kasteel Tripel in particular. The tripel now tastes quite a bit fuller in the mouth and is more subtle as well as better balanced – the Belgian hops can also claim some of the credit – and its aroma is no longer alcohol-dominated. We continuously strive to improve our classic beers. In the meantime, the classic Kasteel has served as the inspiration for a number of new beers under the umbrella name of ‘by Kasteel’.