Although it may sound like it, the Belgian brewery De Halve Maan is not named after half a man, but after the half 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 documents in 1564. A lot has happened since then, thanks in large part to the Maes family. The first brewer in 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 earned 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: Hendrik and his brother Achère were ambitious brewers who 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 in their luggage, the brothers returned to Belgium and put their new knowledge into practice straight away. They modernized the brewery, added buildings and equipment, and introduced two new brewing styles. With their stouts and pale ales, the two caused a sensation in Bruges and the surrounding area and gained more and more fans. The brothers' streak of luck ended with their premature deaths, but their wives continued the legacy. They braved the horrors of the First World War and, once their work was done, passed the brewery on to the third Hendrik in the group. He also set new standards in the Belgian beer scene and made a name for himself with his bock beer and a bottom-fermented lager. After the war, the sophisticated brewer entered the soft drinks industry and sold lemonade and cola alongside his fine beer. The family business has flourished ever since.
The Maes family has been at the helm of the Crescent Brewery for 165 years now, passing on their passion for good beer and innovation from generation to generation. A small highlight in the brewery's history is the creation of Straffen Hendrik. The special beer was developed by Véronique Maes and her father on behalf of the mayor of Bruges. The two were asked to brew a celebratory beer for the unveiling of a statue in honor of Saint Arnold and created Straffen Hendrik. The name is derived from the Maes family's long line of strong, admirable Hendriks and fits perfectly with the two beers, which honor not only Saint Arnold but also the Maes brewers.
Here you can find the popular Hendriks.
