Brouwerij St. Bernardus

Brouwerij St. Bernardus is one of Belgium’s most beloved abbey‑style breweries, famous for producing rich, expressive ales with deep malt character and warm, fruity yeast complexity.

Located in Watou and brewing since 1946, the brewery has a unique history: for decades it produced beer under license for the Trappist monks of Westvleteren, using the same recipes and yeast. When the license ended, St. Bernardus continued brewing its own versions — and today those beers stand among the finest in Belgium.

The brewery’s flagship St. Bernardus Abt 12 is widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest quadrupels. It’s full‑bodied, dark, and complex, with notes of dried fruit, caramel, chocolate, and a long, warming finish. St. Bernardus Prior 8 offers a classic dubbel profile: ruby‑brown, gently sweet, and rounded with plum and spice. St. Bernardus Tripel is golden, aromatic, and elegantly balanced, showcasing expressive Belgian yeast and a crisp finish.

Other highlights include St. Bernardus Wit, brewed in collaboration with Pierre Celis, the legendary brewer who revived the Belgian witbier style, resulting in a soft, citrusy, refreshing wheat beer with coriander and orange peel.

Across the range, St. Bernardus beers are defined by depth, balance, and a signature yeast character that ties the entire portfolio together. They remain a benchmark for abbey ales worldwide, crafted with quiet precision in the countryside of Watou.

Despite its global reputation, St. Bernardus remains committed to traditional Belgian brewing values: slow fermentation, bottle conditioning, and meticulous attention to detail. The result is a portfolio that feels authentic, generous, and unmistakably premium.