Brouwerij Sterkens

In Meer, near Hoogstraten in northern Belgium, Brouwerij Sterkens presents its heritage as a family brewing tradition reaching back to 1651. Its identity rests on high-fermentation Belgian beers, inherited recipes, and an unmistakable presentation in ceramic and stone jugs. The brewery’s story is distinctive not because of invented abbey legend, but because farming, family continuity, local beer, and export-minded craft remain closely linked. A family brewery in Meer Brouwerij Sterkens places its beginnings in 1651, when the Sterkens family brewed in Meer. Its official history also records a 1731 prayer book referring to the brewing family of Frans Sterkens, who continued an older family tradition alongside farming. This gives the brewery a documented local footing: beer was part of the family economy before brewing became its central commercial activity. From farm brewing to a recognized brewery After the Second World War, production expanded. In 1957 the brewery introduced Ster Ale, an amber beer that became popular in Hoogstraten and surrounding areas. The same period brought commissions connected with local identity: Hoogstraten Poorter was developed as a regional beer for the city, while Bokrijks was brewed at the request of the Bokrijk domain. The brewery states that this shift in emphasis made it possible to speak officially of Brouwerij Sterkens. Old recipes, distinctive vessels Today, the brewery describes its beers as traditional Belgian high-fermentation beers made according to old, transmitted recipes. Its ceramic and stone jugs are more than decorative packaging: they are part of the brewery’s established presentation and help distinguish beers such as Hoogstraten Poorter, Bokrijks, St. Paul, and St. Sebastiaan in the Belgian beer landscape. Brouwerij Sterkens is a Meer family brewing tradition carried forward through inherited recipes and instantly recognizable ceramic presentation. Meer, Hoogstraten, Belgium 1651 1651: The Sterkens family’s brewing tradition is dated by the brewery to this year in Meer. 1731: An early written reference identifies the brewing family of Frans Sterkens in Meer. 1957: Ster Ale is introduced; Hoogstraten Poorter and Bokrijks follow in connection with local and regional commissions. 1986: The brewery records its beers reaching foreign markets.