Brasserie d'Achouffe explained
The Brasserie d'Achouffe (pronounced as /fr/,) is a Belgian brewery based in Achouffe. It was founded in 1982 by two brothers-in-law, Pierre Gobron and Christian Bauweraerts, as a hobby. In September 2006, the brewery was sold to the Duvel Moortgat brewery group.[1]
History
In the late 1970s, the two brothers-in-law, Pierre Gobron and Chris Bauweraerts, decided to create their own beer, in their own brewery. On the 27th of August 1982, with less than 5,000Fr, they made the first 49-litre mash tub. Based on the legend of the Ardennes, a gnome was chosen as the company logo of the brewery.[2] At first seen as a hobby, the Achouffe Brewery developed to such an extent that one after the other, Pierre and Chris decided work on it full time.[3] They then decided to expand to the Netherlands. Drinkers who regularly enjoy the beer can usually be recognized by their 'Chouffewillo hat'.[4] The annual La Grande Choufferie party, on the 2nd weekend of August, celebrates the birth of the Chouffe beer, in a convivial and musical atmosphere. In the late summer of 2006, Duvel Moortgat Brewery purchased the brewery.[5]
Sales
The brewery produces 300,000 hectoliters of beer a year, which it exports to 72 countries.
Products
Brasserie d'Achouffe produces several different beers, including:
- La Chouffe, a blond beer (8% ABV), available in 33cl and 75cl bottles, magnum (called "Big Chouffe") and 20l barrels.
- Mc Chouffe, a Scotch ale (brown beer, 8.0% ABV), available in 33cl and 75cl bottles, and in 20l barrels.
- Houblon Chouffe, a heavily hopped ale (triple beer, 9% ABV), available in 33cl and 75cl bottles, and in 20l barrels.
- N'Ice Chouffe, a winter beer (brown, 10% ABV), available in 33cl and 75cl bottles or in 20l barrels.
- Chouffe Bok 6666, an amber ale known as bockbeer (6,66% ABV), available in autumn in 33cl and 75cl bottles and barrels, only available in the Netherlands.
- Chouffe Soleil, a seasonal beer, made during the summer (6% ABV).
- "Cherry Chouffe", a cherry flavoured ale (8%).
It also produces other beverages:
- Esprit d'Achouffe, an eau de vie distilled from 5-years-old beer (40% ABV)
- Chouffe Coffee, a liquor made from Esprit d'Achouffe (25% ABV)
Patachouffe is a Belgian cheese created following the success of Chouffe beers. There are also Marcachouffe sausages made in partnership with the Ardennes smoked sausage manufacturer Marcassou.
External links
50.1509°N 5.7456°W
Notes and References
- Web site: Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat neemt Brasserie d'Achouffe over. De Standaard.
- On September 20, 1982, a tornado hit the Ardennes village of Léglise. The RTBF organized a benefit evening for the victims. During the TV show, a watercolor depicting a gnome caught my attention. That should be on the label, I thought immediately. An art teacher friend of mine designed our gnome. In April 1983 I saw our gnome for the first time. Kristof Lauwers: Chris Bauweraerts schrijft geschiedenis van La Chouffe. In: Nieuwsblad, 25 August 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2022.
- Web site: INTERVIEW: BRASSERIE D'ACHOUFFE FOUNDER CHRIS BAUWERAERTS . 14 January 2011 . 8 March 2020.
- Beertourism. Brasserie d’Achouffe. Retrieved August 2 2022.
- Web site: Brewery Achouffe . 2017-01-24 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170202024914/http://www.achouffe.be/en/brewery#history . 2017-02-02 . dead .
