Scheldt in Oudenaarde

The Scheldt in Oudenaarde has formed the border line between the French empire - to the left of the Scheldt - and the German empire, to the right, since the Treaty of Verdun (843). All breweries under French rule, such as Liefmans, were required by the French king to use gruut - a type of herbal mixture - in their beer. Gruut is not resistant to bacteria, causing these beers to sour. The breweries on the right bank, on the other hand, such as Roman, had to use hops in their brews as mandated by the German Emperor. Hops inhibit bacteria, resulting in these beers being less sour. This explains the ongoing difference between the sour brown beer of Liefmans and the softer brown beer of Roman. Today, both breweries are on the same side, due to the expansion of Liefmans in 1930. At that time, the brewery established itself across the water.

Source: http://kaart.tourneegenerale.canvas.be/

Dromos