Brewery De Block

A long tradition of brewing makes the link between past and present. As early as the 14th century, when the first brewers' guilds were established in Brabant, Henricus De Block acquired the right to brew in the name of his fiefdom of the Duke of Brabant and Burgundy. However, it is Louis De Block who will give the salutation for the current brewery. He was a miller and farmer and married to a brewer's daughter from rural Baardegem. Brewing traditions were passed down from generation to generation. Paul Saerens, who married a daughter De Block, did not put his name on the brewery. As a young man, he saw how the world becomes one and borders fall away. He looks over the walls of Merchtem. Today, 80% of the "Block beer" is exported abroad. On the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America, he even launched a "Columbus beer". The brewery also produces the triple Abbey Beer Dendermonde and the Special 6, a mixed beer based on young and old beers. Paul Saerens has housed a brewery museum in two of the brewery's reception areas. Visitors can get an overview of the industrial archaeology of the brewing scene.

Straffe Streek