Affligem Triple beer is now brewed with hops grown in Affligem (Flemish Brabant), brewer Alken-Maes announced on Tuesday.
Until this year, the hops had been imported from Germany and the Czech Republic but the Affligem Triple now on sale in stores was brewed in June with the 2021 hop harvest. About 200 kilos were needed for these first brews. This year, Alken-Maes intends to buy some 500 kilos in total.
Several hops are used to make an Affligem Triple, namely Groene Bel, Savinsky Golding or Spalter Select. Alken-Maes buys Groene Bel from the ten hop growers in the region. The whole harvest of the hop growers, who cultivate several varieties, is estimated between 15,000 and 20,000 kilos.
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The region around Affligem, Aalst, and Asse is historically known for its hop production. It was the abbey of Affligem which introduced the crop at the beginning of the 12th century. The quantities cultivated decreased somewhat at the start of the 20th century, but the tradition of hops never entirely died out in the region. In 2017, production gained momentum thanks to strategic projects.
“We are extremely proud to be able to brew again with hops from this historic region,” said Ellen Mertens, brewmaster at Alken-Maes. “We are writing a new chapter in the rich history of Affligem and its beer.”
For now, the hops harvested will only be used to make Affligem Triple, due to insufficient volumes for the preparation of Affligem Blonde.
