Brasserie d'Achouffe
Belgian brewery known for Chouffe beers and gnome logo.
Brasserie d'Achouffe is a Belgian brewery located in Achouffe, Luxembourg province. Founded in 1982 by two brothers-in-law, Pierre Gobron and Christian Bauweraerts, it began as a hobby and later grew into a commercial operation. The brewery is known for its Chouffe beers, which feature a gnome logo based on a legend of the Ardennes.
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 1982
- Hq Location City
- Achouffe
- Hq Location Country
- Belgium
- Industry
- Alcoholic beverage
- Products
- Beer
- Owner
- Duvel Moortgat Brewery
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
In the late 1970s, Pierre Gobron and Chris Bauweraerts decided to create their own beer. On 27 August 1982, with less than 5,000 Belgian francs, they made the first 49-litre mash tub. A gnome, based on a legend of the Ardennes, was chosen as the brewery's logo. Initially a hobby, the brewery expanded to the point that both founders worked on it full time, and later expanded into the Netherlands. Drinkers who regularly enjoy the beer are often recognized by their 'Chouffewillo hat'. The annual La Grande Choufferie party, held on the second weekend of August, celebrates the birth of Chouffe beer in a convivial and musical atmosphere. In late summer 2006, Duvel Moortgat Brewery purchased the brewery.
Reader's Guide
Brasserie d'Achouffe produces several beers, including La Chouffe (a blond beer at 8% ABV), Mc Chouffe (a Belgian brown ale at 8% ABV), Houblon Chouffe (a heavily hopped triple beer at 9% ABV), N'Ice Chouffe (a winter beer at 10% ABV), Chouffe Bok 6666 (an amber bockbeer at 6.66% ABV, available only in the Netherlands in autumn), Chouffe Soleil (a seasonal summer beer at 6% ABV), and Cherry Chouffe (a cherry-flavoured ale at 8% ABV). The brewery also produces Esprit d'Achouffe, an eau de vie distilled from five-year-old beer (40% ABV), and Chouffe Coffee, a liquor made from Esprit d'Achouffe (25% ABV). Patachouffe is a Belgian cheese created following the success of Chouffe beers, and Marcachouffe sausages are made in partnership with the Ardennes smoked sausage manufacturer Marcassou. The brewery produces 300,000 hectoliters of beer annually and exports to 72 countries.
Did You Know?
- The brewery was founded with less than 5,000 Belgian francs.
- The gnome logo is based on a legend of the Ardennes.
- The annual La Grande Choufferie party is held on the second weekend of August.
- Chouffe Bok 6666 is only available in the Netherlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brasserie d'Achouffe?
Brasserie d'Achouffe is a Belgian craft brewery located in the village of Achouffe in the Luxembourg province. It is best known for producing the Chouffe range of beers, each bottle marked by a distinctive little gnome emblem.
Who founded Brasserie d'Achouffe and when did it start?
The brewery was established in 1982 by two brothers-in-law, Pierre Gobron and Christian Bauweraerts. What began as a casual hobby among friends gradually evolved into a full-scale commercial brewing business.
What is the origin of the Chouffe gnome logo?
The gnome that appears on every Chouffe label is inspired by a local legend from the Ardennes region of Belgium. Over the decades, that small character has become one of the most instantly recognizable marks in the Belgian craft-beer scene.
Who owns Brasserie d'Achouffe now?
Since September 2006 the brewery has been part of the Duvel Moortgat brewing group. Despite that corporate ownership, production still takes place in the original Achouffe village.
How large is Brasserie d'Achouffe's output and reach?
The brewery produces approximately 300,000 hectoliters of beer per year. Its products are exported to 72 countries, giving it a surprisingly wide international footprint for a small-village Belgian operation.
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