Bellegem, Belgium – Brouwerij Omer Vander Ghinste opened its doors in 1892 when Remi Vander Ghinste purchased a brewhouse for his 23-year-old son Omer. Omer named the brewery after himself and established the brand through stained-glass window marketing at local pubs. He and his wife would name their son Omer, beginning a family tradition of every first-born Vander Ghinste being named Omer. Today’s fourth-generation owner/manager Omer-Jean carries the torch, marrying family tradition with modernity.
“2017 is a special year for the brewery,” says Omer-Jean. “We are celebrating 125 years of beermaking while also looking to the future. We have been able to maintain our brewing heritage by staying true to time-tested brewing methods such as spontaneous fermentation as seen in our popular Cuvée des Jacobins Rouge. However, we will not rest on our laurels.”
Omer-Jean continued by saying, “In 2008, we created OMER., a decidedly modern beer brewed according to an original recipe – top-fermented before undergoing a second fermentation in the bottle. It contains carefully selected ingredients, such as high-quality malted barley from the Loire region of France and three varieties of aromatic hops. It is a full-flavored beer with a fruity aroma and a subtle bitterness, made to drink fresh.”
OMER. Traditional Blond, winner of a World Beer Cup Gold Medal in 2010, is an 8% ABV beer with a striking golden color. Learn how to pour a perfect glass of OMER. here.
Two new limited-edition beers will be released later this year. The first will be the second series of the Cuvée Prestige with a stronger ABV than its predecessor at 7.6%. The second will be a new single-barrel, 100% spontaneously fermented beer.
Since its inception, Brouwerij Omer Vander Ghinste has been a champion of accuracy, reflected both in its brews and its ability to speak to the consumer through its products and marketing strategy.
About Brouwerij Omer Vander Ghinste:
Omer Vander Ghinste is located along the French border in Belgium in the small Flemish town of Bellegem. It was established 1892 and is now operated by fourth-generation owner Omer-Jean Vander Ghinste. The brewery produces world-renowned brands such as Cuvée des Jacobins, OMER. Traditional Blond and VanderGhinste Oud Bruin. Learn more at www.omervanderghinste.be.
About Artisanal Imports
Artisanal Imports is an importer of specialty beers from England, Germany, Belgium and beyond. Our portfolio of fine ales and lagers is broad and represents a wide range of beer styles, but it is not our mission to collect every small brewery across Europe. We believe in working in full partnership with our breweries and are careful to select beers that are high quality and interesting but that do not overlap one to the next.
The company also represents a growing portfolio of U.S. based breweries and cideries to assist with national sales growth.