From farm to global icon: the story of a beer legend
It was 1871 when Jan-Leonard Moortgat planted the seeds of what is now one of the most respected breweries in Belgium and the world. Located between Brussels and Antwerp, in Brendonk, that little family farm began to transform the beer tradition into a trial and error art, perfecting recipes that would later be a symbol of quality and character. In its first steps, the Moortgat family combined passion, patience and a lot of experimentation, building a reputation that, over time, would become a reference for lovers of good beer.
The generations that renewed the historic recipe
With the start of the twentieth century, the brewery had already left its mark on the local scene. But the true revolution began in 1914, after the tragic loss of Joef Moortgat, the eldest son and emerging leader. The direction was in the hands of Albert Moortgat, just 20 years old, and his brother Victor, who would return to Belgium from Brussels in 1919. Together, they decided to create a beer that reflected the youth of his time: this was born Victory Ale, in 1923, a work that initially honored peace after the First World War. However, this was only the beginning of a story that would make that beer much bigger: Duvel.
The secret of the yeast that made history?
Perhaps one of Duvel’s most exciting and mythical stories is its origin in yeast. The legend tells that Albert Moortgat traveled without fear of Scotland to personally choose the strain that would give life to Victory Ale, transporting it in a simple can of aluminum milk from the Fountain Brewery brewery. However, there are voices that suggest that this yeast could come from the bottles of Younger’s, a nearby brewery and of great prestige at the time. Science and sources suggest that Albert, with the help of the renowned yeast expert, combined different strains to perfect what we know today as Duvel, that beer that is pure magic in a glass.
The birth of a gold devil: the transformation of Victory Ale a Duvel
For years, Victory Ale polished his character, but it was in the 60s when the true metamorphosis occurred. Thanks to the collaboration with the scientist Jean de Clerck, famous for his work in fermentations, beer took a clearer color and a cleaner profile, giving rise to the modern duvel. All this coincided with the creation of the iconic Duvel Cup, designed to raise the sensory experience. The definitive spark came in an anecdote: a local craftsman exclaimed “A true goblin!” After trying the beer, and so his name was born, which in Dutch means “the devil”, that mischievous and seductive figure that still captivates many.
Innovation and expansion: from a Belgian jewel to a worldwide phenomenon
From the 70s and 80s, with a team led by Emile Moortgat, the brand began to expand decidedly, driven by a vision that combined tradition and modernity. Michel Moortgat, in 1991, took the reins of the company in a delicate time, with debts and a single product in its portfolio. But, instead of backing, he chose to grow without prejudice, acquiring other breweries such as Achouffe, Liefmans and Koninck, and penetrating markets in the United States, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Today, the billing exceeds 500 million euros, and Duvel travels to more than 50 countries, conquering palates and hearts throughout the planet.
The art of manufacturing the Duvel: the ingredients of its magic
There is no more seductive secret than the elaboration method: the key is in its unique aspect, flavor and effervescence. The Duvel emerges as an absolutely pale beer, achieved by precise techniques that control the temperature and avoid the darkening of the must. It only uses Pilsner malts and a touch of liquid sugar, ingredients that give it its golden color and its 8.5%alcoholic content. Fermentation is performed at temperatures calculated carefully, ensuring that the yeast produces its characteristic flavors, while its high carbonation, of more than 8 grams of CO2 per liter, adds that vibrant and bubbly sensation that distinguishes Duvel from other beers.
A future full of promises and new challenges
More than a simple soda, Duvel represents a saga of innovation, persistence and beer passion. With each sip, a family story is revived that has managed to adapt and evolve, respecting its roots and looking towards new horizons. The tradition of quality is combined with the audacity to experiment, ensuring that Duvel’s legacy remains a symbol of excellence and creativity in the universe of premium beers.
