Breweries in Breda
History of breweries
There have been many breweries in the city, and a lot of beer was exported and consumed. Around 1540, there were no less than 38 breweries in the city, and much of Breda's beer was exported to Holland, Antwerp, and Zeeland. One in 14 men in Breda was involved in malting, brewing, or transporting Breda's beer.
Beer was consumed by everyone, including children. After all, it was healthier than the filthy water at that time. The alcohol content of most types of beer was low. Especially at the Haven and in the Ginneken, there were many breweries, but beer was also brewed on the Haagdijk, Gasthuiseinde, in the Veemarktstraat, and in the Brugstraten. From 1550 onwards, it became much easier to load and unload in Breda, as the capacity of the harbour was expanded several times. Initially, there was the city wall and only small ships had the opportunity to dock. Due to the good water connections from Breda, ships could go in all directions from the harbour. They sailed via the Mark to Dutch cities such as Rotterdam and Amsterdam, but also to Zeeland and Antwerp.
De Drie Hoefijzers
One of the oldest breweries in Breda is De Drie Hoefijzers. The brewery was established in 1538. The brewery on Ceresstraat became one of the most important breweries in the Netherlands. The name changed several times over the years, including F. Smits van Waesberghe and Oranjeboom.
As early as the Middle Ages, breweries in Breda had a reputation. Names associated with horse riding were trendy: the name Het Hoefijzer was so popular in Breda that at one point there were three breweries with Hoefijzer in their name, namely Het Hoefijzer, De Twee Hoefijzers, and De Drie Hoefijzers.
Breweries in Breda
Nowadays, you can still find many breweries in Breda. And you can notice that from all the delicious local craft beers available.
Brewery Frontaal
Founded in 2015, it is still quite a young brewery in the city, but already well-known! Frontaal is versatile: from Juicy IPAs to bad ass Stouts. Also nice: you can visit the brew café located in the old factory de Faam, where you can enjoy a beer with a tasty snack. Or take a seat on the sunny terrace!
Liniestraat 31
Brewery St. Joris
Did you know that since 2016, beer has been brewed from the cellar of the Boterhal? In the cellar – dating back to 1483 – beer is brewed and tasted. In the tasting room and at the Boterhal, you drink the beers straight from the tank. It doesn't get fresher than this!
Grote Markt 19
Big Belly Brewing Company
Three friends from Breda started their own beer brand Big Belly Brewing Company in 2016. They now also have their own bar at the harbour, where you can sample the wide range of self-brewed beers. Comfort food is also served, inspired by their beers. Tip: in the garden, you can enjoy the sun until late!
Prinsenkade 3
Breweries in the region
Are you looking for a brewery in the Breda area? We have listed a few for you:
Trappistenbrouwerij De Kievit
At the Trappistenbrouwerij De Kievit, you can get beer that you won't find anywhere else. This beer is only available at the abbey.
Rucphenseweg 38, Zundert
Brouwerij Bourgogne Kruis
At Brouwerij Bourgogne Kruis in Oosterhout, you can truly enjoy handmade beer. Various wheat beers are brewed here, so it’s definitely worth tasting!
Wilhelminakanaal Zuid 104, Oosterhout
Not in the mood for beer? ;)
At Wijngaard Dassemus you can find delicious wines from their own vineyard! You can also take a guided tour with a group, and to top it off, there is a wine tasting.
De Beyerd
Where in 1628 the brewery 'De Drie Hoefijzers' was established on Boschstraat, nearly 400 years later the brewing craft has returned to the street: De Beyerd. 'Drie Hoefijzers Klassiek' is thus the first beer brewed here according to the original recipe. In addition to the Drie Hoefijzers, De Beyerd also brews a variety of beers according to its own recipe.
Boschstraat 26
Brewery Witte Anker
After 116 years, Brewery Witte Anker made a fresh start in 2017. The building that used to house 'het Wit Anker' still exists. Above the doorway on the left side of the building (Haven 4), a Wit Anker can still be seen in the window frame. Nowadays, the brewery is run by two friends with a passion for beer.
Tip: It is possible to visit Trappist Brewery De Kievit and see where the Zundert Trappist beers are brewed. The excursion can be booked via the VVV in Zundert and includes an explanation, a walk, a brewery visit, and a concluding tasting. The excursion lasts approximately two hours and must be reserved in advance via vvv@vangoghhuis.com.
Source: The Breda Breweries 1397-1750 The History of an Export Industry