Het Anker

Het Anker is one of Belgium’s oldest breweries, with roots dating back to 1471, when the beguines of Mechelen brewed beer in a local hospital. In 1872, the Van Breedam family purchased the brewery and modernized it, while preserving its historical foundations. The fifth-generation brewer, Charles Leclef, sold Het Anker to another family-owned brewery, Brouwerij Huyghe – best known for Delirium Tremens – on Boxing Day 2024.

The brewery’s most iconic brand is Gouden Carolus, a beer series named after Emperor Charles V, renowned for its rich, malty, and complex flavor profiles. Launched in 1959, Gouden Carolus Classic has won numerous international awards and brought global recognition to Het Anker.

Het Anker is more than just a brewery – it’s a full experience. Visitors can join guided tours, taste the beers, stay at the brewery hotel, and enjoy Belgian classics at the on-site restaurant. The brewery also houses a distillery, producing Gouden Carolus Single Malt whisky since 2010.