Brouwerij De Koninck – Antwerp’s Iconic Urban Brewery with a Modern Edge
At TheCru.ie, we’re proud to feature beers that combine heritage, innovation, and genuine brewing passion — and Brouwerij De Koninck fits that brief perfectly. Based in the heart of Antwerp, Belgium, this legendary brewery is known for producing accessible, flavourful beers that reflect the vibrant energy of the city it calls home. With roots going back nearly two centuries, Brouwerij De Koninck is not just part of Belgian brewing history — it’s actively shaping the future of craft beer.
Whether you’re a Belgian beer enthusiast or a curious newcomer browsing for craft beer online, this is a brewery that offers something unique, refreshing, and unmistakably authentic.
Founded in 1833, Brouwerij De Koninck has been a cornerstone of Antwerp’s brewing culture for generations. The brewery began its life on the city’s main trade route, a location that helped cement its early popularity with merchants, locals, and travellers alike. Over the years, De Koninck has weathered war, urban change, and evolving tastes, all while maintaining its status as one of Belgium’s most beloved breweries.
Its flagship beer, the iconic De Koninck “Bolleke,” has become synonymous with Antwerp itself. Ask for a “Bolleke” in any bar in the city, and you’ll be handed a glass of amber ale with a distinct malty richness and subtle bitterness — a symbol of local pride and a testament to the brewery’s enduring appeal.
Brouwerij De Koninck is based in Antwerp, Belgium — one of Europe’s most dynamic port cities, known for its fashion, food, and strong local identity. The brewery embraces that identity fully, calling itself an “urban city brewery” and drawing on the character of Antwerp in everything it does. It has become a cultural hub as much as a brewing facility, welcoming thousands of visitors each year to its brewery experience centre and taproom.
This strong local connection is part of what makes Brouwerij De Koninck so distinctive, even as it finds fans well beyond Belgium’s borders — including right here in our craft beer shop Dublin.
Brouwerij De Koninck’s brewing philosophy is all about balance, accessibility, and character. While proudly traditional, the brewery is also forward-thinking — blending time-honoured Belgian techniques with a playful, creative approach that keeps things fresh and relevant.
All De Koninck beers are brewed with quality ingredients, including local malts, classic Belgian yeasts, and European hops. The brewing process is rooted in authenticity, from open fermentation in some styles to extended maturation and natural carbonation. Consistency is key, but so is flavour — and the brewery never sacrifices one for the other.
The result is a range of beers that are full of personality yet easy to drink — ideal for both seasoned craft beer drinkers and those new to Belgian styles.
At the heart of the brewery’s range is De Koninck Original — the classic amber ale affectionately known as “Bolleke.” This 5.2% ABV beer is beautifully balanced with soft caramel notes, light hop bitterness, and a smooth, rounded finish. It’s a crowd-pleaser for a reason: rich enough to savour, light enough to enjoy any time.
Alongside the Bolleke, Brouwerij De Koninck produces a growing lineup of modern brews, including:
Wild Jo, a dry-hopped, wild-yeast ale that’s bold and funky
Lost in Spice, a refreshing white beer with zesty citrus and coriander
Triple d’Anvers, a stronger, golden blonde beer with a classic Belgian tripel character
Each beer brings something different to the table, while maintaining the brewery’s unmistakable house style — clean, flavourful, and well-made.
Over the years, Brouwerij De Koninck has received recognition for both its beers and its visitor experience. It’s one of the most visited breweries in Belgium, thanks to its interactive tour, lively tasting bar, and strong community events. But even more important is the everyday recognition the brand receives in bars, restaurants, and homes throughout Belgium and beyond.
In Ireland, Brouwerij De Koninck has become a favourite among drinkers looking for approachable Belgian beer with a strong sense of identity. Its reputation for quality and consistency makes it a standout option among the many choices available in craft beer Ireland.
Brouwerij De Koninck is a perfect example of how a heritage brewery can evolve without losing sight of its roots. It continues to play a major role in Belgium’s beer culture while also pushing into new markets with confidence and creativity. The brewery’s playful branding, commitment to quality, and strong Antwerp identity make it a unique and welcome presence in the world of craft beer.
It’s also had an important influence on how European breweries present themselves — combining great beer with a great story, and inviting drinkers into that story with open arms.
If you’re ready to discover a new Belgian favourite, look no further. Shop the best of craft beer Ireland and from around the world online with TheCru.ie or in our Dublin craft beer store, Carry Out Tyrrelstown in Dublin 15. Brouwerij De Koninck beers are available now, and we regularly stock their best-sellers and limited releases.
Order your craft beer online for delivery or for collection in our craft beer Dublin shop, Carry Out Tyrrelstown in Dublin 15. Whether you’re buying for yourself or picking out a gift for a beer lover, we’ve got something for every taste.
Brouwerij De Koninck Ireland is a great fit for anyone looking to explore classic Belgian beer without straying too far into the heavy or extreme. It’s also a perfect entry point into craft beer online, especially if you’re drawn to stories of place, history, and tradition.
With its welcoming approach and unmistakable quality, this Antwerp brewery continues to earn its place on shelves and in fridges across Ireland and Europe.
Discover what makes De Koninck so special by adding a few to your next order — and raise a Bolleke to proper brewing done the right way.