Just prior to the Covid pandemic, an idea to “twin” the two cities of Leuven and Norwich around their brewing heritage and passion for outstanding beer, was born. In 2023, four pairs of brewers – each consisting of one from Leuven and its surrounding area in Flanders, Belgium, and one from Norwich/Norfolk, worked together to brew beers together that appeared at respective beer festivals in each of the cities. Buoyed by the enthusiasm that this concept received, the collective of Anglo-Belgo brewers have now jointly produced a recipe for a new beer, which will be brewed both locations, and will be launched, simultaneously, at 7pm UK time / 8pm Belgian time on Friday 25th October.
The new beer, entitled “Strangers Red Ale”, is being brewed at De Coureur (Leuven) and Moon Gazer Brewery (Fakenham, Norfolk) with identical ingredients, including Goldings hops and a selection of malts which included Maris Otter British ale malt, Red X for the redness , some Vienna malt and a sprinkling of oats. The only exception being the water source in each country. Beer lovers in both Leuven and Norwich will be brought together via video link as they get their first opportunity to try the new Red Ale at the launch events at De Coureur’s tap room in Leuven and at The Plough in Norwich, owned by Grain Brewery.
The inference to Strangers in the name of the beer comes from an historical bond between the two cities dating back to the 14th century, when refugee weavers from Flanders and the Low Countries sought refuge in Norfolk to escape religious persecution for their Protestant beliefs. Norwich became a sanctuary for these refugees, often referred to as “Strangers.” Their arrival not only enriched the local textile industry but also left a lasting cultural impact, weaving a shared history that still resonates today.
Both regions share a historical connection through their textile and cloth-producing industries together with a vibrant dyeing industry, which flourished in both countries. In Norwich, its Maddermarket was once a bustling hub for selling dye derived from dried madder roots, brought by the Strangers to create the red madder dye in Norwich. It was therefore fitting that the connection to the red dye served as the inspiration for the creation of this new red ale, which not only captures the rich hue of that dye but also symbolises the friendship forged between the two communities. The vibrant colour of the Red Ale reflects an historical tribute to their common heritage, a story of cooperation, blending traditions and tastes across borders.
Today, Leuven, located just east of Brussels, boasts a rich brewing history and continues to host a variety of craft breweries, both large and small, each with its own unique story. This vibrant city is not only a hub for beer enthusiasts but also a centre of knowledge and innovation, anchored its Belgium’s oldest university, KU Leuven.
The beer will be available in both cask and KeyKeg, but some of the beer will also be bottled by Poppyland Brewery. Speaking about the connection between the brewers from the two cities, David Holliday, Moon Gazer Brewery said “I know that all of the Norfolk brewers involved are delighted that this beer twinning is continuing and looks set to keep developing. We get a real sense that Strangers Red is just the beginning and that more brewers and more beers will be part of this journey. It has created a real buzz amongst the two beer communities and with beer lovers in both regions. The red ale has a lovely malt complexity to it and a soft hop which makes it a very easy drinking and brings together characteristics of an English bitter and a Belgian ale”.
Phil Halls from Grain Brewery said” It has been an interesting experience to work with fellow Norfolk brewers and our friends from Belgium to create a beer that will work on both sides of the channel. Each region has had its own influences on the recipe which we hope will be seen in the results. We are expecting a full-bodied, malty, red ale, but we are looking forward to tasting the real thing, and the differences between the regions’ ingredients.”
Bart Delvaux from De Coureur said “”In Leuven, we’re thrilled to unveil our new Red Ale, a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. This collaboration with Norfolk Brewers has allowed us to create a beer that celebrates craftsmanship and the spirit of partnership.”
The launch event at The Plough in St Benedict’s Street, Norwich, will also offer an opportunity to enjoy some other amazing Belgian beers from Leuven breweries. This will include beers from Braxatorium Parcencis, a modern brewery has been established on the grounds of Park Abbey, located just outside Leuven, Belgium, where a historic brewery from the 16th century once stood. Braxatorium Parcenis was the partner brewery to Grain Brewery for last year’s collaborations, and its beers are not normally distributed outside of the Abbey walls.
During the launch evening, guests at both locations can enjoy a complimentary taster of the newly released Red Ale, along with a tasting session of other Belgian beers. Brewers will join via a live stream to discuss the beer’s creation, and at The Plough, the event will conclude with celebratory dancing. This is a special opportunity for beer lovers to explore unique Anglo- Belgian brews.
30 September 2024
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Notes to Editors:
Norwich Launch takes place at: The Plough
Address: 58 St Benedicts Street, Norwich, NR2 4AR.
Date: 25 October 2024
Time: 18:00 – late
Leuven Launch takes place at:
Address: Brewery De Coureur, Borstelsstraat 20 box 1 3010 Leuven
Date: 25 October 2024
Time: 20:00 – late
Brewers that have been part of the twin cities initiative:
Braxatorium Parcencis (Leuven)
Den Adept (Herent, near Leuven)
Hof ten Dormaal (Tildonck, near Leuven)
Moon Gazer Brewery (Fakenham, Norfolk)
Grain Brewery (Harleston, Norfolk)
Poppyland Brewery (Cromer, Norfolk)
Tindall Ales (Seething, Norfolk)
For other press enquiries, please contact:
Anita Rampall
Press Manager – UK and Ireland
VISITFLANDERS
T 0207 299 3594
anita.rampall@visitflanders.
Flanders House, 1a Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0LD
About VISITFLANDERS
As an official body of the Government of Flanders, VISITFLANDERS is tasked with the international promotion of Flanders as a tourist destination. VISITFLANDERS aims to strengthen the role of tourism as a positive force, ensuring Flanders can thrive as an innovative, inspiring, and qualitative travel destination, for the benefit of its inhabitants, entrepreneurs and visitors. www.visitflanders.com
For other press enquiries, please contact:
Anita Rampall
Press Manager – UK and Ireland
VISITFLANDERS
T 0207 299 3594
anita.rampall@visitflanders.
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