Groups of brewers from Norfolk and Belgium are collaborating once more after success on projects either side of the channel last year.
The Norfolk brewers during a trip to De Coureur Brewery, in Leuven. Left to right are Mike Green, from Tindall Ales, Dave Cornell (Poppyland Brewery), Phil Halls (Grain Brewery) and David Holliday (Moon Gazer Ales)
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, and one from Norfolk — worked together to brew beers that appeared at respective beer festivals in each of the cities.
Buoyed by the enthusiasm that this concept received, the collective of Anglo-Belgian brewers have now jointly produced a recipe for a new beer, which will be brewed in both locations, and which will be launched, simultaneously, at 7pm UK time on Friday, 25th October.
Strangers Red Ale is being brewed at De Coureur (Leuven) and Moon Gazer Ales (Fakenham, Norfolk) with identical ingredients, including Goldings hops and a selection of malts, including Maris Otter British ale malt, Red X for the redness, some Vienna malt, and a sprinkling of oats. The only difference between the ingredients will be the respective water sources.
Beer lovers in Leuven and Norwich will be brought together via video link as they get their first opportunity to try the new beer at De Coureur’s taproom and at The Plough, in Norwich, owned by Grain Brewery.
The reference 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.
Norwich’s 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 but also symbolises the friendship forged between the two communities.
Leuven, located just east of Brussels, boasts a rich brewing history and continues to host a variety of craft breweries, 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 at Belgium’s oldest university, KU Leuven.
The beer will be available in both cask and KeyKeg, and some of it will also be bottled by Poppyland Brewery.
“I know that all of the Norfolk brewers involved are delighted that this beer twinning is continuing and looks set to keep developing,” said David Holliday, of Moon Gazer Ales.
“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, added: “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 brews 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 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.
