An de Ryck
An de Ryck | |
|---|---|
| Born | Herzele, Belgium |
| Other names | Ann de Ryck, Anne de Ryck |
| Occupation(s) | Brewster, Brewing engineer, Master brewer |
| Years active | 1970s–present |
| Known for | First female brewing engineer in contemporary Belgium; pioneering Belgian brewster; leading family brewery to international awards |
An de Ryck—also referred to as Ann de Ryck or Anne de Ryck—is a pioneering Belgian brewster recognized as the first female brewing engineer in contemporary Belgium. As the granddaughter of Gustaaf de Ryck, the brewery’s founder, she has propelled the establishment to global acclaim, securing the title of best Belgian tripel at the 2008 and 2013 European Beer Star competitions, along with bronze awards at the World Beer Cup in both 2006 and 2008.
Early life
Originating from Herzele, Belgium, An de Ryck developed an early ambition to become a brewster, despite her father Paul De Ryck’s initial reservations. Immersed in the family brewing environment from a young age, she began working at the brewery when she was twelve years old. Following her secondary schooling, she pursued and obtained a degree in brewing engineering from in Ghent, where her studies encompassed brewing technology as well as biochemistry, chemistry, and microbiology. This achievement marked her as Belgium’s inaugural female brewing engineer.
Career
Following a practical training period in Bavaria and gaining experience at various breweries, An returned in the 1970s to assume leadership of the family enterprise. She expanded the brewery’s portfolio by introducing six new beer styles and enhanced its global reach by installing a bottling plant. Beyond her responsibilities as master brewer, she contributes to a collaborative network of thirty breweries and two academic institutions focused on beer quality research, including aspects such as flavor preservation.
Her children, Miek Van Melkebeke and Bram Van Melkebeke, currently oversee the brewery’s commercial activities while she remains active as brewmaster. Over time, she has crafted nine beers rooted in traditional styles along with sweeter options like Jules de Bananes. In celebration of the brewery’s 125th anniversary in 2011, she launched "Gouden Arend" (Golden Eagle). Her creations have received numerous accolades, including the European Beer Star gold medal awarded to Arend Tripel in 2013.
An de Ryck is married to Omer Van Melkebeke, who practices as a pharmacist.