Pierre Celis
Pierre Celis | |
|---|---|
| Born | 21 March 1925 Hoegaarden, Belgium |
| Died | 9 April 2011 (aged 86) |
| Occupation | Brewer |
| Known for | Resurrecting the wit beer tradition in Hoegaarden; founder of Brouwerij Celis and Celis Brewery |
Pierre Celis (21 March 1925 – 9 April 2011) was a Belgian brewing pioneer credited with resurrecting the wit beer tradition in his native town of Hoegaarden. He established his initial brewery in 1966, revitalizing the local beer culture.[1]
Early life
Celis was born and raised on his family's cattle farm in Hoegaarden. His brewing knowledge was cultivated through collaboration with his neighbor, Louis Tomsin, who specialized in producing white beer, a notable regional brew.[1]
Brewing career
When Tomsin’s brewery ceased operations in 1957, the production of white beer in Hoegaarden came to a halt. At that time working as a milkman, Celis began brewing in 1965, utilizing equipment he obtained from a defunct brewery. He founded Brouwerij Celis in 1966 and later expanded by opening Brouwerij de Kluis in 1980. After a fire in 1985 and ensuing financial difficulties, he sold the enterprise to Interbrew (currently AB Inbev).[1][2][3]
Subsequently, Celis launched Celis Brewery in Austin, Texas, which was operated by his daughter Christine.[1] It is said that the venture began with yeast smuggled from Belgium.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Rising demand led to a partnership with Miller Brewing, who acquired Celis Brewery outright in 2000 before shutting it down in 2001. The brand and equipment were transferred to Michigan Brewing Company, which ultimately declared bankruptcy in 2011. Pierre Celis was not involved with Michigan Brewing. In 2017, Christine Celis reestablished the brand by opening a new brewery in Austin that continues to produce the original beer recipes.
Pierre Celis passed away from cancer on April 9, 2011, at the age of 86.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
External links
- Celis' obituary (Dutch)