De Dolle Brouwers ("The Mad Brewers") is a Belgian brewery, based in Esen in the province of West Flanders. The building housing the brewery is believed to date from 1835 and has a long brewing history since its inception by local doctor Louis Nevejan, having become the Costenoble brewery in approximately 1882 and remaining in that family for three generations. It was defunct when purchased by De Dolle and restored to function as a brewery in 1980. The grounds of the brewery and tasting room are open to visitors for tours once a week, and by appointment for larger groups.

Beers

All of the De Dolle products are bottle-conditioned, and additional seasonal or special brews are also produced.

Awards and recognition

De Dolle received 4 Gold Awards in respected user ratings site RateBeer in their Best Beers of Belgium 2008 and 2 in 2009. In 2000, De Dolle brewer and owner Kris Herteleer was awarded the biennial "Golden Hammer" award by Bruges-based brewing and cultural society 't Hamerken for his work in restoring the brewery to function and also research on local brewing history.

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