Pierre Celis

Belgian brewer known for reviving the witbier style

Pierre Celis, the renowned Belgian brewer

Pierre Celis (21 March 1925 – 9 April 2011) was a Belgian brewer who is credited with reviving the witbier style of beer, a traditional Belgian wheat beer that had nearly disappeared by the mid-20th century. His work in the brewing industry has left a lasting impact on the craft beer movement worldwide.

Early Life

Pierre Celis was born in Hoegaarden, a small village in Belgium known for its brewing tradition. Growing up in this environment, Celis was exposed to the art of brewing from a young age. His early experiences in the local breweries laid the foundation for his future career.

Revival of Witbier

In the 1950s, the production of witbier in Hoegaarden had dwindled, with the last brewery closing in 1957. Recognizing the cultural and historical significance of this beer style, Celis decided to revive it. In 1966, he established the Brouwerij Celis in his hometown, using traditional recipes and methods to produce witbier.

Celis's witbier was characterized by its cloudy appearance and unique flavor, derived from the use of unmalted wheat, coriander, and orange peel. This distinctive taste quickly gained popularity, and the brewery's success helped to reestablish witbier as a beloved Belgian beer style.

Expansion and Challenges

The success of Brouwerij Celis attracted attention beyond Belgium. In the 1980s, Celis moved to the United States and founded the Celis Brewery in Austin, Texas. This venture introduced American beer enthusiasts to the witbier style and contributed to the burgeoning craft beer movement in the U.S.

However, the brewery faced financial difficulties, leading to its sale to Miller Brewing Company in the 1990s. Despite these challenges, Celis's influence on the craft beer industry remained significant.

Legacy

Pierre Celis is remembered as a pioneer in the brewing world. His dedication to traditional brewing methods and his role in the revival of witbier have inspired countless brewers around the globe. Today, witbier is a popular style enjoyed by beer lovers everywhere, thanks in large part to Celis's efforts.

Related Pages

• Witbier
• Hoegaarden
• Craft beer
• Belgian beer