Efe's Beercap Collection

Steenbrugge Tripel, Blond Beer, 8.7%

De Gouden Broom (the Golden Tree) brewery, Brugges, Belgium

De Gouden Boom, rooted in historic Bruges, traces its origins to Jan Hugheins, a brewer in 1455. Over generations, it transitioned between brewery and distillery. In 1872, Jules Vanneste acquired the building housing ‘t Hamerken distillery, later converting it definitively into a brewery in 1889. ‘t Hamerken’s top-fermentation beers became renowned in Bruges. In 1983, the brewery was named DE GOUDEN BOOM, linking back to the city’s emblem, the Golden Tree, presented to the winner of a knights’ tournament in 1468.

The historic BRUGGE Tripel and STEENBRUGGE abbey beers brewed by DE GOUDEN BOOM hold a secret – the « gruut » blend of herbs and spices. The « Gruuthuse » in Bruges, now a museum, monopolized « gruut » sales until later centuries.

But much ealier, St. Peter’s Abbey in Steenbrugge, founded in 1084 by Arnold of Tiegem, served as a refuge during unsafe times of contaminated water. St. Arnold, later canonized, advocated beer over water during the plague. In 1934, the Abbey of Oudenburg’s rights transferred to St. Peter’s Abbey in Steenbrugge, which brewed beer until World War II.

In 2003, the Prior of St. Peter’s Abbey licensed PALM Breweries to brew STEENBRUGGE abbey beers, entrusting them to preserve St. Arnold’s legacy. PALM Breweries vowed to safeguard the unique ancient recipe, ensuring the continuation of this historical brewing tale.
Today, Palm brewery belongs to Swinkels Family Brewers.

Licorne Black, Black Beer, 6°

Brasserie Licorne, Saverne, France

The Brasserie La Licorne, also known as Brasserie Licorne, is a well-known brewery located in Saverne, France. It has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century and takes pride in using water from the Vosges Mountains.

Established in 1764 by a local family in Saverne, Alsace, France.

One of the brewery's flagship products is La Bière des Licornes, which translates to "Beer of the Unicorns." This beer, with its distinctive unicorn logo, has become a symbol.

Alsace, in northeastern France, has a rich & eventful history since the 18th century. The French Revolution brought significant political & social changes, as revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality, & fraternity took hold.

However, the region's fate took a turn during the Franco-Prussian War when Alsace was annexed by Germany from 1871 to 1918 (German influence on administration, education, and culture).

The turmoil of World War I engulfed Alsace, as it became a battleground with extensive destruction and loss of life. But the war's end brought a glimmer of hope as Alsace was returned to France with the Treaty of Versailles, leading to a period of readjustment and reintegration.

Tragically, World War II once again brought hardship to Alsace as it was occupied by N**i Germany. However, the region's residents demonstrated resilience, with many actively involved in resistance movements against the occupation.

In a more recent chapter, Alsace has become a symbol of European unity and cooperation. Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, hosts significant European institutions such as the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, cementing the region's role in the process of European integration.