In 1998, the brewery was acquired by Jos Tjoen, who modernised it so that it could expand. It soon became clear that the premises were too small for the planned extension and so, in 2001, he moved Brouwerij De Bie to a larger location in Loker but kept the name: Hellekapelle. And an entirely new brewery was born, one with an adjoining pub where people could enjoy a good chat with close friends over great beer. At the same time, they opened a beer boutique.
Because of the enormous success of regional craft beers, this location was soon far too small. So, in 2011, Brouwerij De Bie moved to a much larger farmstead in Wakken (Dentergem). What began as a craft brewery with 3 beers has today grown into a renowned brewery with 10 beers. But it hasn’t lost its artisanal qualities.
Boutip (9769) reviewed Hellekapelle from Brouwerij de Bie 18 years ago
Appearance - 6 | Aroma - 6 | Flavor - 6 | Texture - 4 | Overall - 5.5
Bottle: Poured a hazy beige color ale with a foamy head with a good size foamy head with good retention but minimal lacing. Aroma of dry malt with a funny yeast smell. Taste is a weird mix between some dry malt, bad funky yeast and some dry hops. Full body with some good carbonation. Definitely not the best beer from this usually fine brewery.
Boutip (9769) reviewed Kriekedebie from Brouwerij de Bie 18 years ago
Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 8 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 6 | Overall - 7
Bottle: Poured a cloudy and hazy dark pink color ale with a big foamy pink head with perfect retention and good lacing. Aroma of sour cherry is dominating and quite interesting. Taste is an interesting mix between some Belgian malt with some sour cherry with some lingering notes of oak. Definitely no fake cherry syrup used in this one and this is all the better for it. Overall, a very nice fruit beer with some very refreshing characteristics.
Ungstrup (52110) reviewed Double Bie from Brouwerij de Bie 18 years ago
Appearance - 6 | Aroma - 6 | Flavor - 6 | Texture - 6 | Overall - 6
Bottled November 2005, bought December 2007, drunkt January 2008. A hazy brown beer with a lazing tan head. The aroma is sweet malty with primary notes of caramel. The flavor is sweet with notes of burnt malt and caramel, leading to a dry bitter and spicy finish.
CloakedDagger (37227) reviewed Stoute Bie from Brouwerij de Bie 18 years ago
Appearance - 6 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 5 | Texture - 4 | Overall - 5
(Bottle 33 cl) Courtesy of yespr/Ungstrup. Pours an opaque black with a very lively, light brown, lacing head. Vinous aroma of fruit and roasted malt. Medium body with very sweet, roasted malts and an unclean, metallic touch. No bitterness. 120108
CloakedDagger (37227) reviewed Riebedebie from Brouwerij de Bie 18 years ago
Appearance - 4 | Aroma - 5 | Flavor - 5 | Texture - 4 | Overall - 4
(Bottle 33 cl) Courtesy of yespr/Ungstrup. Pours a very hazy amber golden with a dense, off-white head that leaves some laces. Sweet aroma of fruit but also some diacetyl. Quite full-bodied with a solid malt base and plenty of fruit and an unpleasant, chemical tang. Subdued bitterness. Yet another flawed and unpleasant brew from a once very capable brewery. 120108
CloakedDagger (37227) reviewed Double Bie from Brouwerij de Bie 18 years ago
Appearance - 6 | Aroma - 5 | Flavor - 5 | Texture - 4 | Overall - 5
(Bottle 33 cl) Courtesy of yespr/Ungstrup. Hazy, orangey brown with a dense, lively, light brown head. Sweetish aroma of dried fruit and a little butter. Medium body, notes of sweetish, dried fruits and some metal. No hop bitterness. Very unclean. 120108
CloakedDagger (37227) reviewed Blonde Bie from Brouwerij de Bie 18 years ago
Appearance - 4 | Aroma - 4 | Flavor - 5 | Texture - 4 | Overall - 4.5
(Bottle 33 cl) Courtesy of yespr/Ungstrup. Hazy, pale golden with a white head. Aroma of fruit and phenols. Medium-bodied with sweetish, fruity notes and lots of diacetyl and metal. No bitterness. Terribly unclean and flawed. 120108
KimLundJohansen (10465) reviewed Stoute Bie from Brouwerij de Bie 18 years ago
Appearance - 6 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 6 | Texture - 6 | Overall - 6
[Bottle @ Papsoe] Black with large head. Aroma has sweet roasted malt with yeasty notes. Flavor is sweet with roasted malt. Metalic notes...
yespr (55501) reviewed Stoute Bie from Brouwerij de Bie 18 years ago
Appearance - 6 | Aroma - 6 | Flavor - 6 | Texture - 6 | Overall - 5.5
33 cL bottle. Pours dark brown with a huge light brown head. Mouldy and dark malty aroma. Flavour is of blood and metal in a thick sweet caramel malt blend. Initial taste is revolting, but gets better along the way with a mild sweetness. Ends sweet. Not much stout about this one.
KimLundJohansen (10465) reviewed Riebedebie from Brouwerij de Bie 18 years ago
Appearance - 6 | Aroma - 5 | Flavor - 6 | Texture - 6 | Overall - 6.5
[Bottle @ Papsoe] Hazy pale golden. Sweet fruity aroma with coriander and yeast notes. Sweet flavor with caramel and metalic notes.