Kasteelbrouwerij Ter Dolen

Belgium

"Brewing beer is in my blood."

Border regions are often interesting areas. They can be a source of conflicts, crossed by all kinds of smuggling routes, but in the border area of the Netherlands and Belgium, you definitely will also find a number of breweries that are worth visiting!

Ter Dolen Castle, a brief history

On an early summer day, we found ourselves in the border region between the Netherlands and Belgium. A quick look at our map of breweries, wineries, and distilleries made it clear that there was still plenty for us to explore in the area. Our destination for the day was the town of Houthalen-Helchteren, located just north of Hasselt. Here stands a 16th-century castle, though its roots trace back to the Middle Ages. At that time, the castle served, among other purposes, as a summer residence for the abbots of the Abbey of Sint-Truiden.

Ter Dolen Castle in Houthalen-Helchteren

Like many other castles, Ter Dolen Castle (also known as De Dool) has a turbulent past, having been destroyed several times up until the 15th century and rebuilt just as often. The current owner, Mieke Desplenter, purchased the castle in 1993 with the ambition of establishing a brewery on the grounds. The castle itself was a delightful addition to the experience.

Entrance of De Dool, Ter Dolen castle courtyard

Castle brewery Ter Dolen

Coming from a Belgian brewing family, it wasn’t entirely surprising that Mieke decided to start a brewery. While searching for the perfect location in Flanders, she found herself in the village of Houthalen-Helchteren. With her parents' support, she was able to purchase the property, and within a year, the brewery was up and running.

Exterieur Kasteelbrouwerij Ter Dolen in Houthalen-Helchteren

The interest exceeded all expectations, partly because the castle and its surrounding grounds had been closed off to the public for so long. The original plan for a small terrace was quickly abandoned in favor of a full-sized one. And over the years, the brewery continued to expand beyond that initial vision.

Old brew kettle outside brasserie Ter Dolen in Houthalen-Helchteren

Ter Dolen beer - No pilsners, but abbey beers

Inspired by the history of the castle, Mieke decided to focus on brewing abbey beers. The first beer produced at Ter Dolen Brewery was Ter Dolen Blond. For the first few months, this was the only beer available, but soon other classic Belgian styles were added to the core range, including a Tripel, a Dark beer, a Kriek, and, more recently, a Witbier.

Ter Dolen Tripel and Ter Dolen Blond

In 2011, a less traditional Belgian beer was introduced as a tribute to Mieke's father, Armand Desplenter. This beer, named Ter Dolen Armand, is a dry-hopped, unfiltered Blonde made with American hop variety Cascade, giving it a distinctive citrus flavor. Originally intended as a one-time homage, the beer quickly became a favorite. Naturally, it earned a permanent spot in the core range.

Castle brewery Ter Dolen beer tanks

Visiting Castle brewery Ter Dolen

We missed the 30th anniversary celebration by just a day—what unfortunate timing! Today, Kasteelbrouwerij Ter Dolen has a large tasting room where you can also get tasty snacks. The large courtyard features a small playground, making it a perfect spot for a family outing.

Brasserie Ter Dolen castle brewery

Tours are held on weekends and holidays. For those seeking a bit of adventure, an uninhabited part of the castle is home to a mysterious Escape Room. Above all, it is a beautiful, green, historic location in Limburg where you can relax on a large terrace with a great glass of abbey beer in hand!

Ter Dolen Blond, the first abbey beer brewed at Castle brewery Ter Dolen