Brouwerij Kerkom was founded in 1878 by Evarist Clerinx in the village of Kerkom-bij-Sint-Truiden, located in the heart of Belgium’s fruit-growing region. The brewery remained a family operation through generations, passing to Evarist’s son Paul in the 1930s and then to his grandson Jean in 1952. Like many small Belgian breweries, Kerkom was forced to close its doors in 1968 amid industry consolidation.
Two decades later, Jean Clerinx revived the brewery after retirement, driven by his enduring passion for traditional brewing. In 1999, he handed over the reins to Marc Limet, a local beer enthusiast and dedicated brewer who expanded the lineup while remaining true to the brewery’s heritage.
Today, Brouwerij Kerkom produces a range of distinctive beers including the hop-forward Bink Blond, the honeyed Bloesem Bink, and the robust Winterkoninkske. The brewery has become a beloved destination for cyclists, walkers, and beer lovers, who gather in the farmhouse courtyard during the summer and around the old coach house’s wood stove in winter.
Still family-run, Brouwerij Kerkom remains committed to traditional brewing methods and regional character, offering not only its beers but also homemade specialties like Bink cheese, bread, and pâté.