Sponsored Post:
(Bellegem, BELGIUM) – Omer-Jean Vander Ghinste is the fifth-generation to manage his family’s brewery in Bellegem, Belgium. He’s also the fourth generation of owners named “Omer.” Back at the beginning of the 20th-century, his great-grandfather installed catchy stained-glass windows in his pubs, telling everyone (in Flemish, of course) that “Here you can buy the beer of Omer Vander Ghinste”. In order to save the expense of redoing the windows when his son took over, Omer I simply named his first-born son (and successor to the brewery) Omer II and so it has gone since. Omer IV is the current owner and his son, Omer V will take over when he is old enough.
To celebrate their proud history and family tradition, Brewery Bockor has released OMER a traditional Belgian blond strong ale and their first top-fermented beer in decades. Bockor brews mostly bottom-fermented Pilsners but with OMER they have taken great pains to make a quality beer with will stand out in the crowded Belgian marketplace. And it’s working. OMER can be seen not only in the pubs that Bockor owns, but also in every independent pub in the country. Beautiful branded umbrellas and awnings can be spotted everywhere, and relaxed-looking Belgians beneath them drinking this delightful beer.
While the marketing materials are first-rate, the beer is no slouch. OMER is a traditional strong blond ale, 8.0% ABV with a moderate, firm bitterness and complex, full malt character. Fully bottle conditioned, OMER boasts a beautiful white foam and amble carbonation. And within a few months of it’s release, OMER won a Gold Medal in the World Beer Cup, an international competition judged by brewing professionals.
Subscribe to Artisanal Imports updates:
Sign up for the Artisanal Imports newsletter.
