Brewery Roman
As Belgium's oldest family brewery, Brewery Roman is known for its wide range of beers. Each one is brewed with traditional craftsmanship and a passion for beer, and has been for almost five centuries.
The early days (1545)
The story begins in 1545 with Joos Roman. At that time, he ran a bed and breakfast in Mater, a sub-municipality of Oudenaarde, called "De Clocke". It was located along the trade route from Germany to France. There was an inn, a farm, a mill, a malthouse, and, of course, a brewery. Brewing beer was just one of the many activities going on there at the time. It was only later, as subsequent generations took charge, that brewing became the family's main activity.
Growth and revival in the 20th century
The current imposing buildings and courtyard date from 1930. It was also during this period that the Roman Brewery was transformed into a public limited company. Just before the Second World War, the brewery reached a peak with the sale of "Oudenaards Bruin," the quintessential regional product. After 1945, the focus shifted to rebuilding the dwindling market, and with the arrival of Romy Pils, the brewery experienced a new boom.
Special beers and new growth
Under Louis Roman's leadership, the brewery transformed from a (primarily) lager-producing company into a brewery with a variety of specialty beers. These balanced beers appeal to a wide audience of beer lovers, and they regularly win prizes in competitions. With the arrival of Sloeber (1983), Ename Abbey Beers (1990), Mater Witbier (1993), Black Hole (2005), and Gentse Strop (2011), the brewery gained momentum.
Brewing with tradition and innovation
A passion for beer is in their genes: today, Carlo and Lode Roman (14th generation) are at the helm of the brewery. With a sense of tradition and an eye for innovation, they also elevate the art of brewing to the highest standards, with their mission being to create the perfect taste sensation: creating pleasure since 1545.