BROUWERIJ HET ANKER (Belgium)

Belgian brewery Het Anker from the old town of Mechelen has a long history.  The first records found in the archives date back to 1369, when the owner was a certain citizen Jan van der Anker.  It is believed that this is one of the oldest still operating breweries in Belgium.  In the 16th century, the development of the brewery was facilitated by the Spanish emperor Charles V, a great connoisseur of foam, who ordered regular deliveries of dark beer to the court.  In honor of Charles in 1873, a special variety, Emperor Charles V, was created, which was considered a drink for an elite society.  Since 1874, the brewery has been owned by the Van Breedam family, whose representatives are as faithful to tradition as in the old days.  Nowadays, the old buildings of the brewery still serve their owners regularly - here they brew real beer from Mechelen, a famous collection of excellent varieties from local ingredients.  In addition, the brewery houses a restaurant, hotel, pub and museum in the old premises.  The most famous brand of this brewery, Gouden Carolus, is named after gold coins depicting the famous Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire Charles V, who was born and raised in what is now Belgium.