ABOUT KOMPEL

THERE WAS ONCE...

COAL IN LIMBURG

Between 1922 and 1987, thousands of miners descended to 900 meters deep in the Eisden coal mine. Above ground, hundreds of workers turned the shaft wheels. In 1987 the mine in Eisden closed its doors for good. Two coal shafts testify to years of coal mining. The Kompel beers are an ode to the coalmen, their hard work and their life of dust and sweat.

Back in time. In 1901 André Dumont discovered coal in Limburg. Over the years, seven coal mines saw the light of day in Limburg: Beringen, Eisden, Houthalen, Waterschei, Winterslag, Zolder, Zwartberg. In 1922 coal was first mined in Eisden.

The miners descended to a depth of 900 meters.

In 1957 there was a record yield of approximately 1.9 million tons. At that time, more than 7,000 miners worked there. In 1987 the Eisden mine closed. Between 1922 and 1987, a total of 73,191,000 tons of coal was mined.

Kompel Bier Historie

IS. 2015

Brewery Kompel BV

Some milestones

KOPEL BREWERY

THE STORY

Miners go through life as 'compels'. The German Kumpel means 'friend' or 'fellow'. It is also the name of a series of new regional beers from Maasmechelen. Limburg's rich mining history – more specifically the Eisden mine – turned out to be a great source of inspiration.
Brouwerij Kompel was founded in 2015 in Maasmechelen as a tribute to miners who came from afar and, thanks to their hard work and the mined coal, have brought wealth to all Belgians. The first liters of Kompel beer flowed from the tanks at Brouwerij Anders! Kompel Bovengronds quickly enjoyed success and six months later Kompel Ondergronds came onto the market. During the summer of 2015, the switch was made to Kasteelbrouwerij De Dool in Houthalen-Helchteren. During this period, the Kompel Prion Des Fleurs and Kompel Christmas beers were launched. Since 2019, the beers have been brewed on a larger scale at the Proefbrouwerij in Lochristi. In March 2020, the range was expanded with a delicious fresh tripel, Kompel L'Or Noir. Our values: In the mine there is no distinction. Different cultures unite underground and take care of each other so that they come above ground safely. The name Kompel is the nickname of the miners and means something like 'comrade' or 'friend'. No one is excluded, everyone participates. The mine mentality is also the concept of Brouwerij Kompel. Equality - Togetherness - Fraternity.
Little by little, a series of beers is now growing on which the miner, armed with helmet, lamp and duster, adorns the label.

WHO ARE WE?

The directors and founders of Brouwerij Kompel BV:


(photo) vlnr: Sandro Di Pietro & Frederic Fabry

MEET OUR TEAM:

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