Our Master Brewer Bruno

1869 - It all started with Johanna Philipina Bastaerts, who inherited a brewery from her brother. When she married farmer Jan Fransiscus De Keersmaeker, brewing became more than a business, it became a family legacy.

early 1900 - Felix Jan De Keersmaeker took over the brewery, passing it down to his son Hubert, who later inherited the business at a young age after his father’s passing.

1918-1919 -  While serving in Germany, Hubert discovered new brewing techniques. He returned home full of ideas, launching Hert Ale, a top-fermented beer, and rebranding his gueuze as Gueuze Den Hert, which remained a staple until 1971

1936–1940 - The brewery was ready to modernize with a new brewing system, but war had other plans. When German forces invaded, Hubert outsmarted them by hiding the uninstalled kettles under piles of straw, saving the future of the brewery.

1945 - Tragedy struck when Hubert died unexpectedly. Instead of stepping back, his widow and their four children pushed forward with his vision, determined to keep the family’s brewing tradition alive.

1950–1952 - The brewery entered a new era with a state-of-the-art brewing hall, still in use during winter months today. Paul, Hubert’s eldest son, joined the business, and his brother André followed after completing military service.

1960–1972 - The brewery’s De Keersmaeker Pils became a runaway success, making up 60% of production. But tastes changed, and by 1972, the focus returned to what the brewery did best, brewing lambic.

1989 - A new chapter began when Paul De Keersmaeker sold his share of the brewery to Alken-Maes, bringing Mort Subite into a larger brewing family.

2000s -  When Alken-Maes was later acquired by Scottish & Newcastle, André decided to step away, marking the end of the De Keersmaeker family’s direct involvement in the business. But Mort Subite lived on, staying true to its roots in spontaneous fermentation and the rich traditions of the Zenne Valley.

Today - Bruno, the master brewer of Mort Subite, leads a passionate team that’s pushing the boundaries of flavor. Together, they’ve perfected the Juicy range,vibrant, bold, and bursting with fruit, offering a refreshing twist on the classic Mort Subite experience.