Slaapmutske / Skollmann / Ter Dolen / De Mortselarij
A mix of breweries awaits you this month – some unique beers that will warm your hearts and fill your bellies with delicious craft beers to keep you warm during these cold days. In the meantime, let’s revisit their stories and see what made them so special!
The Slaapmutske brand was born from a deeply personal event: the birth of his son, Jonas, over 25 years ago. To celebrate, Dany brewed 50 liters in his garage and bottled it in 75-centiliter bottles. The beer was initially going to be named "Jonas beer," but someone advised against it for the market. The name "Slaapmutske" came from a local tradition where a pacifier is dipped in beer to help crying children fall asleep. When someone jokingly asked if he put sleeping pills in his beer, Dany decided on the name Slaapmutske, which means "sleeping cap".
Tom and Jonas always have their meetings in a pub. They sit down, discuss what has been happening, take care of some administrative aspects, and then have a beer (or two) and contemplate what they should do next. The legend says that Maldegem is the Denmark of Belgium! However, to tell the truth, it’s much simpler than that. If you take both last names from Jonas and Tom (Schollaert and Heirman) - you get Skollmann. A little twist on the ‘o’ and the spelling - you get a rock&roll mix that was meant to happen! {and as a small bonus, ‘skol’ of course means ‘cheers’ in Scandinavian tongues}
Ter Dolen is run by the fourth and fifth generations of the Desplenter family. The brewery was founded in 1994 by Mieke Desplenter, daughter of third-generation brewer Armand Desplenter. Mieke, along with her husband, transformed the old stables and farmhouse into the charming brewery we know today. Her son, Ike, has since joined the family business, continuing the brewing legacy. Brewmaster Hendrick Hanssen joined 12 years ago, bringing both passion and expertise. With a background in biotechnology and internships at breweries like Bellevue and Brouwerij Anders, he now manages everything from ingredient sourcing to quality control.
Brouwerij De Mortselarij is a small, independent craft brewery based near Antwerp, known for its vibrant labels, creative recipes, and an unpretentious approach to brewing. Its founder’s journey began far from Belgium — in Buenos Aires, Argentina — where Frédéric caught the craft beer bug many years ago, right as the country’s beer scene was exploding. What started as a hobby for a homesick Belgian missing quality beer soon grew into a passion and, eventually, a profession.
Be sure to check out the information about each brewery in the provided links!
Discover
December is the perfect month to pair Belgian brewery visits with the country’s most enchanting winter experiences. Start at Ter Dolen in Houthalen-Helchteren and continue the celebration in nearby Hasselt, where the Christmas Market transforms the city into a glowing winter village complete with an ice rink and cozy wooden chalets. Genk’s Winter Wonderland offers an additional dose of festive cheer.
Near Antwerp, De Mortselarij makes an ideal stop before exploring the sprawling Antwerp Christmas Market, stretching from the historic Grote Markt to the riverfront. Warm up with mulled wine, ride the ferris wheel, or wander the illuminated pathways of the Antwerp Zoo’s Winter Garden.
In Oudenaarde, a visit to Skollmann pairs perfectly with the town’s intimate local Christmas market. From there, Ghent’s spectacular Winterfeesten lies just a short journey away, filling medieval streets with lights, craft stalls, and winter bars.
Close to Ghent, Slaapmutske in Melle completes the festive route. Beyond the Winterfeesten, Ghent’s Graslei and Korenlei waterfront glow beautifully in December, making it an irresistible winter stop.
What Makes Christmas Beers Special?
Christmas beers are a beloved seasonal tradition, crafted to capture the warmth and indulgence of the holidays. Unlike standard year-round brews, these winter specialties are typically richer, darker, and more expressive, often designed with cold-weather comfort in mind. Brewers frequently use higher alcohol levels to create a warming character, producing beers that are smooth, robust, and perfect for slow sipping by the fire.
What truly sets Christmas beers apart is their festive flavor palette. Many feature spices associated with holiday baking—think cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, star anise, ginger, or allspice—layered onto malt-forward bases that evoke caramel, toasted bread, or dried fruit. Others skip the spices entirely, instead leaning on complex malts, noble hops, and Belgian yeast to deliver naturally seasonal notes like fig, plum, dark chocolate, or gentle pepperiness.
Traditionally, Belgian breweries have played a defining role in shaping Christmas beer culture. Their strong dark ales, often re-fermented in the bottle, showcase depth and elegance ideal for holiday tables. In modern craft brewing, the category has expanded to include spiced ales, winter IPAs, barrel-aged specialties, and even dessert-inspired creations.
At their core, Christmas beers celebrate generosity, craftsmanship, and seasonal joy—a once-a-year invitation to raise a glass to winter’s warmth.
Slaapmutske - Christmas
Type: Christmas Beer
Alc Vol.: 7,4
Temp: 7-10
ⓘ It is gluten-free, as gluten has been removed during aging.
👁 Dark brown almost black color, creamy head.
👃 Cinnamon, dried fruits, caramel.
👅 Bread, brown sugar, dark fruits, smooth alcohol aftertaste with a sweet flavor.
A warming, spiced Belgian ale that pairs wonderfully with traditional Christmas dishes. Serve it alongside roasted turkey, baked ham with cloves, or even gingerbread. Its gentle spice bridge makes it a natural companion to festive aromatics.
De Mortselarij - Lobo Tomy
Type: Double Kveik IPA
Alc Vol.: 7,8
Temp: 6-9
ⓘ Coming from the Hornindal Kveik (yeast) - used at high temperatures up to 37°C and a crazy hop mix.
👁 Hazy golden, white head.
👃 Hoppy, tropical fruits, citrus, pineapple.
👅 Bitter, tropical fruits, crisp.
A modern, flavourful brew with layered malt or hop notes (depending on the batch). Ideal with starters: think charcuterie, soft cheeses, or smoked salmon. If it’s hop-forward, it will brighten fattier dishes; if malt-driven, it adds mellow depth.
Skollmann - Swarte Gront
Alc Vol.: 7,4
Temp: 7-10
Type: Black IPA
Alc Vol.: 8
Temp: 7-10
ⓘ Contains six types of barley and wheat malt.
👁 Black, creamy head, a bit of residue.
👃 Bitter, acidic, hoppy, roasted, pine notes.
👅 Crisp, bitter, tropical fruits.
Oudenaarde’s dark, earthy character offers depth for richer dishes. This beer shines next to slow-cooked stews, wild game, caramelized root vegetables, or Stilton-style cheeses. Its subtle sweetness and roasted notes balance savory winter plates.
De Mortselarij - Shout Stout
Type: Stout
Alc Vol.: 10
Temp: 8-10
ⓘ The artwork on this label are hundreds of dead rabbits? Why? Because the artist Fred & Filou decided so.
👁 Black, creamy head.
👃 Roasted, dark chocolate, toffee.
👅 Coffee, caramel, strong.
A decadent choice for dessert pairings. Serve with chocolate fondant, tiramisu, pralines, or even a cheese plate featuring aged Gouda. Its roasted, mocha-like profile enhances sweet, creamy, and caramel-driven desserts.
Ter Dolen - Winter
Type: Winter Ale
Alc Vol.: 9,1
Temp: 8-10
ⓘ Silver Medal 2025 at Brussels Beer Challenge.
👁 Dark amber, creamy head.
👃 Dark fruits, cinnamon, sweet honey.
👅 Caramel, honey, slight bitterness.
This seasonal ale often leans malty and comforting. Pair it with roasted duck, winter casseroles, or spiced red cabbage. Its round body and warmth also make it perfect with holiday fruitcake or almond pastries.
Together, these beers bring harmony, contrast, and festive charm to any December feast.
December 2025