BierTalk English 49 - Interview with Driess Janssens, Brewer at Hof ten Dormaal farmhouse brewery, Haacht, Belgium

"My workforce at the moment is me and my wife"

In this episode of Beer Talk, Markus travels back to Belgium and visits one of the country’s most distinctive and authentic farmhouse breweries: Hof ten Dormaal. Together with Dries Janssens, he explores a brewing world where farming and beer are still deeply connected. What began as a practical idea to make the family farm economically viable has grown into a remarkable brewery built on self-sufficiency, craftsmanship, and a strong sense of place.

Dries talks about growing his own barley, wheat, spelt, rye, and hops, running a small malt house on the farm, keeping cattle, and brewing beers that reflect both Belgian tradition and his own independent spirit. The conversation moves from crisp, expressive saisons and dry-hopped blondes to old-style witbier, chicory-infused tripel, and the fascinating world of lambic and blending. It is a story about beer, agriculture, resilience, and the beauty of doing things the hard but meaningful way. A thoughtful and inspiring episode about a brewery where the farm is not just the backdrop, but the heart of everything.

Website: https://hoftendormaal.com