women who brew

Many people don't realize how much work actually goes into a glass of beer. Between brewing and the moment you drink it, there are quite a few steps involved. During the brewing process, the temperature must be carefully monitored, everything has to be thoroughly cleaned to avoid infections, and even applying the labels requires attention to detail so that every bottle looks neat and well finished.

Because the women of the brewery team wanted to experience this thoroughly themselves, they took the initiative to brew their own beer. Under the guidance of brewer Thimothy Vandijck, they were fully involved in the entire process: not only during brewing, but also in bottling and labeling. The name and the flavor are entirely their own creation. This is how "de Slijkkoningin" was born: a smooth blonde beer with a strong character of 8.5%.

Some of the women's stories:

Cindy

In early spring 2023, I walked into Brouwerij Vandijck for the first time. What started as a simple introduction to good beer quickly grew into something much bigger. I got to know a group of incredibly kind people, connected by passion, friendship, and above all: great beer.

My husband Jasper was the one who truly taught me how to drink beer. Not just to drink it, but to taste it. He showed me how flavors evolve and how aroma and finish come together. And honestly, it didn't take long before I knew exactly what I liked.

At the brewery, I found not only beer, but also friendship. Together with my friends from Brouwerij Vandijck, we tasted, laughed, and dreamed. And then there was that one beer… the Slijkvisser. Tasty? Absolutely. But also a little bit envy-inducing.

"Why shouldn't we brew our own beer?"

Not just any beer. No. Something better. Something of our own.

And so the idea was born to take on the challenge—playful, bold, and full of character. As an answer to the Slijkvisser. As a tribute to our own strength.

And so, with pride, we present:

We, the women of Brouwerij Vandijck…
🍺 DE SLIJKKONINGIN 🍺
A beer with character.
Just like us.

Veerle

I got to know the brewery through my husband Bart, who has known Thimothy for over 30 years. Bart helped out with homebrewing, and while tasting those brews, I discovered what truly good beer is for the first time.

I enjoy helping out at beer festivals, working behind the bar, and contributing creatively by coming up with names for new beers and their labels. That's how, among others, the name De Slijkkoningin and its label came to life.

When we decided to brew our own beer as a group of women—a playful nod to the beer De Slijkvisser—the name De Slijkkoningin was born.

The label features a queen with mud on her face, in which you can see a reflection of us, the women of the brewery. We're not afraid to get our hands dirty while brewing our De Slijkkoningin.

I hope to remain part of this wonderful group of friends for many years to come. Cheers to De Slijkkoningin and to friendship!

Ann

I actually found my way to Brouwerij Vandijck through a very fun and unexpected detour. During carnival—out and about as it should be—I ran into Kim.

We instantly clicked, and in the meantime we've become close friends. As if that wasn't enough, we also happen to work at the same company.

I do enjoy a good beer, so the beers from Brouwerij Vandijck quickly won me over. Through Kim, I naturally became part of the brewery's story and got to know the whole team.

Before I knew it, I not only had a few favorite beers, but also a whole bunch of new friends.

Carnival, friendship, and good beer… sometimes it really is that simple 🍻

Kim

My story with Brouwerij Vandijck actually goes back quite a long way.

In primary school, I was in the same class as Thimothy, the brewer. As often happens, we lost touch after that.

Years later, we happened to run into each other again in the village while cheering for the Red Devils—which was, of course, great fun!

After that, we kept meeting up, until we eventually ended up at a party in his cellar called "De Donkere Wolk"… where many more parties followed.

That's how I naturally became part of the brewery's story.

These days, you'll often find me at beer events. I love the atmosphere and connecting with people.

Beer, friendship, and sharing everything together—that's what Brouwerij Vandijck stands for to me.

I'm proud to be part of it…

Sigi

My journey to the brewery began many years ago…

Through my parents' football, I got to know Thimothy, and our friendship started at a party. I've now been part of Brouwerij Vandijck for about a year and a half: a close-knit group of friends with a passion for beer.

I used to not be a beer drinker at all, but that gradually changed. I've learned to appreciate beer and can genuinely enjoy a good De Slijkvisser.

The beer I helped brew is De Slijkkoningin. I'm truly proud that we created such a great beer together with the women. A wonderfully smooth beer that's easy to drink.

What started as a warm friendship has grown into a shared love for beer.

Cheers to De Slijkkoningin!