The Halve Maan (Half Moon) is the last family brewery still operating within the historic centre of Bruges, and has been making beer here since 1564. The brewery produces Brugse Zot (both blonde and double) and Straffe Hendrik, the latter being the more complex and rewarding of the two — a bittersweet quadrupel that has improved considerably since the brewery began barrel-ageing some batches.
Tours run several times a day and finish with a tasting on the rooftop terrace, which has one of the best elevated views of the city centre. The brewery pub and restaurant on the ground floor are busy but manage to stay the right side of the tourist trap line — the beer is genuinely good, and the brasserie food is solid. Book tours in advance in summer.