who is pierre?
Pierre Celis was a Belgian brewer renowned for reviving the traditional Belgian-style witbier. His brewing was deeply influenced by the rich heritage of his hometown, Hoegaarden, and later, Austin, Texas, where he founded Celis Brewery and brought his iconic beer to the world.
Since childhood, the art of brewing has enticed him
pierre's background
Birth name:
Pierre Celis
Date of Birth:
March 21, 1925
Place of Birth:
Hoegaarden, Belgium
Family:
Father is a simple worker at a local textile factory. His mother died when our hero was very young. There were 9 more children in the family. Father's salary was not enough. The girls were busy with housework and raising their younger brothers and sisters, while the boys looked for an opportunity to earn money.
Origin:
Belgian
He won an award for helping develop the craft brewery industry
Brewing in Hoegaarden
In the mid-20th century, the Belgian town of Hoegaarden saw its centuries-old tradition of brewing witbier—a spiced wheat beer—fade away, with the last local brewery closing in 1957. Pierre Celis, a milkman who had assisted at the Tomsin brewery in his youth, couldn’t let this heritage disappear. In 1966, he began brewing witbier in his barn, using traditional methods and ingredients like coriander and orange peel. His dedication led to the establishment of Brouwerij Celis, later renamed De Kluis, which quickly gained acclaim for its authentic brews.
Tragically, in 1985, a fire devastated the brewery. Underinsured and facing immense rebuilding costs, Celis accepted financial assistance from larger breweries, which eventually led to the sale of his company. Despite these challenges, his passion for brewing remained undiminished, and he later continued his craft in the United States, leaving an indelible mark on the beer industry.
Pierre Celis’s unwavering commitment not only revived a beloved beer style but also inspired a global appreciation for traditional brewing techniques.
Immigration to the USA
After the devastating fire that destroyed his brewery in Hoegaarden in 1985, Pierre Celis faced a daunting future. Underinsured and unable to rebuild on his own, he sold the brewery to a larger corporation. While this marked the end of an era for Celis in Belgium, it sparked a new chapter in his brewing journey.
By 1991, Pierre’s passion for brewing and the witbier tradition had not dimmed. He saw an opportunity to bring his craft to a new market that was beginning to embrace the flavors of craft beer. With this vision, Pierre made the bold decision to move to the United States, settling in Austin, Texas, in 1992.
Austin, with its burgeoning craft beer scene and high-quality water supply—ideal for Belgian-style beers—offered Pierre the perfect setting to start anew. Bringing his original witbier recipe and even smuggling his prized yeast strain in his luggage, Pierre founded the Celis Brewery in Austin.
The brewery quickly gained recognition for its flagship brew, Celis White, which stayed true to the centuries-old Belgian tradition of using coriander and orange peel. Pierre’s witbier became a phenomenon, winning over beer enthusiasts and helping to ignite the American craft beer movement.
Pierre’s immigration to the U.S. was not just a personal triumph but also a significant contribution to global beer culture. His journey brought Belgian brewing techniques to the United States, creating a bridge between Old World tradition and New World innovation. Today, his legacy lives on, inspiring a new generation of brewers and beer lovers alike.
Timeline of the Celis History
1992: The Beginning
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Pierre Celis immigrates to Austin, Texas, bringing his Belgian brewing expertise.
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Celis Brewery is founded, introducing the iconic Celis White, a Belgian-style witbier, to the U.S. market.
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The brewery gains immediate acclaim, helping to shape the burgeoning American craft beer movement.
1993: National Acclaim
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Celis White wins numerous awards at national beer competitions, solidifying its place as a craft beer favorite.
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The brewery rapidly expands production to meet growing demand.
1995: Expanding the Portfolio
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Pierre introduces Celis Pale Bock and Celis Grand Cru, expanding the brewery’s offerings with high-quality, Belgian-inspired styles.
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The brewery becomes a household name among craft beer enthusiasts.
1999: Sale to Miller Brewing
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Facing financial challenges, Pierre Celis sells Celis Brewery to Miller Brewing Company to keep the brand alive.
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Production of Celis White continues, but changes in ownership create challenges for maintaining the original recipe and ethos.
2000-2001: Closure of the Brewery
Under Miller’s ownership, the Celis Brewery closes its Austin operations. The closure marks a temporary end to the Celis legacy in Texas.
2012: The Celis Legacy Reborn
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Christine Celis, Pierre’s daughter, announces plans to revive the Celis brand and bring her father’s legacy back to life.
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Pierre’s brewing equipment is discovered in Belgium and returned to the family to recreate the original brewing process.
2017: Grand Reopening
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Celis Brewery reopens in Austin under Christine Celis’s leadership, staying true to Pierre’s original recipes and brewing philosophy.
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The new brewery releases a refreshed lineup of Celis White, Celis Pale Bock, and Celis Grand Cru, bringing the brand back to life in its hometown.
2018: Awards and Recognition
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Celis White wins multiple awards at national beer festivals, reaffirming its status as one of the best Belgian-style witbiers on the market.
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The brewery introduces new experimental beers to appeal to modern craft beer fans.
2020: Adapting to Change
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, Celis Brewery pivots to online sales and limited taproom operations, maintaining its connection with loyal customers.
2022: Celebrating 30 Years
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The brewery celebrates the 30th anniversary of Pierre Celis bringing Belgian witbier to Texas.
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Special edition brews and events honor the history and legacy of the Celis family.
"Beer Makes Friendships"
— Pierre Celis
Iconic Images
