Castelain Brewery brings over 90 years of brewing expertise across three generations, offering premium specialty beers in bottles, cans, and 6-litre kegs compatible with the PerfectDraft beer dispenser.
The history of Castelain brewery
Founded in 1926 in Bénifontaine, a commune in the Pas-de-Calais region of northern France, Castelain Brewery began as a family initiative by three brothers. In 1966, Roland and Marie-Louise Castelain took over the microbrewery, dedicating themselves to building its legacy. Their passion was later carried on by Yves and Annick Castelain. In 1979, Annick introduced the iconic Ch’ti Blonde, a beer designed for ageing—soon to become the signature of this northern brewery.
What Is Beer for Ageing ?
Often labeled on bottles, "beer for ageing" refers to a style known as bière de garde, originating from northern France. This type of beer can be blonde, brown, or amber and is brewed using either top or bottom fermentation. Typically made with local barley and hops during winter, the beer is cold-stored for one to several months to mature. During this refermentation stage, yeast consumes the remaining sugars, producing a higher alcohol content compared to classic lager-style beers. Richer and more malty than Saison, bière de garde thrived in the late 19th century and remained popular among craft brewers until World War II.
Castelain in the 1980s and beyond
In 1985, Castelain planted its own hop field next to the brewery to brew with local ingredients, a practice continued until the early 2000s. In 1986, environmental responsibility became a core company value, with an emphasis on terroir, sustainable brewing practices, and the careful selection of ingredients like malt and hops.
This vision led to the creation of Jade, France’s first organic beer. By 1990, the brewery opened its museum, inviting visitors to explore its heritage, brewing process, and historical equipment. In 2007, Nicolas Castelain, son of Yves, joined the family business, and a year later, Annick took over management of the now fully independent brewery. In 2009, she modernized the bottle washing system, introducing a local deposit and reuse program.
Castelain continued to innovate, investing in a high-efficiency brewhouse in 2013 to save energy and meet increasing demand. In 2015, the brewery launched Jade Gluten-Free, offering consumers a natural, high-quality beer with dietary inclusivity in mind. Today, Nicolas Castelain leads the brewery, continuing a legacy of innovation and commitment to organic brewing. Under Annick’s leadership, Castelain also created France’s first alcohol-free organic beer.
The Castelain story is far from over. Discover the full range of Castelain craft beers, including the iconic Ch’ti, and enjoy them at their best with PerfectDraft—your ultimate home beer experience.
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