Cristal, Pilsner brewery in Alken, Belgium.
Cristal is a pilsner brewery in Alken that produces a pale golden beer with moderate carbonation and a clean, balanced taste. The beer has a straightforward character without strong bitterness or sweetness.
The brewery merged with Maes in 1988 to form Alken-Maes, which later became part of the Heineken group. This consolidation connected the facility to a wider European brewing network.
The beer represents everyday brewing traditions in Belgium and shows how this region has shaped beer culture over generations. The brand reflects how local communities embrace beer as part of their daily life and identity.
Visitors can take regular tours through the facility and sample different beers on-site. The best time to visit is in the afternoon hours when the brewery is least busy.
The beer is made using the original recipe that has been kept consistent at the Alken facility for decades. This production continuity is less common than one might expect from modern large breweries.
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