In the French brewing landscape, many brands now belong to large international groups. Yet, in the small village of Jenlain, in the heart of northern France, a red brick building stands proudly: the Duyck Brewery. For over 100 years, this family institution has perpetuated the tradition of Bière de Garde, now carried on by the fifth generation of brewers.
This is the story of a village, a family, and a stroke of genius that changed the way beer is enjoyed in France.
The Duyck Family Saga: Brewers from Father to Son
The story begins in 1922 when Félix Duyck, the son of a modest Flemish brewer, settles in Jenlain to take over a farm-brewery. At the time, the Nord department was home to over two thousand local breweries. To stand out, Félix made a bold bet: to restore the prestige of bière de garde (Bière de Garde).
Rather than selling his beer immediately, he let it mature in vats for several weeks (the "garde" or aging process). This top-fermentation process brings roundness, strength, and complex aromas of roasted malts.
Leadership has been passed down like a precious torch:
- Félix Duyck: The founder and creator of the original Amber recipe.
- Robert Duyck: The architect of national success who, in 1968, named their flagship beer after the village.
- Raymond Duyck: The modernizer, who diversified the range (creating Jenlain Blonde) and structured distribution.
- Mathieu Duyck: At the helm since 2018, he embodies the 5th generation, combining ecological transition (return of deposit bottles) and innovation.
The Master Brewer and the Spirit of Innovation
While the Duyck family steers the ship, the soul of the recipes lies in technical expertise. Under the supervision of their master brewer, Stéphane Choquet, the brewery installed a "pico-brewery" (a very small-scale brewing room). This tool allows them to test original recipes in small volumes, challenge habits, and create limited-edition brews like the "L'Humeur du Brasseur" range.
To craft their beers, the brewery relies on a strict charter:
- Pure water drawn directly from the water table beneath the brewery.
- Malt and hops primarily from France, including the Strisselspalt variety, an Alsatian hop known for its soft, balanced, and slightly citrusy notes.
The Genius Idea: The Champagne Bottle
You cannot talk about Jenlain without mentioning its iconic bottle. After World War II, glass was rare and expensive. Félix and his son Robert sought an economical way to package their beer so that customers could enjoy it at home.
Then they had a revelation: reuse used champagne bottles.
With its thick glass, cork stopper, and wire cage, this unexpected container perfectly preserves the Bière de Garde and turns tasting into a convivial moment of sharing. Since 2024, the brewery has decided to return to classic reusable bottles, which are better for the environment."
In the 1960s and 1970s, Jenlain crossed the borders of its village thanks to students from Lille (particularly those from the Catholic University), who adopted it en masse. It quickly became the essential drink of student parties and the famous Braderie de Lille, before conquering all of France by becoming the first specialty beer sold in supermarkets.
The Faces of Jenlain Today
Today, the brewery produces about 100,000 hectoliters per year. While remaining true to the historic Amber (7.5% ABV), it continues to innovate with white beers, Bière de Gardes (Christmas, Spring), and lighter ranges like La Bise.
Jenlain Ambrée
Aromatic Profile: Roasted malts, caramel, and cooked fruit notes.
Special Feature: The original recipe from 1922.
Jenlain Blonde
Aromatic Profile: Fruity, balanced, with a fine bitterness.
Special Feature: Launched to modernize the range.
La Bise Alcohol-Free
Aromatic Profile: Bright appearance, fine foam, and subtly exotic aromatic notes.
Special Feature: An alcohol-free blonde beer, light and refreshing, with intact freshness.
Conclusion: A Living Tradition
Independent, bold, and deeply rooted in its Hauts-de-France terroir, the Duyck Brewery proves that it is possible to traverse a century of history without ever losing its identity or the taste for good things.