In the 1800s, Hoegaarden was one of the most significant brewing centers in Belgium, with 30 breweries producing Wit bier. Unfortunately, time chipped away at this situation and by the mid 1950s only a few were still in production.

In the early 60s Pierre Celis took it upon himself to resurrect this all but dead style. He bought equipment and applied skills picked up having helped out at a local brewery that made Wit and founded the De Kluis brewery. This reintroduction of white beer went very well as Hoegaarden Wit took off. This story has a great ending -- Celis moved to Austin, Texas were he established the Celis Brewery. He hgas since returned to Belgium, but only after leaving us the legacy of his wonderful brewing skills.