Brouwerij & Stokerij Het Anker And Better Beverage Leaders Form U.S. Partnership

Import Logistics and Sales Support will Transition to BBL from Artisanal Imports, following Brewery Huyghe’s Acquisition of Het Anker Brewery

Better Beverage Leaders, Inc. of Frederick, MD, announces that Brouwerij & Stokerij Het Anker of Mechelen, Belgium and its range of world-class beers and spirits will become part of the importer’s portfolio, following Brewery Huyghe’s acquisition of the 5^th Generation Family business.  For the past several years, Artisanal Imports of Austin, TX, was the exclusive importer and sales and marketing team in the USA. Het Anker’s transition to BBL aligns with other brands in the company’s portfolio of premium beers, including Delirium, Fruli, and select Swinkels Family Brewing brands.

Het Anker is well-known in the States for its award-winning range of Gouden Carolus beers and whiskey. Fans of the brands will be excited to know these excellent brands will continue to be widely available through the transition.

“We would like to thank the Artisanal Imports team for their stewardship in handling all logistics surrounding imports, sales and marketing for our Gouden Carolus beers in the USA,” said Charles Leclef, 5^th generation family member of Het Anker Brewery.  “They have been a terrific partner in our efforts to bring awareness of beers to American audiences,” he added.

“With Huyghe’s acquisition of Het Anker at the end of the year, we’re delighted to add the award-winning portfolio of beers and spirits to the BBL family,” said Laura Day, CEO of BBL, Inc.  “With Artisanal’s help, we are working with the established distribution network already in place to make the transition as smooth as possible to fulfill existing and new orders.  Simultaneously, our sales team is excited to forge new relationships with distributors and retailers to expand the availability of the Het Anker portfolio throughout the United States.

“It was an honor and a privilege to represent Het Anker brewery over the last several years and we wish them continued success,” said Bob Leggett, CEO of Artisanal Imports. “BBL has a terrific team in place who are well versed to carry forward the Het Anker brand, and we are happy to help with the transition efforts to make the distribution and sales of these incredible beers run as smoothly as possible,” he added.

About Gouden Carolous Ales and Spirits from the Het Anker Brouwerwij and Stokerij:

Het Anker’s range of Belgian Specialty Ales are popular with American craft beer enthusiasts. From Gouden Carolus’ Classic Belgian Tripel Ale all the way to the notorious Cuvee Van De Keizer Imperial Dark Ale, which has famously maintained a 100 rating on Beer Advocate for years. The level of detail, commitment, and craftsmanship that goes into producing these ales is undeniable, and the American consumer has taken notice. Not to be overshadowed, Het Anker’s distilling and aging practices are also world-class. With a focus on single malt whiskeys, Het Anker has continued to rack up awards and medals with their commitment to quality, craft, and innovation. At the end of 2024, Charles Leclef, of Het Anker, and Alain DeLaet of Brouwerij Huyghe struck a deal to ensure the brewery's legacy. As a result, generations to come will be able to experience Het Anker in a way that is true to Charles’ vision.