Asterisk Imports Launches, Secures Exclusive U.S. Rights to Belgium's Kasteel Beer Portfolio
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — August 21, 2026 — Asterisk Imports today announced its official launch, securing the exclusive U.S. import and distribution rights to the Kasteel portfolio from Kasteel USA, the self-owned U.S. import company of Belgium's Brouwerij Vanhonsebrouck. The deal marks the start of a multi-year initiative to establish Kasteel as one of the leading Belgian specialty beer brands in the United States.
The rights acquired by Asterisk Imports cover the complete Kasteel lineup, including award-winning specialty ales, fruit beers, non-alcoholic offerings, and new product innovations. The partnership is backed by pricing commitments through 2029, giving distributors and retailers pricing stability and a solid foundation for long-term brand growth.
"Kasteel is already one of Belgium's largest specialty breweries. We believe its greatest opportunity still lies ahead in the United States," said James Curti, Founder and CEO of Asterisk Imports. "Our team has spent years building imported beer brands, developing distributor partnerships, and expanding national retail programs. We're not simply importing beer; we're building the platform Kasteel deserves to become one of America's premier Belgian specialty beer brands. Our goal is simple: make Belgian beer more accessible to American consumers without compromising on quality."
"We believe Asterisk Imports has the passion, experience, and vision to help Kasteel reach its full potential in the U.S. market," said Xavier Vanhonsebrouck. "Their commitment to our brands, deep understanding of the U.S. market, and long-term approach made them the ideal partner to lead Kasteel's next chapter in the United States."
About Brouwerij Vanhonsebrouck
Founded in 1811, Brouwerij Vanhonsebrouck is a sixth-generation independent family brewery known for pairing centuries of brewing tradition with continuous innovation. Its portfolio includes Kasteel, Filou, St-Louis, Bacchus, and a growing range of specialty and non-alcoholic beers. The brewery is also one of only a handful in Belgium with its own in-house canning line, giving it exceptional flexibility and quality control as its portfolio expands.
About Asterisk Imports
Founded in 2026 and headquartered in Pasadena, California, Asterisk Imports is a U.S. importer focused on helping exceptional European breweries grow in the American market through strategic partnerships, experienced sales leadership, and dedicated brand development. The company was founded by James and Melia Curti, with support from the founders of Wurstküche’s investment fund, whose combined backgrounds span imported beer, distributor management, national account sales, brand development, finance, and business operations.