Brugse Zot
Brugse Zot is the blond house beer of Brewery De Halve Maan, in the heart of Bruges' old city center. A golden-blond, fruity 6% beer that's easy to drink. Here you can read where the name comes from, which Brugse Zot beers are available, what they taste like and how to serve them.
A city brewery in the heart of Bruges
Brewery De Halve Maan is located on Walplein in Bruges, at a site where beer has been brewed since the nineteenth century. It is one of the few breweries still operating in the historic city center. Because trucks have difficulty navigating the narrow streets, the brewery built an underground beer pipeline more than three kilometers long to the bottling plant outside the center. In addition to Brugse Zot, De Halve Maan also makes Straffe Hendrik.
The name Brugse Zot goes back to an old story. When the people of Bruges asked Archduke Maximilian of Austria for money for a new madhouse, he is said to have replied that he only needed to close the city gates: Bruges was already one large madhouse. Hence the jester on the label. Brugse Zot Blond is brewed with four types of malt and two aromatic hop varieties. The result is a golden-blond beer with a rich head, a fruity aroma and 6% alcohol.
In brief
Blond, Bock and Sport Zot
At Gall & Gall, you'll find three Brugse Zot beers: the classic Blond in a 33 cl bottle and a 75 cl pack, the Bock in autumn and the low-alcohol Sport Zot.
Brugse Zot Blonde
Golden blond, with a rich head and a fruity aroma. Brewed with four malt varieties and two aromatic hop varieties. A balanced, easy-drinking beer with character.
Brugse Zot Bock
De Halve Maan's seasonal beer. A full, malty aroma from the use of roasted malts. Returning every year in autumn.
Sport Zot
Based on Brugse Zot Blond, with the same four malt varieties and two hop varieties. At 0.4%, it is almost alcohol-free, but still has the flavor of a specialty beer.
Brugse Zot Blond, 75 cl
The same Brugse Zot Blond in a large 75 cl bottle, convenient for sharing at the table or at a party.
What makes a blond beer a specialty beer, and how does it differ from pilsner? Read about it on our specialty beer page.
Why does bock beer appear every autumn, and what does a good bock taste like? Read about it on our bock beer page.
Fruity, fresh and dry on the finish
Fruit and a hint of spice
Brugse Zot Blond smells fruity, with citrus, some banana and a spicy note from the yeast. The hops add a floral aroma. The Bok smells of roasted malt and caramel.
Light and lively
A light to medium body with fresh carbonation. Malt and fruit are in balance, with little sweetness. This makes it easy to drink.
Dry and lightly bitter
The Blond finishes dry, with a gentle bitterness from the hops. The Bok is rounder and maltier on the finish.
Flavor profile of Brugse Zot Blond. The Bok scores higher on sweetness and body, while Sport Zot scores lower on strength.
How to pour Brugse Zot
Brugse Zot Blond is a refreshing specialty beer. Serve chilled, pour gently and leave a nice head.
Chilled, around 5 to 7 degrees
Take the Blond and Sport Zot straight from the fridge. At 5 to 7 degrees, the beer stays fresh and its fruity aroma comes through beautifully. The Bok can be served a little warmer, around 8 to 10 degrees.
More about specialty beer →With a rich head
Hold the glass at an angle and pour along the side. Set the glass upright when it is two-thirds full and pour from the middle to top it up. This gives you the rich head that Brugse Zot is known for.
More about pouring properly →Leave the sediment at the bottom
Brugse Zot is a top-fermented beer. If there is a layer of yeast at the bottom, leave it in the bottle if you want a clear beer. If you pour it in too, the beer will become somewhat cloudier and fuller.
Taste beer like an expert →Brugse Zot at the table
A fresh, fruity blond beer pairs well with many dishes from Belgian cuisine. The Bock calls for something more substantial.
Mussels and fries
Mussels in beer or white wine, with fries and mayonnaise. A classic that pairs well with a refreshing blond beer.
Fish and chicken
Fried fish, shrimp croquettes or chicken with a creamy sauce. The carbonation and fresh flavor keep it light.
Stews and autumn
Flemish stew, rabbit or a mushroom casserole. The roasted malt complements dark sauces.
Cheese and sausage
Young and mature cheese, dry sausage and fried snacks. Sport Zot is also a great companion for drinks and snacks.
The right glass for Brugse Zot
Brugse Zot has its own branded glass, but any 38 to 40 cl tulip or stemmed glass works well. The shape retains the fruity aroma and leaves room for the head. Looking for the branded glass? Browse our Belgian beer glasses.
Everything else you wanted to know about Brugse Zot
Is your question not listed? Read more about beer tasting, or get in touch.
To the beer tasting →What kind of beer is Brugse Zot?
Where is Brugse Zot brewed?
Where does the name Brugse Zot come from?
How much alcohol does Brugse Zot contain?
Which glass do you use for Brugse Zot?
What do you eat with Brugse Zot?
Buy Brugse Zot
Want the bottle at home right away? Order Brugse Zot online from Gall & Gall.
Prices as of October 8, 2026, as provided by Gall & Gall. You can find the current price and stock at Gall & Gall. Glazen.nl receives a small commission if you buy something through these links; you pay nothing extra. No 18, no alcohol.