De Leite

The name ‘Leite’ is derived from the Dutch word ‘laagte’ (down below) and would also refer to a location in Ruddervoorde near the brewery where a small stream flows along the mill ‘Leitemolen’.

The brewery has a 6,250 l brew kettle.  The mashing filtering vessel with a capacity of 8,000 is usually used for brews of 3,000 l.

The cooled fermentation tank has a volume of 5,000 l and the lager tank can handle 6,000 l. All tanks are insulated. The heat source is a steam boiler.

History

In 1997, Luc Vermeersch, founder of De Leite brewery already experienced with a small brewing installation in a garden house. The installation has a capacity of 30 litres and was purchased in Finland.

Together with his friend Etienne Van poucke he attended a brewing course for one year. While taking that course, he met his other brewing partner, Paul Vanneste.

This trio has been intensively engaged in the new De Leite brewery from 2008 onwards.
After 3 years plans were made for expansion.  In February 2011 even bigger kettles were installed.