A beer on a late Friday in Vaals

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detlev19.1 K24 days agoPeakD4 min read

Old pubs have such a charme

Whenever there are public holiday in Germany, like this Friday, you meet a lot Germans in the Netherlands for shopping. So do we did....

But during the shopping, we suddenly there was was this pub. It was open and they offered good beer....

Hey Hive Family
enjoy Vaals for shopping
and let us travel the world again

Worldmappin Team

A walk in Vaals looks like this. A mixture of bike lanes, shops with green and some room for cars.

^{Source by ipanematravels.com}

Not only the beer was a reason to interupt the shopping, this day a new milestone at the beloved @worldmappin project was achieved. All people who delegate to that project will get a reward of what the project achive by using that delegation. Read more at the worldmappin blog post from that day.

Afflingen Blond beer

Taste: Bright, Smooth, and Just the Right Kick

Affligem Blond is a Belgian classic, but with a smooth, fresh twist. Exactly how a beerlover like me loves it. This golden ale pours with a frothy head and opens with notes of citrus, honey, and a hint of spice. Each sip reveals a balanced profile — fruity, lightly sweet, with a mild bitterness that doesn’t overpower. It’s as refreshing as it is layered, finishing clean and crisp.

At 6.8% ABV, Affligem Blond is ideal for those seeking a drink that's bold but easy-going.

The Brewery: Where Tradition Meets Today

Nearly 1,000 Years of Brewing History

The story of Affligem beer goes back to 1074, when six Belgian knights founded an abbey in the town of Affligem. Ten years later, with the abbey complete, these knights-turned-monks began brewing beer. This is where Affligem Blonde, Tripel, Dubbel, and other classic recipes were born.

Belgium’s history hasn’t been easy on the abbey. Over the centuries, wars swept through the region, and the abbey was destroyed twice, including in 1580 when William of Orange burned it to the ground. Each time, the monks rebuilt and kept brewing—until WWII, when German soldiers dismantled the copper kettles used in their brewing process.

It wasn’t until 1956 that the monks resumed brewing, using the same age-old recipes. Today, each bottle of Affligem proudly bears the date 1074, linking it back to that first brew almost a thousand years ago.

For beer lovers, it’s history like this that sets Belgian beers apart. Drinking Affligem isn’t just about the taste; it’s about experiencing tradition, culture, and the resilience of an ancient craft. Plus, let’s face it—Affligem tastes incredible.

The pub

So, after the shopping we went to Café De Fockink in Vaals, where you go for a real, no-fuss beer experience. This cozy spot is all about character—think rustic charm, friendly faces, and a solid lineup of Belgian and Dutch brews, with Affligem Blond as a standout pour. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick pint or looking to linger and soak in the vibe, De Fockink makes you feel like a local. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy great beer and good company in a relaxed, authentic setting.

Fockink ??

"Fockink" is actually the name of a historical Dutch company, Lucas Bols Fockink, which produced alcoholic beverages, especially liqueurs and gins, in the Netherlands. Founded in the 17th century, Fockink became known for its jenever (Dutch gin), as well as other spirits. Over time, the company and its products gained international recognition, becoming part of the legacy of Dutch distilling. Read more at https://www.lucasbols.com/about/heritage-craftsmanship

^{Source by lucasbols.com}

The brand still holds a place in traditional Dutch drinking culture, especially with jenever tasting rooms or "proeflokaals" in Amsterdam and other areas where visitors can sample a variety of spirits. Fockink’s name might sound unusual to English speakers, but it has no connection to any English words and simply reflects Dutch heritage.