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Maashorst Brewery Route (Water) | Made in Brabant

Discover the importance of water in the brewing process on this 37-kilometre cycling route through the Municipality of Maashorst.

( 3 hour) 37 km

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That light, bitter aroma: Lillian knows it all too well. It’s the aroma of hops! For years, she lived near a hop field in Schijndel. Each spring, she saw the first young hop shoots emerge from the ground. And then, in September, came the typical smell of those small, green hop cones. She left the Brabant village 10 years ago, but whenever she smells hops, she is transported back to those lovely late summers, the last warm days of the year and the first signs of autumn, as the leaves begin to change colour. For her, the smell of hops heralds the change of season: from summer to autumn, both seasons with their own unique character. It’s wonderful how such a special aroma can evoke memories.

Lillian, however, knows nothing about be…

Lillian, however, knows nothing about beer. That is until she meets beer connoisseur Rob. They become friends. Rob is not only an expert in the taste of beer and mouth-watering flavour combinations, but he also knows the brewing process inside out. In particular, he knows about the local brewing history and the traces of it that you still encounter in this area. He is more than happy to tell Lillian all about it during these three exceptional day-long cycling trips through the surrounding area. Is your mouth watering yet? Discover the brewing history of this region with Lillian and Rob.

The importance of water
The beer brewing process starts with water, Rob explains. That’s why, today, they’re cycling from the centre of Uden through the Municipality of Maashorst. From there, they take a small detour to the Molen van Jetten (windmill) and make a quick stop at the water tap on the other side to fill their bottles. Rob knows that this is an exceptional windmill. The artist Piet Mondriaan painted it, and the windmill was once used for milling grain. The windmill is still operational. Nowadays, malt is milled here for two other drinks: jenever (or Dutch gin) and whisky. Lillian buys a pack of mill flour. She will use it to bake fresh bread tomorrow.

The two cycle along the Leijgraaf brook, passing through D’n Kersepluk orchard, where cherries and Ujes Kersenbier (cherry beer) are sold during the season, before continuing to a lovely reflective lake called De Kleuter. Here, they briefly stop for a snack they brought with them. Refuelled, they continue their route to the village of Zeeland. They stop at a stately building. The history is tangible here at Herberg D’n Brouwer. Three centuries ago, a certain Hendrik van Kilsdonk started De Roode Leeuw brewery on this spot. The brewery stayed in the family for decades. Successor Jos van de Ven brewed Zeeland’s Faro beer for a while, using a highly secret recipe. It was so secret, Rob states, that Jos took the recipe to his grave. They continue their trip via the Mellepark in Uden. The water there is a rusty brown. Rob tells Lillian that this is due to the minuscule iron particles in the groundwater. The iron in the water contributes to the flavour of the region’s exceptional beers. To taste these for themselves, they stop at Cravt Brouwlokaal and House of Beers. Here, they end their day trip through the Municipality of Maashorst. They chat about the lovely trip they have just had and about the importance of water in brewing good beer.

Besides water, there are two other essential components for brewing beer: wheat and hops. Cycle on with Rob and Lillian through the region and discover the stories behind these two ingredients.

Made in Brabant routes
Brabant: the creative engine of the Netherlands. No less than 24% of the Dutch manufacturing industry production is still made in Brabant. Old crafts, industrial heritage but also innovative companies can be found in many places in the province, each with their own exceptional story. From old crafts such as tanning leather to brewing beer to the large multinationals and smaller creative businesses: Brabant has them all. We combine beautiful countryside with (old) industries and characteristic Brabant cycling and walking routes.

Signposting

Simply follow the signs and cycle along the route from one numbered junction to the next.

Hotline routes
Hotline routes
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Sights on this route

Starting point:

Sint Jansstraat 37
5401 BA Uden

The Jetten Mill

The Jetten Mill in Uden is a post mill built in 1811.

Uden cherry beer

Uden has long been known as the cherry village. A hundred years ago, thousands of cherry trees surrounded the center of Uden, and the post-war cherry festivals attracted large crowds. In the 1960s, the orchards and cherry trade disappeared — but the love for cherries remained.

Op de Knip

The place where passing cyclists use to stop at a large wooden picnic table has been the location of the cosy, charming Op de Knip since May 2023. This lovey brasserie and pub/restaurant is on the border of Erp and Uden.

De Kleuter

Fishing pond De Kleuter is a pond of around 5 hectares, over 150 years old, located at Kleuterweg/Oude Millsebaan in Uden. With its beautiful sloping banks, grassy strips, small wooded areas, and shrubs, De Kleuter is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species.

Mellepark

Mellepark is a surprising piece of nature in the heart of Uden. At first glance, it looks like an ordinary green park with water and trees. But look a little closer, and you’ll discover a landscape full of unique soil layers, rare plants, and butterflies.