The Brewery
A completely independent family-owned brewery since 1870
Lindeboom Beer Brewery
The family tradition began in 1870, when Willem Geenen established a brewery next to the old lime tree. At the time, there were hundreds of small breweries in the Netherlands that sold their beer locally or regionally. Driven by quality, Willem focused on local ingredients and the ideal brewing process. This is where the foundation of the current family brewery was born.
Timeline
1870
Willem Geenen establishes a brewery next to his house near the eighty-year-old lime tree, after training as a Brewmaster in Worms, Germany. In October of that year, the first beer, called “Geenen’s Bier,” is drunk.
1879
After completing their brewing training, daughter Christine and son Bernard joined the family brewery.
1896
Sales are growing and Willem invests heavily in marketing campaigns and the first automatic bottle-filling machine in Limburg.
1902
His beer wins a gold medal at the International Exposition. A true crowning achievement for his masterpiece.
1903
After Willem’s death, his children Bernard and Christine (2nd generation) take over. They introduce Pilsener and Limburg Brown in addition to Limburgs Blond.
1905
At the World Fair in Liège, a silver medal is awarded to the beer.
1912
An entirely new brewhouse is realized, equipped with a modern chiller and a steam engine with a tall chimney for energy supply.
1914
World War I breaks out in Europe. Many breweries have to close their doors, but thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit of the Geenen family, Lindeboom remains active.
1940
After Bernard’s death, son Willem (3rd generation) takes over the management, assisted by his aunt Christine. Willem takes the first steps towards modernization by being one of the first in Limburg to switch from open to closed fermentation tanks.
1945
Even during World War II, Lindeboom remained afloat. In the following years, when many smaller breweries were taken over, Lindeboom remained independent.
1970
The 100th anniversary of the brewery is celebrated. William invests in new aluminum barrels to replace the wooden ones.
1978
The fourth generation, sons Ben (since 1971) and Willem (since 1978), took over and further modernized the brewery.
1985
The first steps in exports are taken, with beer exported to England and America.
1995
On the occasion of its 125th anniversary, Lindeboom receives the designation of Purveyor to the Court.
2011
After the death of Willem Geenen, the brewery comes into the hands of son Bernd Geenen (5th generation).
2013
The renovated and fully modernized brewing hall is opened by (from left to right): Ms. Geenen, Gouverneur Bovens, general manager Paul Joosten and Bernd Geenen.
2017
Lindeboom opens the doors of a new beer bar.
2022
Lindeboom receives the Slow Brewing certificate. And belongs to a select circle of European Brewers striving for the very highest quality.
Curious about the whole story?
Time is taste
150 years of craft.
Now, 150 years later, Lindeboom is one of the few completely independent family breweries in the Netherlands. Founder Willem Geenen’s first brew was a strong regional beer called; “Geenens Bier”. later renamed Lindeboom. In 1912, the second generation, Bernard and Christien Geenen, introduced the first pilsner.
The third generation, Willem Geenen, laid the foundations for the current brewery. In the 1970s, sons Ben and Willem took over and further modernized the brewery.
Now with the fifth generation, Lindeboom remains true to its rich family tradition. Innovating and investing in sustainable techniques. You can taste this rich family tradition, the best ingredients and the love for brewing in every glass of Lindeboom. Beer from here, cheers!
