120 weird ingredients for our 120th anniversary
At The Swaen, we have spent 120 years transforming grains into greatness. To celebrate this milestone, we’re exploring something unexpected – not malts or methods – but 120 weird ingredients …
Celebrating The Swaen with Andries de Groen
Some people have a special connection with The Swaen. That is why we went out and asked what they had to share. In a series of interviews, you get to …
Crop update July 2026 – heatwave impacts and market outlook
With heatwaves crossing Europe, the harvest of winter wheat and winter barley is now underway. Two-row spring malting barley is developing rapidly under the current warm conditions. We continue to …
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Layered roast — building dark beers without harsh bitterness
There is a version of every dark beer that is too harsh. The bitterness arrives early and sits at the back of the palate long after the last sip. The …
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Functional malts: building better beer from the ground up
Functional malts are designed to influence specific technical aspects of brewing. Rather than focusing on colour or flavour contributions, they support the structure and performance of your beer. They can …
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Celebrating The Swaen with Kaapse Brouwers
Some people have a special bond with The Swaen. That is why we asked around to hear what they have to share. In a series of interviews, you get to …
Brewing a perfect Pilsner – Clean, crisp, and unforgiving
Brewing a perfect Pilsner is one of the greatest challenges in brewing. It looks simple on paper. Pale colour, clean bitterness, crisp finish. Yet every detail matters. There is nowhere …
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Drum roasting: the most important invention in recent malt history
This year, The Swaen celebrates 120 years of malting tradition. It’s a milestone that invites us to reflect not only on our heritage, but also on the innovations that have …
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Different names: from De Zwaan to The Swaen
As we celebrate our 120th anniversary, it’s the perfect moment to pause and reflect on our rich and colourful history. Over the decades, our company has carried several different names, …
Hazy IPA recipe
In a modern Hazy IPA recipe, body is not just a nice-to-have – it’s the backbone that carries hop intensity and defines drinkability. Juicy aromatics and soft bitterness need a …