Latis Mourns Loss of PALM Breweries’ Alfred Van Roy
Mourning the Passing of a Belgian Beer Legend: Alfred Van Roy, PALM Breweries
Belgian Beer Pioneer Began his Beer Career at 15 and Became One of Belgium’s Most Respected Brewers
One of the original PALM Breweries pioneers, Alfred Van Roy, died last week at the age of 95. Van Roy was a founding family member of PALM Breweries and he was responsible for its rise to world fame after the 1958 Word Expo. The U.S. importer of PALM Breweries, Latis Imports, mourns his loss and celebrates Van Roy’s legacy.
“We recognize this is the passing of a Belgian brewing legend,” says David van Wees, co-founder of Latis Imports. “We are drawn to PALM for its independent spirit and Alfred Van Roy created that culture from day one. We will continue to honor his commitment to Belgian brewing traditions and pride in his country’s craft,” continues van Wees.
“Alfred Van Roy, along with his successor Jan Toye, created one of the most authentic Belgian beer portfolios in the world,” says Anthony Giardina, co-founder of Latis Imports. “PALM Breweries is the only brewer that brews using all four fermentation types – top, bottom, mixed and spontaneous. The independent, family-owned brewery is responsible for preserving some of Belgium’s most prized breweries like Rodenbach.”
A tireless student of both new and traditional brewing techniques, Van Roy never stopped honing his craft and studied brewing his entire career. He attended the first European Brewery Convention in Brighton in 1951 and was the only European brewer to attend them all until 1997.
Mr. Van Roy lived on PALM Breweries grounds in Steenhuffel until his death last week. Palm Breweries’ celebration beer, PALM Royale, was created for Van Roy on the occasion of his 90th birthday.