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In Juiz de Fora, A Craft Brewery Has Been Operating For 130 Years In The Basement Of A Church, Keeping Alive A Tradition Brought By Dutch Missionaries That Combined Faith, Devotion And The Art Of Brewing
A curious and faith-filled story draws attention in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais. In the basement of the Nossa Senhora da Glória Church, there has been a brewery operating for 130 years that combines religion, tradition, and flavor.
The location houses Hofbauer Brewery, one of the few still in operation inside a church in Brazil, preserving a European heritage initiated by Dutch missionaries.
Faith, Devotion And Craft Beer
The origin of this tradition dates back to 1894, when priests Mathias Tulkens and Francisco Lohmeyer brought to Brazil the European custom of brewing beer in monasteries.
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At that time, the practice was common among religious individuals, as the beverage was considered food and part of meals. Producing and sharing beer was also a gesture of gratitude and communion among brothers.
Thirteen years after its foundation, in 1907, imported machines from the Netherlands arrived and are still in use today.
They symbolize the durability of the tradition and the care with which the process is maintained. The name Hofbauer honors Saint Clement Maria Hofbauer, an 18th-century Austrian priest known as the first brewing brother of a convent.
Preserved Recipes And Techniques
Currently, production is conducted by Brother Taylor Bertoli, a master brewer since 2024, with a team of four people and specialized technical support.
The group maintains the original recipes adapted to the climate and Brazilian ingredients, without compromising traditional fermentation techniques.
Each batch produces about 350 liters, with four annual productions. The process is slow and careful: each batch takes about 40 days between fermentation and maturation, respecting the natural time of the beverage.
Seven styles of beer are brewed in the church basement: pilsner, Belgian Blond Ale, Belgian Pale Ale, Belgian Dubbel, Weissbier, Session IPA, and Russian Imperial Stout.
In April 2025, the Belgian Blond was awarded at the Mineira Beer Week, recognized for its balance and artisanal flavor.
Tradition That Generates Solidarity
The purpose of the brewery goes beyond flavor. All the income obtained from sales is directed to social projects of the Nossa Senhora da Glória Church, reinforcing the link between faith and service to the community.
Moreover, since last year, the public can get to know the production site up close. Guided tours occur on Saturdays, by appointment and ticket purchase, which includes tasting of beers and artisanal breads.
The tour begins in the church and ends in the historic basement, where the century-old machines are still in operation.
Living Heritage In Minas Gerais
With 130 years of history, Hofbauer Brewery is a rare example of cultural and religious preservation.
The combination of faith, technique, and European tradition has transformed the basement of a Minas church into a true historical heritage, keeping alive the flame of devotion — and fermentation.
With information from Tempo.com.
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