Brouwerij & Alcoholstokerij Wilderen

The Wilderen brewery has an early history dating as far back as 1642.
Wilderen was an economic production unit that was self-sufficient, meeting its own needs. With the timber from the trees, the barn was constructed, the clay was used for the walls of the farmhouse, sheep and cattle provided milk, wool and leather. Agriculture and animal husbandry fulfilled the food requirements.
The large scale production such as that of Wilderen had their own wort boilers from where the draff was then transported to the oxen stables which is where the brewery is located today. It is true that the people spent long hours of strenuous work on the production, but they also knew how to celebrate exuberantly!!! This occurred particularly during the local fairs, and went on for many days.
The following village tale is recalled: Among the guests was the hunchback who before falling into a befuddled sleep had the habit of singing boisterously: “A very small jug for a very small mug”. Filled to the brim, it’ll soon be in him!” Since the beer was brewed in-house, it was not difficult to satisfy this thirsty fellow!
In those days, the brewery was located where much later the bakery, the dairy and the laundry were built. Under the current house, you can still see the bricked-up cellar windows of the brewery.

Author: Caroline Porsiel

Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.