I recognize and appreciate the close relationship between Monks and brewing. Even today, I would say that beer is better than water. I know, people would disagree with me. I try to maintain the proper balance of 1 to 1.
The aforementioned relationship has a minor outgrowth. It is the idea of stained glass in a brewery. It might also include stained glass in the related pubs. There were probably several different reasons for this, but I appreciate the simple artistic value of stained glass. Don’t you find this image below enticing? Doesn’t it invite you in for a time of leisure and enjoyment?
While in Belgium, I was fortunate enough to insert myself into a tour at Orval. As we made our way through the Kettle Room there they were! Beautiful stained glass windows that related some of the myths and history of the abbey. I loved it!
Also in Belgium, Trappistes Rochefort’s stained glass is amazing. Check it here. If I get another chance at Belgium, I will try to get a tour here!
Not your typical brewery, but the Kuchelbauer Weissbierbrauer in Germany has stained glass too … and a whole lot more!
There are some breweries I’ve toured that cry out for Stained Glass. Here’s one in the Czech Republic of all places: Budweiser Budvar. Look at it. Those windows! They need to be replaced with a beautiful stained glass!
Another one in the Czech Republic! Pilsner Urquell! Come on! Look at it! It needs stained glass!
Ok, I won’t continue to belabor the point. There are so many American breweries I’ve toured that would benefit from just a small selection of stained glass.
Of course, the alternative to putting stained glass into a brewery is to put a brewery into a building with stained glass already! Several breweries in the U.S. occupy historic buildings … here’s one from Bryan, Ohio that’s in an old Methodist Church (I’m sorry about the fuzzy pictures … I must have had a couple of beers already when I took them).
If I can think of others I’ve seen with the stained glass, I’ll add them here. I was looking through my old photos for a few. I know the Budweiser Brewery in St Louis had stained glass … in the Horse Stables!
What do you think? I’m partial to the Orval stained glass. Do you have a favorite Brewery with Stained Glass windows?
Stumblingpiper
Simply Beer 