Comments on: Beer Birthday: Pierre Celis

By: Jon Piepenbrok

Jon Piepenbrok — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:47:26 +0000

It should be noted, as I am always disappointed slightly in write-ups of Pierre, that Celis White, and a whole line of Celis beers (including the wonderful Celis Grand Cru) are still being produced.
When Miller Brewing shuttered the Celis Brewery, much of the equipment AND the name rights and recipes were purchased by Bobby Mason of Michigan Brewing Company.
The brand was relaunched in (I believe) 2000, under the direction of (at the time) Brewmaster Dan Rogers and Brewer Joe Short (familiar names?)
Prior to launch, Pierre spent several months up here in Michigan, offering the brewers some insight into traditional Witbier brewing.
Celis White is still produced year-round today, and remains THE benchmark for Belgian Witbiers.
Happy Birthday, Pierre (rip) and Christine.
Cheers! …from Michigan, the Great Beer State!

By: Ed Chainey

Ed Chainey — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 19:24:51 +0000

Happy Birthday to you both, Pierre & Christine!

I think that Celis’ beer was the inspiration (but not the recipe!) for Blue Moon. The timing is about right, as much as the wrong path was taken, by discontinuing such a noble brand for bad marketing reasons. C’est La Vie!

By: Mr. Nuts

Mr. Nuts — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:16:07 +0000

Happy birthday — and many more.

Amazing how Miller goes and buys the brewery — then closes it for not generating sufficient volume.

Instead of chasing volume — how about looking at profit margins for once?

By: Nat Webster

Nat Webster — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 05:22:11 +0000

The St Benardus Witbier is my wife’s favorite beer. It is the beer that all others are judged against, and in her opinion most come up short.

By: John E Fresh

John E Fresh — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 15:04:58 +0000

Happy Birthday Pierre!

I ran into Pierre regularly at the GABF in the early/mid 90′s. Although I was just a beer drinker, he always remembered me and treated me like I was a good friend of his. A photo with him hangs at Marin Brewing. Thanks Brendan

By: Spence

Spence — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 23:00:02 +0000

I had the great fortune of living in TX before Celis was sold. Celis White and Shiner Bock were my first realizations that beer could be something beyond the flavor-void beers I had been drinking. The man is a master, and I just happen to have a couple of Grottenbiers in the fridge right now to toast him on his Birthday.

Cheers to Pierre! For his amazing contribution to beer, beginning my understanding of what it can be, and for some of my hangovers back in college!

By: David

David — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 21:37:43 +0000

Happy Birthday Peter. I honored to share the same birth date with you.

By: myriam felidj

myriam felidj — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 16:54:47 +0000

Celis ‘s beers will always be the best, because they are made whit love.
After the birthday of Pierre, it is the bithday of is daughter.
So Happy birthday Christine.

By: Mary Celis

Mary Celis — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 22:51:15 +0000

I love you web site keep up the good work
Mary Waldrum

By: Bryan

Bryan — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 15:12:11 +0000

These are great pictures! Happy Birthday Pierre! With spring comes the reminder that it’s almost time to get
my first case (PA law, you know) of the season of Celis White, one of my favorite warmer weather beers.