Struise is a Flemish word for "ostrich" and Struise Brewery's origins can be traced to an ostrich farm in Belgium's West Flanders region. Farm proprietors Urbain Coutteau and Philippe Driessens provided accommodations to vacationers, and often served guests refreshing regional and established beers. Before long they wanted to offer more, and so explored the idea of brewing and serving ales of their own devising.
In 1997, with the help of friend and local winemaker Carlo Grootaert, they pursued that goal in earnest. Taking advantage of local brewery infrastructure, the duo-turned-trio introduced a number of eccentric and well-crafted brews, and the brewery's fortunes have flourished. A RateBeer darling almost from the very beginning, Struise Brewery today offers more than two dozen distinct beers and boasts a loyal, vocal and ever-growing international following.