Every single beer in Belgium has its own glass, but none carry the history and meaning that I do. My roots trace back to the 18th century, an era of horse-drawn carriages and a law that prevented working-class coachmen from joining their affluent passengers inside taverns. Enter my ingenious creator, innkeeper and brewer Pauwel Kwak himself, who devised me, a remarkable solution.
In his pursuit to serve these hardworking coachmen, he crafted a special wooden cupholder, a testament to innovation and craftsmanship. It securely held a slender glass, designed to fit snugly within a coachman’s thick, gloved hand while minimizing sloshing during the journey’s bumps and turns. Thus, my distinctive form emerged—a long, slender neck gracefully leading to a bulbous base, holding within it the precious elixir of Pauwel Kwak. Throughout time, I faithfully hung from coaches, offering respite to the weary travelers.
While my glass has stood the test of time, my wooden stand came into existence later, upholding the cherished tradition. Today, I stand as the embodiment of a rich narrative, an emblem of heritage, and a conduit for indulging in the spirit of Pauwel Kwak. Let me grace your table, a symbol of the bygone era, inviting you to relish in the legacy and craftsmanship that intertwines beer, glass, and wooden stand.