Belgium’s Best Beer Destinations: Breweries and Taverns
Introduction
Belgium’s best beer destinations. Belgium is world-renowned for its beer culture, with a history that dates back centuries. Known for its unique brewing methods and diverse beer styles, from Trappist ales to rich stouts and fruity lambics, Belgium is a paradise for beer enthusiasts. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a casual drinker, this guide will take you through some of the Belgium’s best beer destinations in the country, including iconic breweries, charming taverns, and informative beer museums.
1. The Trappist Breweries: Sacred Brewing Traditions
Why Visit:
Belgium’s Trappist beers are among the most prestigious in the world, brewed by monks following centuries-old traditions. Only 11 Trappist breweries exist worldwide, and Belgium is home to six of them.
Must-Visit Breweries:
- Westvleteren Brewery (Westvleteren):
Known for producing some of the world’s rarest and most coveted beers, such as Westvleteren 12. The brewery is located in the Abbey of Saint Sixtus, and its beers are only sold at the abbey and select locations. - Chimay Brewery (Baudour):
One of Belgium’s most famous Trappist breweries, Chimay produces a wide range of beers. Visitors can tour the brewery and enjoy Chimay brews at the adjacent restaurant. - Orval Brewery (Orval):
Known for its distinct flavor, Orval beer is brewed with wild yeast and a touch of brettanomyces, giving it a unique taste. The Orval Abbey offers tours, tastings, and a chance to explore its beautiful grounds.
2. Famous Belgian Beer Taverns: Drink Where Locals Do
Why Visit:
Belgium’s taverns and bars are as much about the experience as the beer itself. These historic spots offer a cozy ambiance, knowledgeable staff, and an extensive selection of beers, often paired with delicious local food.
Must-Visit Taverns:
- Delirium Café (Brussels):
Famous for its enormous beer selection (over 2,000 varieties), Delirium Café is a must-visit for any beer lover. It’s part of the legendary Delirium Brewery, known for its signature beer, Delirium Tremens. - Moeder Lambic (Brussels):
Known for its impressive selection of craft beers, Moeder Lambic serves a mix of classic Belgian brews and innovative local options. It’s a great place to explore lesser-known Belgian styles. - De Garre (Bruges):
Tucked away in a hidden alley, De Garre is a small yet iconic tavern that serves the renowned Brugse Zot beer. The tavern’s medieval atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a traditional Belgian beer experience.
3. Beer Museums: Learn About Belgium’s Brewing Heritage
Why Visit:
Belgium’s beer museums provide a deep dive into the country’s brewing history, explaining the art and science behind its world-famous beer culture. Here, you can discover the evolution of Belgian beer styles and taste some of the best brews from the past and present.
Must-Visit Museums:
- Belgian Brewers Museum (Brussels):
This museum showcases the history of Belgian beer, highlighting the brewing process, ingredients, and the rich beer traditions of the country. It’s an informative and engaging experience for anyone interested in learning more about Belgian brewing culture. - Cantillon Brewery and Museum (Brussels):
A must-visit for fans of lambic beer, Cantillon Brewery is a traditional Belgian brewery that specializes in brewing sour beers using wild fermentation. The museum offers an immersive experience into the ancient art of brewing lambics. - Brewery Museum (Antwerp):
Located in a 16th-century building, this museum delves into the history of Antwerp’s beer culture. It highlights the city’s brewing traditions and its role in Belgium’s beer industry, with a focus on the medieval and industrial eras.
4. Exploring Belgium’s Beer Styles: From Pilsner to Lambic
Why Visit:
Belgium’s beer styles are as varied as the regions themselves. Each type of beer offers a unique taste experience, and exploring the different styles is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the country’s brewing culture.
Popular Belgian Beer Styles to Try:
- Trappist Ales:
Brewed by monks, these beers are rich, complex, and often have fruity or spicy notes. Examples include Chimay, Rochefort, and Westvleteren. - Lambic Beers:
Known for their sour and funky flavors, Lambics are made using wild yeast. Cantillon and Boon are notable brewers of this unique style. - Dubbel, Tripel, and Quadrupel:
These strong Belgian ales are known for their malty sweetness and rich flavors. Westmalle and St. Bernardus are famous for brewing exceptional examples of these styles. - Witbier:
A refreshing, cloudy wheat beer often brewed with citrus peels and coriander. Try the classic Hoegaarden for a taste of this popular style.
5. Beer Tours and Festivals: A Celebration of Belgian Brewing
Why Visit:
Beer tours and festivals are the perfect way to experience Belgium’s beer culture firsthand. Whether you prefer guided brewery tours or outdoor beer festivals, Belgium offers plenty of events to enjoy great beer and learn about its brewing traditions.
Must-Do Beer Experiences:
- Belgian Beer Weekend (Brussels):
Held every September, this festival celebrates Belgian beer with over 400 beers from around the country. It’s a fantastic opportunity to sample different brews and meet local brewers. - Brewery Tours:
Many Belgian breweries offer guided tours where you can learn about the brewing process, see the equipment in action, and sample fresh beer right from the source. Some popular breweries offering tours include Duvel, Rochefort, and Brasserie d’Osterie. - Flanders Beer Museum (Oostende):
This interactive museum provides an in-depth look into the region’s brewing history, offering tastings and a chance to explore the evolution of Belgian beer.
Tips for Beer Lovers Visiting Belgium:
- Explore Regional Breweries:
- Belgium has many regional breweries, each with unique flavors. Be sure to visit a variety of cities and towns to discover local brews.
- Check for Brewery Tours:
- Many breweries offer tours where you can learn about the brewing process and sample exclusive beers not found elsewhere.
- Take a Beer Tasting Workshop:
- Some taverns and beer museums offer tasting workshops where you can learn how to properly sample beer and identify flavors.
- Pair Beer with Belgian Cuisine:
- Don’t miss pairing your beer with classic Belgian dishes like moules-frites (mussels and fries) or stoofvlees (beef stew).
Conclusion: Belgium’s Best Beer Destinations
Belgium is a true haven for beer lovers, offering a rich and diverse brewing culture that spans centuries. From the world-famous Trappist ales to modern craft brews, Belgium’s best beer destinations provide endless opportunities for discovery. Whether you’re visiting a historic brewery, sipping on a cold beer in a local tavern, or immersing yourself in the country’s beer history at one of its museums, Belgium is the ultimate destination for beer enthusiasts.
Start planning your Belgian beer adventure today, and raise a glass to the country’s long-standing brewing traditions!
