Belgium Beer Tour: A Refined Experience from Breweries to Bars

Belgium is not just famous for its stunning medieval towns, delicious chocolates, and mouthwatering waffles – it is also a world leader in brewing. Belgian beer culture is deeply rooted in history and tradition, with beer being an essential part of the country’s cultural identity. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or simply someone looking to explore the world of brewing, a Belgium beer tour promises to be an unforgettable experience. From ancient monasteries producing Trappist ales to modern craft breweries pushing the boundaries of beer, Belgium offers a wide range of flavors, styles, and brewing techniques.

Here’s a guide to help you explore Belgium’s beer culture, taking you on a journey from historic breweries to iconic beer bars.

1. Trappist Beer: The Heart of Belgian Brewing Tradition

Belgium’s Trappist beers are world-renowned for their quality and heritage. These beers are brewed by monks in Trappist monasteries, and there are only 14 Trappist breweries worldwide, with 6 of them located in Belgium. A Trappist beer tour is an opportunity to dive deep into the history and craftsmanship behind these exceptional brews.

Some of the most famous Trappist breweries include:

• Westvleteren Brewery (St. Sixtus Abbey): Known for producing some of the most sought-after beers in the world, including the Westvleteren 12, often hailed as the best beer in the world. Visiting the brewery is a special experience as you can buy the beers directly from the abbey itself (although the queues can be long!).
• Chimay Brewery (Scourmont Abbey): Founded in 1862, Chimay is one of the oldest Trappist breweries in Belgium. Its range of beers, including Chimay Red, Blue, and White, are iconic and can be enjoyed at the abbey’s on-site café or in many bars throughout Belgium.
• Orval Brewery (Notre-Dame d’Orval Abbey): Known for its distinct, hoppy flavor, Orval is brewed using wild yeast, creating a unique taste profile. The abbey also has a museum where you can learn about its brewing history and the Trappist lifestyle.

A visit to these monasteries provides not only an opportunity to taste these exceptional beers but also a chance to see the brewing process firsthand and learn about the monks’ dedication to their craft.

2. Belgium’s Iconic Beer Styles

Belgium is home to a wide range of beer styles, each with its own history and characteristics. Some of the most famous styles you should explore on your beer tour include:

• Belgian Ales: Known for their fruity and spicy flavors, these beers are often complex and well-balanced. Popular examples include Duvel, a strong pale ale with a crisp, refreshing taste, and La Chouffe, a golden beer with a slight citrusy bitterness.
• Saison: Originating from the French-speaking part of Belgium, saisons are farmhouse ales that are often brewed in the winter and consumed in the summer. These beers are usually light, dry, and peppery with a hint of fruitiness.
• Lambic and Gueuze: Belgium is known for its spontaneous fermentation process, and Lambic beers are a prime example. These beers are brewed using wild yeast and bacteria, creating complex, tart flavors. Gueuze is a blend of young and old Lambic beers, resulting in a sparkling, effervescent brew. Cantillon Brewery in Brussels is a must-visit for Lambic and Gueuze lovers, offering a traditional, authentic experience.
• Witbier (Belgian Witbier): A refreshing, cloudy beer made with wheat and flavored with orange peel and coriander, Witbier is perfect for a warm summer day. Hoegaarden is the most famous example of this style, and the brewery offers guided tours where you can learn about the brewing process.

3. Exploring Belgium’s Breweries

Belgium is home to hundreds of breweries, ranging from large industrial producers to small artisanal craft breweries. Taking a brewery tour allows you to see the brewing process up close, from the selection of ingredients to the final bottling. Many Belgian breweries offer guided tours, where you can learn about the history of the brewery, the ingredients used, and how the beers are crafted.

• Brouwerij ‘t Verzet (Anzegem): A relatively young brewery, ‘t Verzet produces a wide range of innovative beers that blend traditional Belgian styles with modern twists. Their beers, such as XX Bitter and Zwarte Piet, are a great example of how Belgian brewers are experimenting with flavors while staying true to tradition.
• Brouwerij Cantillon (Brussels): One of the last remaining traditional Lambic breweries in Belgium, Cantillon produces some of the best sour and barrel-aged beers in the world. A visit to Cantillon is a unique experience where you can see the ancient brewing techniques still used today.
• Brouwerij Westvleteren (Westvleteren): As mentioned earlier, Westvleteren is known for producing some of the rarest and most revered beers in the world. The brewery does not offer regular tours, but you can visit the abbey and enjoy a special tasting session of their exclusive beers.

4. Beer Bars: Savoring the Belgian Beer Culture

Belgium’s beer culture extends far beyond the breweries themselves. Belgian beer bars are the heart of the country’s vibrant drinking scene, where you can sample a wide range of beers, often served with traditional snacks like cheese, charcuterie, or frites.

• Delirium Café (Brussels): Famous for its extensive beer menu, Delirium Café offers over 2,000 beers, making it a must-visit for any beer lover. The bar is cozy and lively, with beer lovers from all over the world gathering to enjoy a cold Belgian brew.
• A la Mort Subite (Brussels): Established in 1928, A la Mort Subite is a historic beer café that specializes in traditional Belgian beers, particularly Lambics and Gueuze. The ambiance and classic Belgian pub food make it a great spot to enjoy a pint.
• Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant (Ghent): Situated on the picturesque canal in Ghent, this beer bar offers an excellent selection of Belgian craft beers. The cozy atmosphere and knowledge of the staff make it an ideal place to try unique brews while soaking in the historic surroundings.
• De Garre (Bruges): A hidden gem in Bruges, De Garre serves a fantastic selection of Belgian beers in a charming, intimate setting. Their De Garre tripel is a must-try, and the bar’s cozy ambiance makes it a perfect stop for beer aficionados.

5. Belgian Beer Festivals

If you’re visiting Belgium during the right time, you can also experience its beer festivals, where you’ll have the chance to sample dozens of Belgian brews in one place. Some notable festivals include:

• Brussels Beer Festival: Held every September in Brussels, this festival showcases hundreds of Belgian beers, including rare and hard-to-find brews.
• Fête de la Bière (Liège): A festival that celebrates Belgian brewing traditions with over 150 Belgian beers available to taste.
• Zythos Beer Festival (Leuven): A massive beer festival where over 150 Belgian breweries showcase their latest creations.

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Conclusion

A Belgium beer tour is a refined and immersive experience that offers a deep dive into the country’s long-standing brewing tradition. From the sacred Trappist beers brewed by monks to the experimental craft beers of modern breweries, Belgium’s beer culture is rich, diverse, and ever-evolving. Whether you’re exploring ancient breweries, sipping pints in historic beer bars, or attending one of the country’s lively beer festivals, there is no better place than Belgium to savor the world of beer. Cheers to your Belgian beer adventure!