Beers in Belgium
Belgium is renowned for its rich beer culture, with a long history of brewing and a diverse range of beer styles. Belgian beers are known for their exceptional quality, unique flavors, and traditional brewing methods. From Trappist ales brewed by monks to lambics fermented with wild yeasts, there is a beer to suit every taste in Belgium.
Fun Fact: Belgium is home to over 1,500 different beers, and the country has its own Beer Culture recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Duvel
A golden strong ale, Duvel is beloved for its crispness, complex flavors, and high alcohol content. It offers a balanced combination of fruity esters, spicy notes, and a dry finish. Duvel is often referred to as the "Devil" due to its deceptive drinkability. Enjoy it in its iconic tulip-shaped glass.
Chimay
As a Trappist beer, Chimay embodies the Belgian brewing tradition. It is available in several varieties, including Chimay Rouge (Red), Chimay Blanche (White), and Chimay Bleue (Blue). Each variety has its own unique flavor profile and characteristics. Chimay beers are known for their quality, complexity, and rich history.
Westvleteren 12
Westvleteren 12 is a Trappist beer often hailed as one of the best beers in the world. It is a quadrupel with a dark color, complex flavors of dark fruits, caramel, and spices, and a creamy mouthfeel. Due to its limited availability, getting your hands on a bottle can be a challenge, but it's definitely worth the effort.
Orval
Orval is a distinctive Trappist beer known for its unique flavor profile. It has a pale amber color, complex aroma of hops, and a dry, slightly acidic taste. This beer is brewed with Brettanomyces yeast, which gives it a characteristic funky and fruity flavor. Orval is highly regarded by beer enthusiasts and ages well over time.
Rodenbach
Rodenbach is a renowned brewery known for its Flemish red-brown ales. These beers have a deep reddish-brown color, a complex aroma of cherries and oak, and a balanced tartness. The beers are aged in oak barrels, allowing them to develop their distinct flavor profiles. Rodenbach beers are a must-try for sour beer enthusiasts.
Rochefort 10
Rochefort 10 is a Trappist quadrupel with a dark color and a rich, complex flavor profile. It offers notes of dark fruits, caramel, chocolate, and spices, with a warming alcohol presence. Rochefort 10 is often considered one of the best beers in the world and is a must-try for beer enthusiasts seeking a robust and flavorful experience.
Westmalle Tripel
Westmalle Tripel is a classic Belgian tripel with a pale golden color and a complex yet balanced flavor profile. It showcases fruity esters, spicy phenols, and a slightly sweet malt backbone. The beer has a dry finish and a medium to high carbonation, making it refreshing and enjoyable. Westmalle Tripel is a benchmark for the style and a favorite among beer connoisseurs.
St. Bernardus Abt 12
St. Bernardus Abt 12 is a Belgian quadrupel that rivals the famous Westvleteren 12 in taste and quality. It has a deep brown color, a rich malt profile with flavors of dark fruits, caramel, and spices, and a velvety smooth mouthfeel. St. Bernardus Abt 12 is often considered a "poor man's Westvleteren" due to its similarity in style and taste.
Gueuze
Gueuze is a type of lambic beer that undergoes spontaneous fermentation using wild yeasts. It is then aged and blended to create a unique and complex beer. Gueuze has a tart and sour taste with funky, earthy notes and a champagne-like effervescence. It's a traditional Belgian beer style that exemplifies the country's brewing heritage.
Brugse Zot
Brugse Zot is a Belgian ale brewed in Bruges. It has a golden color, a malty backbone, and a subtle hop bitterness. Brugse Zot is known for its smooth and balanced flavor, making it an enjoyable beer for any occasion. The brewery behind Brugse Zot also operates a popular beer museum in Bruges.
Kriek
Kriek is a Belgian fruit beer made by fermenting lambic with cherries. It has a vibrant red color, a pronounced cherry aroma, and a sweet-tart taste. Kriek is a delightful and refreshing beer that balances the natural sweetness of cherries with the tartness of lambic. It's a popular choice for those who enjoy fruit-infused beers.
La Chouffe
La Chouffe is a Belgian golden ale with a playful and whimsical character. It is brewed by Brasserie d'Achouffe, located in the Ardennes region of Belgium. La Chouffe has a hazy golden appearance, a fruity and spicy aroma, and a smooth, malty flavor with hints of citrus. The beer features a gnome as its mascot, adding to its charm and distinctiveness.
Stella Artois
Stella Artois is a classic Belgian lager known for its crisp, clean taste and iconic chalice glassware. It has a golden color, a mild hop bitterness, and a balanced malt profile. Stella Artois is a popular choice for beer enthusiasts looking for a refreshing and easy-drinking beer. It pairs well with a variety of dishes and is enjoyed worldwide.
