Belgium’s Liquid Gold: Discover the Best Belgian Beers That Leave a Lasting Impression!

Belgium is renowned for its rich beer culture and has a wide variety of exceptional beers to offer. Here are some of the best Belgian beers that are highly regarded:

Trappist Westvleteren 12: Often hailed as one of the world’s best beers, this Belgian Trappist ale is brewed by the Saint Sixtus Abbey. It is characterized by its complex flavors, dark fruit notes, and exceptional balance.

Orval: Produced by the Orval Brewery, this Trappist beer is known for its distinct taste and aromatic qualities. It has a unique blend of fruity, spicy, and hoppy flavors, with a dry finish.

Rochefort 10: Another Trappist beer, Rochefort 10 is a strong dark ale brewed by the Rochefort Brewery. It features rich, malty flavors, dark fruit undertones, and a smooth, warming finish.

Westmalle Tripel: This Trappist tripel is brewed at the Westmalle Abbey. It has a golden color, a balanced sweetness, and a complex mix of fruity, spicy, and floral notes.

A Rare Look Inside the Westmalle Brewery

Duvel: Duvel is a strong pale ale produced by the Duvel Moortgat Brewery. It is known for its light, crisp character, lively carbonation, and a delightful combination of fruity and hoppy flavors.

Chimay Blue: One of the renowned beers from Chimay, this Belgian strong dark ale offers a full-bodied experience with rich maltiness, dark fruit flavors, and a hint of caramel.

Saison Dupont: Saison beers originated in the Belgian countryside, and Saison Dupont is a classic example. It has a refreshing, dry character, with a blend of fruity, spicy, and earthy notes.

Rodenbach Grand Cru: This beer falls into the category of Flemish red-brown ales. Rodenbach Grand Cru is known for its complex sourness, tart cherry flavors, and oak barrel aging.

Tripel Karmeliet: Brewed by Brouwerij Bosteels, Tripel Karmeliet is a popular Belgian tripel that combines barley, wheat, and oats. It has a creamy mouthfeel, a mix of fruity and spicy flavors, and a slightly sweet finish.

St. Bernardus Abt 12: Produced by the St. Bernardus Brewery, this beer is often considered a worthy alternative to Westvleteren 12. It is a quadrupel with rich maltiness, dark fruit notes, and a smooth, warming character.

These are just a few examples of the best Belgian beers, and there are many more outstanding options to explore. Belgian beers offer a diverse range of styles and flavors, making it an exciting journey for all beer enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Belgian Beers:

1. What makes Belgian beers unique?

Belgian beers are renowned for their diversity and complexity. They often exhibit a wide range of flavors and aromas, thanks to the use of unique yeast strains, a variety of malt and hop combinations, and traditional brewing techniques.

Belgian beers also tend to have a higher carbonation level and can be bottle-conditioned, resulting in a lively and effervescent experience.

2. What is the history behind Belgian beers?

Belgium has a rich brewing heritage dating back centuries. The country’s brewing tradition can be traced to monastic brewing practices carried out by Trappist and abbey breweries.

Over time, Belgian brewers developed distinctive styles, including Trappist ales, lambics, saisons, and strong ales, which have become iconic representations of Belgian beer culture.

3. What are Trappist beers, and why are they special?

Trappist beers are produced by Trappist monasteries that adhere to strict criteria set by the International Trappist Association. These beers are brewed within the walls of the monastery or under its direct supervision.

Trappist beers are highly regarded for their quality, authenticity, and craftsmanship. They often showcase rich flavors, high alcohol content, and a dedication to traditional brewing methods.

4. What are the different beer styles found in Belgium?

Belgium boasts an extensive range of beer styles. Some notable styles include lambic (a spontaneously fermented beer), Trappist ales (such as dubbels, tripels, and quadrupels), Belgian witbiers, Belgian blondes, saisons, Flemish red-brown ales, and Belgian strong ales.

Each style has its own unique characteristics, brewing techniques, and flavor profiles.

5. How are Belgian beers brewed differently from beers in other countries?

Belgian beers often stand out due to their distinctive yeast strains, which contribute to the beer’s flavor and aroma complexity.

Belgian brewers also tend to prioritize traditional brewing methods, including open fermentation, bottle conditioning, and the use of unconventional ingredients like spices, fruits, and herbs.

Additionally, Belgian brewing techniques often emphasize a balance between malt sweetness, hop bitterness, and yeast-derived flavors.

6. What are the main ingredients used in Belgian beer production?

The main ingredients in Belgian beer production include water, malted barley (and sometimes wheat or other grains), hops, and yeast.

Belgian brewers also commonly incorporate additional ingredients like spices (such as coriander and orange peel), fruits (such as cherries or raspberries), and herbs (such as sage or thyme) to enhance the beer’s complexity and flavor.

7. Are there any specific beer glasses used for serving Belgian beers?

Yes, Belgian beers are often served in specific glassware designed to enhance the drinking experience. Some popular examples include the tulip glass, goblet/chalice, and the Trappist glass.

These glasses are shaped to capture aromas, maintain a frothy head, and showcase the beer’s color and carbonation.

8. What is the significance of abbey beers and monastery breweries in Belgium?

Abbey beers are beers produced by commercial breweries that associate themselves with abbeys. While not brewed directly within the monastery, they are inspired by monastic brewing traditions and often carry the name or branding of the abbey.

Monastery breweries, on the other hand, are breweries located within Trappist monasteries where the beers are brewed by the monks themselves. Both abbey beers and monastery breweries contribute to the rich heritage and diversity of Belgian beer culture.

9. Are there any specific beer festivals or events dedicated to Belgian beers?

Belgium is home to several renowned beer festivals that celebrate the country’s brewing tradition.

Here are some more examples of beer festivals and events dedicated to Belgian beers:

– The Belgian Beer Weekend: Held annually in Brussels, this festival showcases a wide selection of Belgian beers from various breweries. Visitors can enjoy tastings, learn about beer culture, and indulge in Belgian culinary delights.

– Zythos Beer Festival: Organized by the Zythos Beer Consumers’ Association, this event takes place in Leuven and features over 100 Belgian breweries. It offers visitors the opportunity to discover and taste a vast array of Belgian beers.

– Brussels Beer Challenge: This international beer competition brings together breweries from around the world, with a focus on Belgian beers. It aims to recognize and award excellence in brewing across different beer styles.

– Toer de Geuze: This biennial event takes place in the Pajottenland region, known for its lambic breweries. Visitors can participate in guided tours of the breweries, learn about the traditional lambic brewing process, and sample lambic beers.

– BXL Beer Fest: Held in Brussels, this festival showcases a curated selection of craft breweries from Belgium and abroad. It offers a platform for both established and emerging brewers to present their unique beers to beer enthusiasts.

– Bruges Beer Festival: This event takes place in the picturesque city of Bruges and features a wide range of Belgian beers. Visitors can explore the historic location while enjoying tastings, beer pairings, and educational sessions.

These are just a few examples of the beer festivals and events dedicated to Belgian beers. They provide an opportunity for beer lovers to immerse themselves in Belgian beer culture, discover new breweries and beer styles, and celebrate the craftsmanship of Belgian brewers.