Beer

Flanders

The northern part of Belgium is known as Flanders. All Flemish towns are brimming with quaint medieval squares, tree-lined canals, gorgeous architectural facades, world class museums, trendy fashion and designer boutiques, and friendly outdoor cafés perfect for sipping on one of the many hundreds of different local beers. And – not to forget – the best chocolate in the world...Travelling to Flanders is an unforgettable experience!

The unique flavour of Belgian beer is not just in the taste â it is an experience.

Belgium is a beer-lover's paradise, with over 680 different varieties of beer, each with their own personalized beer glasses in which that beer, and only that beer, may be served. The shape of each glass is made to enhance the flavour of the beer for which it is designed.

Belgians do take their beer seriously â and with good reason.

Belgium has enjoyed an unparalleled reputation for its specialty beers since the Middle Ages. And still nowadays those age-old traditions are treated with the highest respect.

That deserves a toast!

Not to Miss

Leuven

Beer lovers should not miss out on Leuven – the hometown of the world's largest brewer. The story of Anheuser-Bush Inbev starts here, and the many cafés and bars that are dotted all across town – particularly concentrated on the Oude Markt (Old Market Square) – still bear witness

Trappist

A Trappist beer is a beer brewed within the walls of a Trappist abbey, by or under control of the Trappist monks. Only breweries meeting this criterion are authorized to label their beers with the "Authentic Trappist Product" logo that indicates compliance with rules mandated by the International Trappist Association. In Belgium there are 6 Trappist breweries, some of which can be visited: often their beers can be tasted and bought, sometimes with other monastic products such as bread and cheese.

White Beer

This type of beer, commonly called "witbier" in Dutch, "bière blanche" in French, and "wheat beer" in English, originated in the Flemish part of Belgium in the Middle Ages. Traditionally, it is made with a mixture of wheat and barley. Before hops became widely available in Europe, beers were flavored with a mixture of herbs called "gruit". In the later years of the Middle Ages, hops were added to the "gruit". That mixture continues today in most Belgian white beers.

Lambic

Lambic is a very distinctive type of beer which, by European Union regulation, can be brewed only in a small area around Brussels – and in Brussels at the Cantillon Brewery and museum. Unlike conventional beers, which are fermented by carefully cultivated strains of brewer's yeasts, Lambic beer is instead produced by spontaneous fermentation: it is exposed to the wild yeasts and bacteria that are native to the Zenne valley, in which Brussels lies. It is this unusual process which gives the beer its distinctive flavour: dry, vinous, and cider-like, with a slightly sour aftertaste.

Beef Stew

Beef stew cooked in beer has long been part of the culinary heritage of Flanders, and it is still one of the most popular stews.

Brown Café

In the evening, head out and find yourself a quiet place to sit down and enjoy a freshly poured brew. After all, that's what the locals do too – in a "bruine kroeg" or "brown café" as they call it. Indulge yourself not only in the delicious beers and the simple but hearty fare, but especially also the warmth and friendliness of Flemish hospitality.

Halve Maan Brewery

This museum and brewery is where visitors can discover the old traditional brewing methods in Bruges and taste their famous beer “Brugse Zot”.