Milo Profi

What makes Belgian Beer so unique?

1. The rich tradition

With a brewing heritage dating back for centuries, many aficionados view Belgium as the fatherland of beer. Long before today’s popularity of craft beer, monasteries and family breweries handed down their craftmanship from generation to generation.

2. The broad variety

Diversity in brewing processes and ingredients resulted in an exceptionally broad range of beer styles and taste profiles. Saisons, wheat beers, lambics and gueuzes, Flemish Old Brown beers, dubbels, tripels and other abbey beers, Brut de Flandres, Spéciale Belge, …: the variety of Belgium’s indigenous beer styles is impressive. It inspires modern-day brewers all over the world.

3. The excellent quality

However broad the variety in beers may be, Belgian beers are characterized by complexity, refinement and balance. In every glass, you’ll taste the ground-breaking craftsmanship and creativity of passionate brewers. Belgian beers are made for savouring.

4. The right serving

Belgian brewers care about how their beers are served. Every beer has its unique branded glass. It is considered as absolutely inappropriate to serve a beer in the wrong glass, or at the wrong temperature. Equally important is that most Belgian beers need to be topped with a rich layer of foam.

5. The global influence

Belgian beers seduce increasingly more Belgian and international beer lovers alike. They are also increasingly imitated abroad, although the authentic Belgian beers are widely considered to be the beer reference par excellence.

6. The beer gastronomy

Belgian cuisine boasts many traditional dishes in which beer is used as an ingredient. Besides, beer is often presented as the best pairing option for gourmet meals. For adventurous foodies, a beer and chocolate pairing session is the ultimate Belgian experience!

7. The café culture

To international standards, pubs in Belgium have extensive beer list. Many specialized beer cafés even have hundreds of options. Look out for the ubiquitous ‘brown cafés’: old, cosy and atmospheric places. There’s no better place for tasting specialty beers … and to connect and share good moments with the locals!

8. The hops region

For centuries, Flanders has been a major producer of hops in continental Europe. This tradition mainly lives on in the Westhoek region around Poperinge, an essential stop on any Belgian beer itinerary. When going to local restaurants in February and March, look out for hop shoots, a true Belgian delicacy!

9. The UNESCO recognition

In 2016, UNESCO inscribed the Belgian Beer Culture on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. ‘Culture’ reflects the importance and the value attributed by Belgians to their beer, and how intensely it is intertwined with their social life. In Belgium, beer is much more than a beverage. It is in the DNA of the Belgians, who consider it as a part of their pride and identity.

10. The exciting future

Belgium’s centuries-old beer history had an enormous influence on its own contemporary beer industry. Innovative brewers redefine and reinvent Belgium’s rich beer heritage in today’s and tomorrow’s vibrant craft beer scene.

Belgian Beer World in Brussels

The worlds’ biggest interactive center about beer welcomes you in the historic Brussels Stock Exchange building. Learn more about the history of Belgian beer, explore a multitude of aromas and flavours and discover your personal taste profile. End your visit with a beer tasting on the stunning rooftop bar. The view of Brussels is breath-taking!