10 reasons why Belgian beer culture is unique

Rows of large wooden barrels in a dimly lit warehouse, conveying a sense of craftsmanship and tradition, likely for fermenting or aging.

(c)www.milo-profi.be

From centuries-old tradition, unique beer styles, passionate brewers and UNESCO World Heritage. Discover why Belgian beer culture is unique around the world.

1. Centuries-old tradition

Belgium is regarded by beer lovers around the world as the home of beer. Long before craft beer became a trend, monasteries and family breweries passed down their traditional beer-brewing knowledge from generation to generation. Every sip of Belgian beer is therefore a taste of living history.

2. Exceptional variety

The richness of Belgian beer styles is breathtaking. From saison, wheat beer and lambic to old Flemish browns, dubbels, tripels, Spéciale Belge and Brut de Flandres: the diversity is peerless. This creativity continues to inspire brewers around the world, but nowhere does it taste as authentic as right here in Belgium.

A man stands beside large copper brewing vats in a well-lit brewery. He is holding a cloth bag filled with hops, surrounded by a tiled floor and tall windows.

www.milo-profi.be

A bearded man in a blue shirt and cap pours a vibrant craft beer into a glass outdoors, with a focused expression. Brick wall and tables in the background.

3. Perfectly balanced

Whether it's a refreshing thirst-quencher or a complex tripel: Belgian speciality beer is known around the world for its quality and refinement. Behind every beer lies craftsmanship, passion and a quest for balanced flavours. These are beers to be slowly savoured, not gulped down.

4. The right glass

You never drink beer from any old glass in Belgium. Each beer has its own individual glass shape, which allow the aromas and flavours to come into their own. Serve the wrong glass or a tripel that is too warm? Then you are committing a major faux-pas in the eyes of a real Belgian beer brewer. Just as important is that most Belgian beers must have a thick head.

Cozy vintage pub interior with wooden tables and chairs. Walls are adorned with colorful retro beer signs and bottles, creating a nostalgic ambiance.

FARMBOY/JANOPDEKAMP

5. Influence around the world

Belgian beer has fans on every continent. Although foreign brewers often try to imitate Belgian styles, the original can't be beaten. For connoisseurs and aficionados worldwide, Belgian beer is the benchmark.

6. A must for every foodie

Belgian cuisine has no shortage of dishes where beer plays a leading role: from stewed meat with dark beer to refined sauces with tripel. What's more, beer and food pairing with chocolate or cheese is a culinary experience that you won't enjoy anywhere else as intensely as in Belgium.

Exhibit room with a sepia photo of a woman picking plants. A man stands nearby, next to an antique cart. The wooden floors and dim lighting create a nostalgic atmosphere.

7. Café culture

The soul of Belgian beer culture can be found in the cafés. From atmospheric traditional to specialised beer cafés with hundreds of references: these are places where locals and visitors come together, where stories are shared and where you can taste speciality beers as they are meant to be enjoyed.

8. Hop region in Flanders

Hops, an essential ingredient in beer, have been grown in the Westhoek region around Poperinge for centuries. Visit the region on a walking or cycling route in Flanders and discover not only the hop fields, but also surprising culinary creations, such as fresh hop shoots in the spring.

Overhead view of a round wooden table with clipboards, small glasses, and bottles. People are seated around, holding pens, suggesting a tasting session.

FARMBOY/JANOPDEKAMP

9. UNESCO heritage

Since 2016, Belgian beer culture has been on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. Proof of how deeply beer is interwoven with Belgian social and cultural life. For Belgians, beer is more than just a drink: it is a symbol of identity and national pride.

10. A future full of innovation

Belgium has a rich beer history, but the future is just as exciting. Young, creative craft brewers and microbreweries are experimenting with new flavours and techniques, while staying true to centuries-old traditions. That's how the Belgian beer world stays alive and kicking.

Curious? Discover for yourself!

Book a beer tasting in one of the Flemish art cities and discover centuries-old styles and modern innovations. Follow a walking or cycling route in Flanders and visit iconic Belgian breweries. Discover the ultimate Belgian beer experience, where tradition and innovation are the perfect complement to each other. Every glass of Belgian beer tells a story of culture, craftsmanship and passion.

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