Our Belgian beer culture

Milo Profi

UNESCO heritage, craftsmanship and flavour

Experience the magic of Belgian beer, where centuries-old traditions and modern-day passion come together in a glass full of character. Belgium is not just a beer country; it is the place where beer is interwoven with history, gastronomy and social life. In cafés, abbeys and breweries, you can taste the stories that date back to the Middle Ages. No wonder Belgian beer culture was recognised as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2016. This is the crowning glory of a tradition that is still very much alive today.

Rich tradition, iconic beers

Belgium is renowned for its unrivalled variety of beer styles. From refreshing wheat beers to robust Trappist beers and complex geuzes, each region has its own speciality. Brewmasters take inspiration from recipes that have been passed down for centuries. Just think of icons such as Westmalle, Duvel, Rodenbach, Rochefort, Hoegaarden, La Chouffe, Orval, Karmeliet, Chimay, Boon and Westvleteren. These names are more than brands – they are monuments to taste and craftsmanship.

De Struise Brouwers Vleteren_© Jan d hondt

Two men walk past stacked wooden barrels in a storage room with a "Vlaeteren" sign in the background.

Rosa Merckx (1924 - 2023) - first female head brewer

“You create beer like an artist would create a painting”

Rosa Merckx (Liefmans)

Belgium’s first female head brewer

Innovation and new beer tastes

Alongside the existing 'standards', a new generation of brewers is now thriving, refreshing the beer landscape with their creativity. They are experimenting with exotic hop varieties and new yeast cultures, inviting beer lovers to discover something new every time. Thanks to this mix of heritage and innovation, Belgian beer culture stays dynamic and forward-looking.

Brewery Westmalle - Antwerp 16_© www.milo-profi.be

Man in apron works with hops next to a large copper brewing kettle in a brewery.

A beer experience for all the senses

Whether you are tasting beer in a historic abbey, taking a tour of a modern microbrewery or enjoying a speciality beer on a sunny terrace, experiencing beer in Flanders is a journey for the senses. Every sip tells you a bit about the culture, every aroma tells a story, and every encounter is a chance to meet new people.

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