Belgium, the land of beer? That's for sure! Belgium boasts more brands of beer than any other country in the world and Belgian beer culture has UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status.
Included in your tour, you can visit Belgian Beer World Experience, the world’s largest interactive experience centre about beer. Discover the place dedicated to beer, where each experience is a story, a surprise and a pleasure!
With hundreds of flavours and aromas, colours and glass shapes, types of beer and brands, the world of Belgian beer is almost infinite.
At the end of your beer experience, take a seat and unwind at the Skybar, where you’ll be delighted by a stunning view over the heart of Brussels, including the tower of the City Hall, along with a selection of 150 Belgian beers to choose from. A free beer or soft drink of your choice is included.
Interesting facts about Belgian Beer:
- In 2016, Belgian beer culture was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, recognising the country’s brewing traditions.
- Belgium produces over 1,500 beers, from lagers and ales to sour lambics and strong Trappist brews. Each beer is crafted with unique recipes and brewing techniques.
- Belgians believe the glass shape enhances the flavour and aroma of beer, so many beers have their own specially designed glass. For example, Chimay uses a chalice-style glass, while Duvel comes in a tulip glass.
- Belgium is home to 6 of the world's twelve Trappist breweries - these beers are brewed by monks in monasteries, with profits going to charities.
- Lambic beers are made with spontaneous fermentation, using wild yeast in the air rather than cultivated yeast. Gueuze is a blend of young and aged lambics, also called "Belgian Champagne."
- Belgium’s oldest brewery is Brouwerij Roman, founded in 1545 and is still family-run today, producing beers like Adriaen Brouwer.
- Westvleteren 12, a Trappist beer from the Saint-Sixtus Abbey, is often called one of the best beers in the world. It’s produced in limited quantities and can only be purchased on demand.
- Belgians use beer in many recipes, like carbonnade flamande, a hearty beef stew made with dark beer, or mushrooms with gueuze.
- There are many beer festivals in Belgium, such as the Brussels Beer Weekend and the Zythos Beer Festival, where you can taste unique brews.
- Some Belgian beers, like Delirium Tremens, can have alcohol levels over 10%, making them much stronger than most beers worldwide.