Belgium is renowned for its diverse and unique beer culture, with a rich tradition of brewing that spans centuries. There were 318 breweries recorded in 2018.
Here are top list of the most unique Belgian beers to try:
Breweries in Brussels
Brussels Beers Project
Innovative & Experimental
Zinnebir
Belgian Pale Ale
Cantillon
Gueuze
Brussels Beer Project (BBP) is known for contemporary brews and limited-edition beers, constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing.
Some of their specialties include
- Delta IPA, a Belgian IPA with a tropical fruit aroma and a balanced bitterness
- Jungle Joy: A fruity beer brewed with mango and passion fruit, offering a refreshing and exotic taste.
Zinnebir is renowned for its high carbonation and strong yet refreshing taste. Its complex profile includes hints of fruit, spices, and a dry finish, achieved through a lengthy brewing process and bottle conditioning.
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- Brewery: Brasserie de La Senne
- Type: Belgian Pale Ale
- Color: Golden
- ABV: 5.8%
Gueuze is made by blending young (one-year-old) and old (two- to three-year-old) lambic beers. Cantillon Gueuze is popular for its tart, dry, and funky profile, with notes of green apple and lemon, makes it a quintessential example of the traditional Brussels style.
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- Brewery: Cantillon Brewery
- Type: Gueuze
- Color: Golden
- ABV: 5.0%
Also Worth to Try
Westvleteren 12
Trappist Quadrupel
Orval
Trappist Ale
Rodenbach Grand Cru
Flanders Red Ale
Trappist is undoubtedly the best known and most popular high fermentation beer. Among Trappist beers, Quadrupel and Trappist Ale are being two notable categories. Known for its exclusivity as quadrupel beer, Westvleteren 12 is brewed by Trappist monks in limited quantities. It has complex flavors of dark fruit, caramel, and chocolate.
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- Brewery: Westvleteren Brewery (Sint-Sixtus Abbey)
- Color: Dark brown
- ABV: 10.2%
Born with the same realm of Trappist beers as the quadrupel, Trappist ales can vary widely in flavor and color depending on the style. Orval is the only beer produced by the monastery and is known for its distinctive hop character and Brettanomyces yeast, which gives it a dry, slightly sour, and complex flavor with a fruity aid earthy aroma.
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- Brewery: Orval Brewery (Abbaye Notre-Dame d'Orval)
- Color: Amber
- ABV: 6.9%
Rodenbach Grand Cru is a blend of young and aged beer, with the latter aged in oak barrels. This gives it a distinctive sour and fruity flavor profile, with notes of balsamic vinegar, cherry, and oak, making it a prime example of the Flemish red-brown style.
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- Brewery: Brouwerij Rodenbach
- Color: Red
- ABV: 6.0%
Authentic Beers Tour
Our Authentic Beers Tour is back in September! With transportation arranged and easy booking, your beer adventure awaits. Stay tuned!
