Belgian beers: varieties, appellations and perfect pairings
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An exceptional brewing heritage
Belgium is known worldwide for the richness and diversity of its beers. With over 1,500 different beers , the country offers an impressive variety of flavors, colors and brewing traditions. But what makes Belgian beers unique? And how can you enjoy them with the food that accompanies them?
The main categories of Belgian beers 🍻
The diversity of Belgian beers is based on well-defined styles, each with its own characteristics.
🍂 Trappist beers : brewed by monks
These beers, often amber or brown, are brewed in Trappist monasteries under the supervision of monks. Only 12 abbeys in the world can claim the "Trappist" designation, including 6 in Belgium :
- Westmalle (Tripel, Dubbel)
- Chimay (Red, Blue, White)
- Orval (a unique, slightly acidic and amber beer)
- Westvleteren (known as the best beer in the world)
- Rochefort (levels 6, 8 and 10, increasingly stronger)
- Achel (last recognized in Belgium)
✅ Characteristics : Strong, rich, often complex beers with aromas of fruit, spices and caramel.
🍽 Perfect pairings : Belgian cheeses, Flemish carbonades, braised meats.
🌾 Abbey beers : inspired by monastic traditions
Unlike Trappist beers, abbey beers are not necessarily brewed by monks but follow recipes inspired by monastic traditions.
Famous examples: Leffe, Grimbergen, Maredsous, Affligem .
✅ Characteristics : Soft, round, slightly sweet with spicy notes.
🍽 Perfect pairings : Dishes in sauce, soft cheeses, poultry.
🍺 Blonde and Triple beers : Belgian classics
Belgian blondes, such as Duvel, La Chouffe or Westmalle Tripel , are often stronger than classic blondes.
✅ Characteristics : Alcohols between 6 and 10%, balanced taste, floral and fruity aromas.
🍽 Perfect pairings : Seafood, smoked salmon, spicy dishes.
🍏 Lambic, Gueuze and Kriek beers : wild beers
The spontaneously fermented beers, typical of Brussels and the Pajottenland region, are unique in the world.
- Lambic : naturally fermented beer, not very sparkling and slightly acidic.
- Gueuze : blend of young and old Lambics, refermented in the bottle (often called the "champagne of Brussels").
- Kriek and other fruity : Lambic to which cherries (Kriek), raspberries or other fruits are added.
✅ Characteristics : Marked acidity, often dry and refreshing.
🍽 Perfect pairings : Strong cheeses, cold meats, fruit desserts.
🌿 White beers : light and refreshing
Brewed with wheat, white beers are light and thirst-quenching. Famous examples: Hoegaarden, Blanche de Namur .
✅ Characteristics : Citrus and spicy notes, low bitterness.
🍽 Perfect pairings : Salads, fish, fresh cheeses.
How to properly enjoy a Belgian beer? 🍻
✅ 1. The right glass for every beer
Belgium is renowned for its specific glasses adapted to each beer, allowing to enhance the aromas and the foam. For example:
- The Duvel has its tulip-shaped glass.
- Gueuze is served in a cylindrical glass.
- Trappist beers often have wide cups.
✅ 2. The ideal temperature
- Blondes and whites : 4-6°C
- Trappist and brown beers : 10-14°C
- Gueuze and Lambics : 6-10°C
✅ 3. The perfect match with food
Pairing a beer with a dish can enhance the taste experience. Some essential combinations:
🍖 Flemish carbonades + Chimay Bleue
🧀 Orval cheese + Orval
🍫 Dark chocolate + Rochefort 10
🥩 Grilled meat + Westmalle Dubbel
Belgian beer: a tradition to savor
Whether you are a fan of light blondes, powerful Trappist beers or tangy gueuzes, there is bound to be a Belgian beer made for you. Each sip tells a story, that of a know-how passed down from generation to generation.
And you, what is your favorite Belgian beer? 🍻
Photo by Gerrie van der Walt on Unsplash
