Much More Than a Drink: A Living Cultural Legacy

If you think Belgian beer is just another beer on the market, we need to talk. You know that kind of flavor that tells a story with every sip? Well, that’s exactly what you experience when you try a true Belgian beer.

For centuries, the monks in the region were the true alchemists of this tradition. In medieval times, when water was unsafe, beer became the “liquid bread” that saved lives. And the most curious part? The recipe didn’t come from books, but from experience, intuition, and, of course, a lot of patience.

Today, the legacy is still alive. In every monastery or small brewery in Belgium, we find more than ingredients – we find identity, history, and respect for tradition.

Belgian Styles: A Universe of Flavors in Every Glass

There isn’t just one Belgian beer. There’s an entire world within this expression. And the variety is impressive!

Right away, we have the Belgian Blond Ale, light and golden, perfect for beginners.

Then, the Dubbel is darker, with notes of caramel and dried fruit – a true cozy comfort in the form of a drink.

Next up, we have the Tripel, strong, fruity, and dangerous (because it hides its high alcohol content well!).

And if you want to be bold, the Quadrupel is an intense and complex explosion.

Oh, and it doesn’t stop there:

• Witbier: light, refreshing, with spices like orange peel and coriander.

• Saison: dry and slightly spicy, made to refresh workers in the summer.

• Lambic and Kriek: spontaneously fermented and aged with fruit, resulting in unexpected acidity and aromas.

Each style is a unique sensory experience, perfect to pair with special moments.

Trappist Beer: The 21st Century Still Tries to Understand

Few people know this, but not all monastery beers are Trappist. To receive the authentic seal, the beer must be made inside a monastery, supervised by monks from the Trappist order, and part of the profits must go to social causes.

Today, only six monasteries in Belgium maintain this tradition. One of them is the legendary Westvleteren, known for its beer, considered by many to be the best in the world. Hard to find, even harder to forget.

The beauty of Trappist beer lies in the details: refermented in the bottle, impeccable balance between sweetness, bitterness, and alcohol content, and effervescence that dances on the palate.

How to Enjoy a Belgian Beer the Right Way

Belgian beer isn’t meant to be chugged down. It asks for patience. It’s to be savored with all your senses. Here are a few tips to get it right:

• Temperature: The fuller the beer, the higher the temperature should be. Tripels and Quadrupels prefer between 10ºC and 14ºC.

• The Right Glass: Each style has its own glass. But generally, goblet-style glasses enhance complex aromas.

• Appreciate the Aromas: Fruits, spices, yeast… the variety is endless!

• Sip Slowly: Observe how the flavor evolves as the beer warms up.

And a final tip: If you want to start your journey into the world of Belgian beer, begin with a Belgian Blond or a Witbier. Light, friendly, and incredibly tasty.