A Guide to Belgium’s Famous Beer Culture

Belgium is a dream destination for beer enthusiast, as it has a long brewing heritage that goes back for centuries. That country is home to over 1,500 varieties of beer, and stuff including some of the world’s most unique and tasty brews. Whatever they sip from fruity Lambics to strong Trappist ales, every drop shows how Belgium has nurtured a time-honoured tradition of making. If you are planning a beer tour, getting a Belgium Visa will give you the chance to visit some of the world’s most famous breweries, beer festivals and traditional taverns.

Getting a Belgium Visa from India is a very simple process for the travelers from India and it will allow them to experience an unforgettable beer experience. Belgium’s beer culture is one that you don’t experience everywhere else as Witbier on a warm summer evening, a dark Dubbel in an intimate pub. Every beer has a story to tell, a story of tradition, expertise and passion, and the country’s brewing techniques, some dating back to the Middle Ages, guarantee this.

Here is Belgium’s Famous Beer Culture Guide

1. Trappist Beers 

Monks in monasteries brew the Trappist beers, following centuries of brewing tradition. They are rich, strong and, full of strong flavours. Westvleteren, Chimay and Orval are some of the most famous Trappist breweries. Malty sweetness, fruity undertones, slight bitterness are typical of them. Every Trappist beer is highly sought after by beer lovers all over the world because of its authenticity.

2. Lambic Beers 

Lambic beers are different because they are fermented spontaneously, meaning that the yeast to ferment the beer belongs to the air rather than being cultivated. This process gives them a distinctive tart and funky taste. Fruit is added to some Lambic varieties, such as Kriek (cherry) and Framboise (raspberry). Lambics are aged often in wooden barrels for years, and for this reason have the most unusual taste profile among conventional beers.

3. Gueuze 

Lambic is a blend of young and old Lambics which are secondarily fermented in the bottle, resulting in natural carbonation such as Champagne. As a result, the beer is crisp, tangy, and dry with layers of citrusy, oaky, and funky flavors. If you are a fan of the sour beer with a refreshing, but at the same time bold taste, then Gueuze is a must try. It goes beautifully with cheese, seafood or Belgian fries.

4. Kriek 

Another fruit beer is Kriek which is one of Belgium’s most loved fruit beers, brewed with fresh cherries for a vibrant tart & sweet flavored fruity beer. The fermentation process brightens the fruit but with crisp, dry finish. Kriek is a light and refreshing beer that is perfect for those who prefer a fruity and slightly sour beer. It is especially popular during summer and served in elegant stemmed glasses.

5. Witbier 

Witbier (white beer) is a refreshing wheat beer brewed with orange peel and coriander. It is cloudy, and has a slightly citrusy taste that is smooth. This style is famous worldwide due to famous brands like Hoegaarden. Witbier is a great thirst quenching beer and when served chilled, it is a great beer for warm weather. This a very light beer with very delicate spice notes which makes it an excellent first experience with Belgian beers.

6. Tripel 

A tripel is a golden ale with a high alcohol content, rich, malty flavors and a balance of sweetness and bitterness. Tripels like Westmalle Tripel and Karmeliet Tripel are among Belgium’s finest and come from Trappist and Abbey breweries. It is smooth and drinkable, even though it has high alcohol content (usually around 8-10%). Tripel is a strong ale with a complex, but enjoyable, taste of fruit, spice and honey.

7. Belgian Pilsners 

Pilsners are one of the most popular beers in Belgium, which is well known for its specialty beers. Crisp, light lagers that are easy to drink are produced by brands such as Jupiler and Stella Artois. They are mild malt, slight hop bitterness and clean finish beers. Belgian bars serve pilsners widely available and commonly, and so they’re a good option for those who like classic, no fuss beers.

Conclusion

Belgium’s beer culture is both a tradition and a craft and an innovation. From tart Lambic to smooth Witbier to bold Trappist ale, each beer has its own story to tell. It is to visit Belgium’s famous breweries and beer festivals to get a taste of the country’s rich brewing heritage. If you want to have a hassle free beer adventure, you must have your Belgium Visa ready for a hassle free travel.

If you are a beer enthusiast and traveling from India, the first step to an unforgettable journey is to apply for Belgium Visa from India. Other than that, Belgium also offers brewery tours as well as a wide spread of lively beer cafes and amazing tasting experiences. Belgium’s beer culture has something for beer lovers of all variety and everyone will find a healthy balance of strong, malty brews and light, refreshing ales. Therefore, take a drink to this great world of Turkish beer.