Belgium is renowned for its exceptional beer culture, and it is home to some of the best breweries in the world. With a vast array of beer styles and flavours, it can be challenging to choose which beers to try during your visit. In this blog, we will discuss the first 5 (of many) Belgian beers that you must try when visiting Belgium.

1. Duvel

Duvel is a Belgian strong pale ale that has been brewed since the 1920s. It is a high carbonation beer with a distinctive hop bitterness and a dry finish. The beer has an alcohol content of 8.5% and is known for its effervescence, golden color, and head retention. Duvel is one of the most popular beers in Belgium, and it is exported to over 60 countries worldwide.

2. Chimay

Chimay is a Belgian Trappist beer that is brewed by Trappist monks at the Notre-Dame de Scourmont Abbey in the south of Belgium. The beer is available in numerous variants, including: Chimay Rouge, Chimay Bleue, and Chimay Blanche, each with its unique flavor and alcohol content. Chimay beers are brewed using natural ingredients and are fermented in the bottle, giving them a distinct flavor profile that is rich, complex, and full-bodied.

3. Rochefort

Rochefort is another Trappist beer that is brewed by monks at the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Saint-Rémy in Rochefort, Belgium. The beer is available in three variants: Rochefort 6, Rochefort 8, and Rochefort 10, each with its unique flavor and alcohol content. Rochefort beers are known for their dark colour, malty sweetness, and spicy aroma.

4. Westvleteren

Westvleteren is a Trappist beer that is brewed by the monks at the Saint Sixtus Abbey in Westvleteren, Belgium. The beer is available in three variants: Westvleteren Blonde, Westvleteren 8, and Westvleteren 12. Westvleteren is one of the rarest beers in the world and is highly sought after by beer enthusiasts. It has a rich, complex flavor profile that is characterized by fruity notes, caramel sweetness, and a subtle hop bitterness.

5. Delirium Tremens

Delirium Tremens is a Belgian strong pale ale that is brewed by the Huyghe Brewery in Melle, Belgium. It is a highly carbonated beer with a distinctive fruitiness and a slightly sweet finish. Delirium Tremens is famous for its iconic pink elephant logo and is widely available in bars and restaurants throughout Belgium.

In conclusion, Belgium is a beer lover's paradise, and these five beers are just the tip of a glorious iceberg when it comes to the country's exceptional beer offerings. So, during your next visit to Belgium, make sure to try some of these fantastic beers and experience the unique flavors and brewing traditions that have made Belgian beer famous worldwide.