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Belgian Beer: Diversity, Tradition and Character

Few countries have shaped the world of beer like Belgium. In a relatively small area, a brewing culture has developed that is unmatched anywhere else: hundreds of breweries, countless recipes and beer styles you won't find in this form anywhere in the world. It's no coincidence that UNESCO recognised Belgian beer culture as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. With us, you can buy Belgian beer online and taste your way through this remarkable variety.

What makes Belgian beer so special?

Belgian brewers have never been bound by a strict purity law. Instead of restriction, creativity rules. You can see it in many details:

• Yeast as a flavour driver: Belgian yeast strains bring fruity and spicy aromas such as banana, pear, clove or pepper to the glass, often without any added fruit or spices.
• Spices and ingredients: Coriander, orange peel, candi sugar and fruits like cherries and raspberries are an integral part of many recipes.
• Spontaneous fermentation: In Lambic beers, wild yeasts and bacteria from the surrounding air do the fermenting, a method passed down over centuries.
• Bottle conditioning: Many Belgian beers continue to mature in the bottle, developing new aromas over months or even years.
• A culture of glassware: Almost every Belgian beer has its own glass, designed to bring out the best in aroma, head and flavour.

Belgian beer styles at a glance

Belgium's beer diversity ranges from light and crisp to rich and complex. These are the styles you should know:

• Trappist beer: Brewed within the walls of Trappist monasteries under the supervision of the monks. Well-known Belgian names include Westmalle, Chimay, Orval, Rochefort and Westvleteren. The proceeds support the monasteries and charitable causes.
• Abbey beer: Monastic-inspired beers brewed to traditional recipes, today mostly by secular breweries.
• Dubbel: Dark and malt-forward, with notes of caramel, dried fruit and chocolate.
• Tripel: Golden, strong and surprisingly dry, with spicy yeast character and a subtle hop note.
• Quadrupel: The heavyweight among strong beers: full-bodied and dark, with aromas of plum, raisin and candi sugar. Perfect for sipping and cellaring.
• Belgian Strong Golden Ale: Pale and high in alcohol, yet elegant and lively.
• Witbier: Belgium's wheat beer, brewed with coriander and orange peel. Refreshing, hazy and perfect for warm days.
• Saison: Originally a farmhouse beer from Wallonia. Dry, highly attenuated, spicy and wonderfully drinkable.
• Lambic, Gueuze and Kriek: Spontaneously fermented beers from the region around Brussels. Gueuze is a blend of young and old Lambic, while Kriek is aged with sour cherries. Tart, complex and truly unique.
• Flanders Red and Oud Bruin: Beers matured in wooden casks, with a gentle acidity and wine-like character.

Belgian beer for every occasion

Whether you're just starting out in the world of craft beer or you're a seasoned connoisseur, Belgian beers suit countless moments. A Witbier is made for summer evenings, a Tripel pairs beautifully with cheese and seafood, and a Quadrupel easily stands in for red wine by the fireplace. Sour beers like Gueuze or Kriek make a surprising aperitif and an exciting match for salads and desserts.

By the way: many strong Belgian beers are excellent for cellaring. Grab two bottles, one to enjoy now and one to compare in a few years' time.

Buy Belgian beer online at Beyond Beer

In our range you'll find a carefully curated selection of beers from Belgium: from legendary Trappists and classic abbey beers to rare Lambics and exciting discoveries from small breweries. We choose every beer deliberately and are happy to advise you if you're not sure where to begin.

Discover now: Browse our Belgian beers, put together your own tasting box and have the diversity of Belgium delivered straight to your door. Or visit our store in Hamburg in person. Proost and santé!