History of Belgium Beer

With over 160 breweries, the history of Belgium beer comes with too many varieties to mention! Drink experiences in Brussels and other important cities will uncover a brewing tradition dating back over 2,000 years.

The Belgium love of fine beers started with the Catholic Church, who gave their permission for local abbeys to start brewing. In return, the beer produced helped raise funds to help run the church.

The Trappist monks started brewing too, resulting in some of the world's most esteemed beers. As such, bringing the history of Belgium beer through to the modern-day. In fact, the term "Trappist" is protected legally and can only be used by genuine Trappist monasteries.

History of Belgium Beer Tours in Brussels

Although one of the most prestigious Trappist monasteries is over an hours drive away, there are plenty of beer tours available locally. With an array of food and drink experiences in Brussels and the surrounding areas.

Beer and Food Pairing in Brussels

Enjoy Brussels’ famous attractions on this four-hour private tour that will combine lots of quality Belgium beer-drinking sessions followed by some delicious Belgian cuisine. Firstly, you will enjoy four beer tastings with your local guide. He or She will take you on a pub crawl where you will visit quaint hidden Belgian taverns that are away from the usual tourist places.

Afterwards, you will enjoy four various Belgian dishes with (yes) another three beers, to make your tour more memorable and to also outline how the flavours do vary. The chosen restaurant is situated right in the heart of the city. The whole experience is amazing and sure to tantalize your taste-buds! You will be served by the friendly staff - top quality Trappist and Abbey Beers, paired with mussels, frites, beef stew, rabbit and chocolate pie.

Ghent Beer and Sightseeing Adventure

On this fun adventure beer tour you will also get to visit the different sights of the city on a four-hour tour. You will learn all about the historical Belgian beer production that led to the unique flavours. The tour will include six local beer tastings, all of varying strengths and flavours. There is also included in the price, a thirty-minute canal cruise. Whereby you can enjoy the beer, tasty snacks and the passing iconic sights.

Antwerp Beer Tour

If you are a beer lover and visiting Antwerp – then this tour is for you! Antwerp is probably one of the world’s beer culture capital. The city itself is magnificent with amazing architecture, great cuisine and of course, superb beer! Antwerp boasts local micro-breweries and traditional Trappist beer-tasting rooms.

During the tour you will have a selection of six local beers to try; along with various snacks including the famous Belgium frites with mayonnaise, cheeses and chocolate. Your professional local guide will take you to authentic bars and along the way you will also see the famous sights of the city such as - Our Lady Cathedral, Market Square, and Steen Castle.

Brewery Tours in Belgium

As well as city drink experiences in Brussels sampling beers in local bars, brewery tours in Belgium are also popular. Where you will discover the beers that make Belgium famous straight off the production line.