Belgium is often regarded as the beer capital of the world, a place where brewing is both a craft and an art form. With a brewing tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages, Belgium is setting the standard when it comes to taste, tradition and variety, with a wave of cool new brewers cropping up in recent years. From the monastic brews of Trappist monks to the complex, sour ales of Flanders, these are flavours and styles that will take you all over the map, and anyone who’s set foot in the likes of Soho’s De Hems will know, the sheer range and variety can sometimes be overwhelming.
We’re going to break down some of the most popular styles so you can demystify the menu and find the beer that’s right for you, and maybe find a new favourite in the DrinksOne portfolio.
1. Trappist Ales
When discussing Belgian beer, most people immediately think of Trappist ales. Brewed within the walls of Trappist monasteries by monks, these beers are deeply rooted in religious tradition and tend to dominate the international beer game. There are only 14 Trappist breweries in the world, and a whopping six of them are located in Belgium: Westvleteren, Westmalle, Chimay, Rochefort, Orval, and Achel. That’s what we call having the monopoly on the monk market!
Belgian Dubbel
The Belgian Dubbel is a strong, dark ale with an alcohol content typically between 6% and 8%. Originating from the Westmalle Abbey, Dubbels are known for their deep, rich malt flavours, often featuring notes of caramel, dark fruit (such as raisins and plums), and a hint of spice. The beer is moderately sweet, with a medium body and a dry finish. Deep, satisfying and complex; everything you’d want in a beer (or partner!)
Belgian Tripel
The Belgian Tripel is a golden ale, stronger than a Dubbel, with an alcohol content usually ranging from 7.5% to 9.5%. First brewed by Westmalle in 1934, the Tripel is characterised by its bright, fruity aroma, often accompanied by spicy phenols and a mild hop bitterness. Despite its high alcohol content, the Tripel is deceptively smooth, with a light body and a slightly sweet, malty flavour that balances its strength. Delicious and dangerously easy drinking.
Belgian Quadrupel
Quadrupels, or “Quads,” are the strongest of the Trappist ales, with an alcohol content ranging from 9% to 14%. These dark, rich ales are packed with intense flavours of dark fruits, caramel, toffee, and spices. The mouthfeel is full and warming, making Quadrupels a perfect choice for cold evenings. While strong, these beers are remarkably well-balanced, with a complex flavour profile that evolves as the beer warms. Among the most full-bodied and forward of the styles.
2. Abbey Ales
Similar to Trappist ales, Abbey ales are brewed in the style of monastic beers but are not necessarily made by monks or within monasteries. Many commercial breweries produce Abbey ales under licence from defunct or existing abbeys, maintaining the traditional brewing methods. Hugely popular, these are the beers you’re most likely to find dominating the supermarket shelves.
Belgian Blonde Ale
Belgian Blonde Ales are often considered the lighter cousins of the Tripel. With an alcohol content between 6% and 8%, these golden ales are smooth and accessible, with a slight sweetness and fruity esters. The hop bitterness is mild, allowing the malt and yeast characteristics to shine. Belgian Blondes are often the gateway beer for those new to Belgian styles, offering a balanced, easy-drinking experience.
Belgian Pale Ale
The Belgian Pale Ale is a more restrained style compared to its hoppier American counterpart. With an alcohol content of 4.8% to 6.5%, these beers are characterised by their malt-forward profile, with flavours of toasted bread, caramel, and a subtle fruitiness from the Belgian yeast. The hop presence is moderate, providing a gentle bitterness that complements the malt. Belgian Pale Ales are highly drinkable and pair well with a whole range of foods. A great table beer.
3. Sour Ales
Sometimes considered the marmite of the Belgian beer world in that people either love or hate them, sour ales are one of Belgium’s most famous exports, and are testament to the country’s innovative and experimental brewing culture. These beers are often aged in wooden barrels and undergo mixed fermentation with wild yeasts and bacteria, resulting in complex, tart flavours that develop on the palate.
Lambic
Lambic is one of the oldest and most traditional Belgian beer styles, brewed in the Pajottenland region near Brussels. Unlike most beers, Lambics are fermented spontaneously by exposing the wort to wild yeasts and bacteria in the open air. This process can take years, with the beer developing a complex, sour character over time. Lambics are often blended or flavoured with fruit, such as cherries (Kriek) or raspberries (Framboise), resulting in a range of flavours from tart and fruity to dry and funky.
Gueuze
Gueuze is a blend of young (1-year-old) and old (2- to 3-year-old) Lambics, which are then bottled and undergo a secondary fermentation. The result is a sparkling, champagne-like beer with a bright acidity and complex, layered flavours. Gueuze is often referred to as the “Champagne of Belgium,” prized for its effervescence and balance of sourness, funk, and fruitiness. It is a must-try for anyone exploring Belgian beer, and great if you want something unusual for a celebration of aperitif.
Flanders Red Ale
Originating from the Flanders region, Flanders Red Ales are known for their deep red colour and rich, fruity acidity. These beers are aged in large oak barrels, where they develop a complex sour character with notes of red fruit, such as cherries and plums, along with hints of vanilla and oak. Flanders Red Ales have a sweet-and-sour profile, with a refreshing tartness that makes them stand out in the world of Belgian sours.
4. Saison and Farmhouse Ales
Saisons, or Farmhouse Ales, are rustic beers that originated in the French-speaking Wallonia region of Belgium. Traditionally brewed during the winter months and consumed by farmworkers in the summer, Saisons are versatile and complex beers that reflect the terroir and craftsmanship of Belgian brewers.
Saison
Saisons are typically pale, with an alcohol content ranging from 5% to 8%. They are highly carbonated, dry, and often exhibit a fruity and spicy character due to the use of Belgian yeast strains. The flavour profile of a Saison can vary widely, from citrusy and peppery to earthy and herbal, making it a fascinating style to explore. The beer’s dry finish and refreshing nature make it a perfect drink for warm weather. A real BBQ beer.
5. Strong Dark Ales
The big boy beers of the brewing world! Belgium is also known for its strong dark ales, which are rich, malty, and often quite sweet. These beers are typically high in alcohol content and are enjoyed slowly, allowing their complex flavours to unfold.
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Belgian Strong Dark Ales are characterised by their deep, dark colour and rich malt flavours. With an alcohol content usually above 8%, these beers are full-bodied and often feature notes of dark fruits, caramel, molasses, and spices. Despite their strength, they are remarkably well-balanced, with a smooth finish that belies their alcohol content. Thanks to their punchy profile these beers are great sippers, particularly during colder months.
A Few Of Our Favourites
So you know your way around the incredible world of Belgian beers, and now you want to get tasting. Here are some of our personal highlights that can be found on DrinksOne.
The Haacht Brewery is a fourth generation, family-run Belgian brewery. Founded in 1898, is one of Belgium’s oldest and most respected breweries. Initially established as a dairy farm in the small village of Boortmeerbeek, it quickly transitioned into brewing, capitalising on the region’s rich brewing tradition. Over the decades, Haacht grew from a local producer into a prominent name in Belgian beer, renowned for its expertise in crafting traditional Belgian styles, including lagers and ales. Despite the boom in business, it’s remained resolutely independent.
While traditional at heart, Haacht aren’t afraid to innovate. Their Super 8 range is a contemporary line of beers that blends traditional Belgian brewing techniques with modern flavours, appealing to both the classic beer enthusiasts and those seeking something a little different. The Super 8 series includes a variety of styles, such as the Super 8 IPA, which combines bold hoppy bitterness with a balanced malt backbone, and the Super 8 Blanche, a refreshing wheat beer with subtle citrus and spice notes. Other notable entries in the range include the Super 8 Export, a nod to the classic Belgian export lager, and Super 8 Flandrien, a robust and complex Belgian ale.
Why not pick up a mixed case and try them all?
We recommend: Haacht Brewery Super 8 Cherry
One of Belgium’s most famous Trappist breweries, The Tongerlo Brewery was originally founded in the 12th century by the Norbertine monks at the Tongerlo Abbey. Though the brewing operations ceased at the abbey during the more turbulent periods of history, the recipes and brewing rights were preserved. In 1990, Haacht Brewery took over the production of Tongerlo beers, reviving and maintaining the authentic monastic brewing practices. The Tongerlo range includes several award-winning beers, such as the Tongerlo Blonde, known for its smooth, fruity character and subtle bitterness. The brewery’s dedication to quality and historical authenticity has earned it a loyal following among beer enthusiasts at home and internationally.
We’re big fans of Tongerlo Blonde, which boasts a balanced flavour profile enriched by the spicy notes of hops and the process of re-fermentation in the bottle. Awarded the title of World’s Best Beer at the 2014 World Beer Awards, this is a sure-fire winner in any taste test.
We recommend: Tongerlo Blonde
Another feather in the Haacht Brewery’s cap, Primus is best known for producing Primus Pils, one of Belgium’s most popular lagers. Established as a key brand within Haacht’s portfolio, Primus Brewery has become synonymous with high-quality, refreshing beer that embodies the crisp and clean characteristics of a classic Belgian pilsner. Brewed using premium ingredients and traditional methods, Primus Pils offers a well-balanced flavour profile with a slight bitterness and a smooth finish. On the palate, expect a clean and smooth texture with a satisfying balance of malt sweetness and hoppy bitterness, culminating in a refreshing finish, making it a favourite among Belgian beer drinkers.
We recommend: Haacht Primus Premium Lager
