Ready to Explore?
Slightly smaller than Vancouver Island, Belgium is home to distinctive ales brewed by old school, artisanal methods. From the wild, Burgundy-esque ales of Flanders to the coveted, complex Trappist ales brewed by six different monasteries, to the creamy, fruity witbiers born in the village of Hoegaarden, this small country produces beers that are steeped in tradition yet continue to win over the palettes of modern drinkers.
You May Taste
Ranging in colour from blonde to deep auburn, Belgian ales are typically bubbly and light-to-medium bodied with low bitterness. Distinctive yeast strains also really drive their flavours. Look for fruity notes such as apple, anise and bubble gum, spicy notes like coriander, white peppercorn and allspice, and funky notes like horse blanket, fresh barnyard and roasted pineapples. Expect bread dough and baguette flavours from the lighter hued ales and toasted nut and caramel notes from the darker ales.
Sip Them With
Belgian ales are super food-friendly thanks to the fruity and spicy yeast strains as well as their grainy malt character. Higher ABV brews like Duvel and St. Bernardus Abt 12 are sublime with braised meats like beef short ribs or duck legs as well as rich, creamy desserts like crème brûlée or caramel flan. Sessionable sippers like Leffe Blonde or Leffe Brune pair perfectly with a well-seasoned roast chicken, turkey with all the fixings or a classic moules-frites. Witbiers are lovely with fish, from ceviche to sushi to seafood pasta. Any of these Belgian ales will find harmony with bold, aged cheeses served with crackers and jam.
Serving Tips
Let Belgian ales warm up for 10 to 20 minutes; their intricate flavours will unfold with every sniff and sip. A stemmed tulip or chalice is the perfect glass for most Belgian ales. Hold it by the stem if the beer is the right temperature or cup the bowl with your hands to warm it up. If you have a wheat beer glass or vase, it’s a great choice for serving witbier; the tapered lip amps up the aroma while the curves support the pillowy, frothy head.

There’s a reason every beer geek dreams of visiting Belgium: to explore the world’s most diverse and captivating regional ales. Spicy, fruity and complex, Belgium’s award-winning brews are ideal for winter sipping.