A Beer Lover's Guide To Belgium

Prepare your beer taste buds for an adventure of a lifetime and pack your bags for Belgium. While there you will have access to some of the most historic breweries and be able to sample some unique brews. During your travels you will find museums dedicated to the beer making process and history, as well as take tours through some of the most popular breweries in the country. Here are some of the must-visit brewery and beer-themed locations in Belgium:

There is so much history to see in Belgium, everything from historic homes to monuments and historic sites to museums can be found throughout the country. This includes museums dedicated to teaching beer lovers about the history of beer making. Make sure your plans include a visit to the Belgian Brewers' House. There you can learn all about the beer-making process and be treated to a glass of beer with paid admission. This museum is located among the first stone houses on Brussels Grand-Place. Since many of the buildings in this area were built in the 14^th century, there is so much history to explore as you approach the Brewers' House. The Brewers' House is also the headquarters for the Belgian Brewers Association.

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Those wanting a complete beer experience will want to make sure they fit Waagstuk in their vacation itinerary. This location offers a unique collection of brews served in a cozy casual setting. The owners of this location are very friendly and it isn't filled with tourists, so this is the place to go and mingle with the locals. Plus, drinking at Waagstuk is rather affordable and those wanting a beer, or two, or more, will find that they will not break the bank with the prices at this location. Waagstuk is the place where beer enthusiasts can enjoy a specialty brew while attending one of the many seminars the café offers, including the beer samplings sessions. Food, including cheese puffs and mini Lumpias, are also available in the sitting room away from the bar.

Liefmans
Aalststraat 200
9700 Oudenaarde
Belgium
+32 3 860 94 00
www.liefmans.be

Founded in 1679, Liefmans Brewery is located just outside of Ghent and is a must-visit brewery when in Belgium. This location is best known for its soft and dark Oud Bruin, as well as many other popular Belgian beers. Guided tours of the brewery are available Mondays through Saturdays. During these tours, you will learn about all aspects of the brewing process, origins of Oudenaards bruin bier and the rich history of this old brewery. Reservations for guided tours are required. Those who join in on the tour will be treated to a tasting of two beers, a lesson in the art of pouring and will receive a small gift.

Not much has changed in the brewing process over the last century at the Cantillon Brewery, which is why this is one of the most unique beer destinations you can visit when in Belgium. Brussels Gueuze Museum and Cantillon Brewery offers a traditional style in Belgian beer brewing and is also home to a living museum. The museum showcases the life of the Van Roy-Cantillon family and the living micro-organisms that are used during the fermentation process. Your visit to this location will show you the brewing process and where brews are stored until they are sent to the customer's tables. Anyone is welcome to visit and guided tours are available upon request.

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Saint Sixtus Abbey of Westvleteren is where you will find a small group of monks who work hard to produce three different kinds of Trappist beer. This location is one of six official Trappist breweries. The monastery started brewing out of necessity to save money on the construction costs of the monastery by serving workers two beers a day. Today, the monks continue to brew to make money to sustain their lifestyle. Though you do not get to visit the brewery itself, you can swing by the claustrum, which is located at the visitors' center and cafeteria. There you will see an exhibition showing what life is like as a Trappist monk and taste some beer. Limited quantities of the beer are available for purchase from the shop, as well as other products and curiosa.

Beer Festivals

Belgium is home to many different beer festivals that are held throughout the year. Each of these festivals offers the opportunity for visitors to sample beers, learn from brewers and have a beer-themed experience like no other. Popular beer festivals include Belgian Beer Festival, The Festival of 100 Beers and Brussels Beer Weekend.

If you are looking for a beer adventure, make your plans to visit Belgium. While there you will have the opportunity to learn about the history of beer making, see historic sites and breweries and have the opportunity to sip on some amazing beers with the locals. This is definitely one vacation that should be on every beer lover's list.