Belgian beers: 7 brews that will turn your perception of flavor upside down
Belgium deservedly holds the title of the beer capital of the world. Here, both production and consumption are treated with great care, which is why beer from this country is always delicious and of high quality.
Of course, Germany, the Czech Republic and the USA can boast of good beer. But there is no such variety of original styles as in Belgium. Now we will prove it: we will introduce you to seven varieties of Belgian beer that every beer lover should try.
The best of the best
Tripel Karmeliet
This is the beer that many people call the most favorite. Tripel Karmeliet is a strong tripel that is brewed from barley, wheat and oats. It has a perfectly balanced flavor, which is confirmed by its excellent rating on Untappd (4 stars based on 237 thousand evaluations). Pairs well with cheeses, especially brie — try it!
Duvel
An iconic Belgian beer with a powerful, dense, very rich flavor. Quite strong — 8.5%. The alcohol does not affect the drinkability, but rather gives sweetness, while Saaz and Styrian Golding hops in the composition give a fruity character. Pairs well with fish and roast potatoes.
Pauwel Kwak
One of the best-selling varieties not only in the homeland, but also abroad — largely due to the presentation. This amber beer is poured into unique glasses on a wooden base, which, like the drink itself, were invented by brewer Pauwel Kwak. But the flavor is also top-notch: soft, sweet and slightly bitter at the same time, with notes of toffee, spices and orange.
Westmalle Tripel
Possibly the world’s first tripel — legend has it that this strong beer was first given that name. It is a Trappist brewed at the Abbey of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The rich flavor has notes of banana, pear, spice, and good hopiness. This is really fantastic!
La Chouffe Blonde D’ardenne
A world famous beer with a recognizable label. If someone near you asks for «gnome beer» this is it! It has a beautiful golden color and thick foam, as well as a really luxurious taste — sweet, fruity, with a mild spicy aftertaste.
Rochefort 8
A dark Trappist beer with a rather high strength of 9.2%. It has a sweet, creamy flavor with nuances of apples, raisins, plums, orange zest and pepper. A multiple winner of beer championships, so it’s a must try.
Orval
A unique beer with an ever-changing flavor. This unusual property is provided by Brettanomyces yeast, thanks to which the drink continues to develop even after bottling. Young Orval is sweet and hoppy, with time the flavor becomes more complex and dry, and then a sour note appears. Orval never gets boring — proven!
You can try unique Belgian beers at Lambic. In our beer restaurants there is a huge choice of drinks from all over the world, as well as an excellent assortment of dishes and always cozy atmosphere. Come — we will find something to surprise you!
Summer lambics: refresh yourself with a fruity beer from Belgium
When the thermometer is high, nothing is as refreshing as a cold beer. Especially if it’s lambics — a traditional Belgian sour beer with natural juice, which not only gives a pleasant coolness, but also pleases with deep flavor. Why fruit beer saves you in the heat Light sourness, sparkling «character» and juicy fruit notes make lambics an ideal drink for summer. Unlike heavy ales or bitter IPAs, fruit beers are easy to drink, almost like lemonade, but with a distinctive beer depth. It stimulates the appetite, quenches thirst and gives a feeling of freshness thanks to the natural juices in the composition — cherry, raspberry, peach or other fruits and berries. What to choose The best option for hot weather — sour lambics, which do not leave an unpleasant feeling of lusciousness, like a sweeter beer or soda. For example, the classic cherry Kriek MAX. The bright flavor of ripe berries and pleasant sourness make it perfect for a hot day. «Kriek» is not too sweet, with a slight tartness and a long aftertaste. If you like softer, sweeter options, Lindemans Pecheresse is your choice. This peach lambic has a honeyed and fruity bouquet, a light sparkle and velvety texture, and a slight acidity and refreshing note in the finish. A variant for cider lovers, but it’s still a lambic — Lindemans Apple. The drink has a bright rich taste, which perfectly balances the sweetness of red and sourness of green apples, pleasant aroma and refreshing aftertaste. Perfect for a hot day! How to drink lambics in the heat For a beer to be truly refreshing, proper serving is important. Lambics should be: — Cool down to 6-8°C — this will reveal all the nuances of flavor, but will not lose the freshness.— Serve in tall glasses — the flavor will «play». If desired, you can add ice to the drink, but do not get carried away — there is a chance to «dilute» the deep flavor of Lambic. And it is better to just have to go to Lambic! In our beer restaurants — a large selection of varieties from Belgium and other countries of the world. Proper serving of drinks, delicious food, cozy atmosphere and excellent service are guaranteed!
21 June 2025
Summer appetizers for Belgian beer: from seafood to desserts
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy Belgian beer. But what to pair it with? When it’s hot outside, you want something light, fresh, yet rich. And that’s where seafood, cheeses, fruits and desserts come in, which perfectly complement the rich flavors of Belgian brews. Seafood In summer, chilled shrimp with lemon and garlic sauce are especially good — they set off the malty sweetness of pale ales and wheat beers. But other seafood can pair well with Belgian beers, too. Here are some ready-made tips: — Blanche de Bruxelles or Hoegaarden — whizbiers with citrus notes — can be served with mussels and low-fat sauces. — Saison Voisin, a farmhouse ale with a spicy hop bitterness, will accentuate the flavor of grilled oysters or calamari. Cheeses The Belgians know a lot about cheese, and their beers harmonize well with different varieties: — Sharp aged cheeses (such as gorgonzola) are a great pairing for a strong Tripel Karmeliet.— Delicate goat cheeses with honey go perfectly with fruity lambics like Lindemans Kriek. Fruit salads and berries In the heat of the day, it’s especially nice to snack on fresh fruit — it enhances the fruity notes in the drink itself: — Cherries, strawberries, peaches — a win-win for Kriek or Framboise.— A fruit salad with citrus and mint is a refreshing pairing for a blanche, such as Corsendonk Blanche. Desserts If you want to end the evening on a sweet note, give these a try: — Waffles with berries and whipped cream — duo with St. Bernardus Abt 12 or Chimay Blue.— Lemon tart — will emphasize the citrus tones of the vitbiers or lambics.— Chocolate desserts — the perfect accompaniment for Kasteel Rouge, Petrus Aged Red and Delirium RED, as well as all chocolate and coffee varieties. And remember: summer appetizers should be light and should accentuate, not overpower, the flavor of the beer. It is best to serve them chilled to keep the balance and enjoy every sip. Come to Lambic — in our beer restaurants you will find the best beer from all over the world and the perfect accompaniment to it. We look forward to seeing you!
21 June 2025