Belgian beer primer?

Hey! So Duvel is worth trying even if you dislike Leffe Blonde. It is much drier, more bitter, and more carbonated. Also, Trappist is a designation, not a particular style. Chimay Red is dark and malty, while Chimay Blue is richer and stronger. I’d also try Orval, Rochefort 8, a gueuze, and a kriek.

In Brussels, go to Moeder Lambic and tell the bartender what you like and dislike. They’re used to guiding people through the different styles. Cantillon would be ideal for lambic, but unfortunately it is closed through August 1.
In Bruges, the De Halve Maan brewery tour is a good introduction, especially the longer tour with three tastings. Afterwards, try ’t Brugs Beertje, which has a huge selection and knowledgeable staff. Just keep an eye on the alcohol percentages. Belgian beers can be deceptively strong.

Wow, you're going to Beer Heaven! My wife's favorite beer is Orval. I love most of them including the many wheat beers. A few days ago, I was camping at a giant airshow in Wisconsin, temperature 85, and the guy camping next to me handed me a Hoegarden! Yow!

Great advice from Jan. There are SO many very different styles, that some advice from a server or owner would be a good idea. You may likely not like some of the stranger ones like Lambic or Geuze, but who knows, give them a try! Maybe you can get small glasses to try out?

Thanks Jan. I am bookmarking this discussion as I will want to try your suggestions and I don’t trust myself to remember it when I visit next year.

Thanks for all of your responses so far! Gives me definitely something to think about.

In Bruges, Zot blonde is my favorite! Available everywhere in Bruges. (Maybe) 2 different kinds of alcoholic Zot... dark and blond. I could be wrong but DH and I tried both and preferred the blonde. Zot also offers a N/A version called Sport Zot!

Loved Chimay Blue (!) but it can be found here in world market type beer places in the states. I have yet to find Zot near me in the US.
Wasn't a big fan of Duvel and it is also readily available in North America. I tried a Kriek Lambic (Mort Subite) but that was a 1 and done for me. It wasn't bad but didn't really taste like beer. I'm glad I tried it, though. Another cherry beer we saw everywhere and got some from the store is Chouffe Cherry. I couldn't even finish mine. It was way too sweet, IMO.
Have fun! It really is a blast trying them all! Just keep in mind (but you probably already know this) the beers there are typically higher in alcohol percentage. What I loved was that most places could rattle off all the information you would every think to ask. So, one night at dinner, I had already had a lovely beer but wanted something else and they had such knowledge of lower alcohol % selections. Win-Win! I didn't have to consume too much and was still able to have a lovely drink until the end of the meal!

Check out RS audio with Nico Favoreel on Monday Night Travels. Nico's words gave me a lot of information about what to expect in Belgium concerning beer. Including why each and every brand has their own special glass from which it must be served.
~Mitzi

There is a newish beer museum in Brussels:

https://www.belgianbeerworld.be/en/belgian-beer-world-experience?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21523613729&gbraid=0AAAAA-CNRmBq6ZPJKPMvA0zdAIkHk8uK9&gclid=CjwKCAjwyabTBhBFEiwAM3mNUNHP8Gpbq14_7InjJe3Q-OYEXsMk7ocOTOZANNKKq0s1Z4-UTAQ6lxoCaw8QAvD_BwE

I confess I have never been. The tip of Moeder Lambic / Moeder Lambic Fontainas is a good one.

Lavandula

Also: in cafés you can ask for a 'flight' of beers. They will give you a plank with little glasses of different beers on it, so you can try a few at once.

Lavandula

Wow, tripletblessings, I had forgotten about "mort subite" (kills you quickly). A friend in Genk introduce me to that.

And lavandula, I'm very happy to hear you can buy a flight of beers, that would be a great idea in Belgium.

Belgian beer isn't just about the liquid, the serving ritual is vital.

Every distinct beer has its own specific glass. The shape is designed to capture aromatics and showcase the foam head, many glasses feature etchings at the bottom to maintain steady carbonation.

That’s why a “flight of beer,” served in small standard glasses, is a practice aimed purely at tourists, and no Belgian beer lover will appreciate it.
Not to mention the exorbitant price you pay for it, and the questionable cleanliness of these glasses.

I actually do not see what is wrong with being a tourist in this context. I understand perfectly how important the correct glass is, having experienced it myself. But a small tasting selection - which after all, businesses offer, I did not make up this practice - is a good way for novices to sample the selection, to make their acquaintance with a wider range of beers. It is an invitation to try a full one in the correct glass, not an end to the beer experience. Let people try a flight so they will not have to drink five full-sized beers!! And there is no obligation to finish the flight!

Lavandula

I actually do not see what is wrong with being a tourist in this context.

You may always be a tourist, no problem at all with that.
But so, you are not a real Belgian beer lover.

The fact that you’re a woman is, of course, an excuse. Women tend to steer clear of the heavier beers.

But it is precisely in these heavier beers that the exceptional character of Belgian beer lies.
These stronger beers require secondary fermentation in the bottle, and are therefore not available on tap.

The beer ‘flights’ consist solely of draught beers, and are therefore not the real Belgian gems.

So you’ll realise by now that, as a true beer lover, I can’t help but chuckle to myself when someone tells me they’ve discovered the most amazing Belgian beers on a beer flight.

Fortunately, Rick Steves himself knows better
https://www.tastingtable.com/2104261/rick-steves-avoid-beer-from-tap-belgium/