Belgian Beer and Breweries

I stand by Hoegaarden, but i'm not sure what there brewery is like - I just love their beer.

I've been researching some brewery stuff in Bruges and it seems as though there's all sorts of beer related tours and pubs that are very worth while. My 3 night trip in Bruges is revolved around beer and food.

I liked the tour at De Halve Maan Brewery in Bruges.

At one point in the tour, you get to climb up to the top of the brewery to enjoy a really nice 360 degree view of Bruges and the canals.

After the tour ends, you can redeem your ticket for a pint of one of the beers they brew. I really liked the Bruges Zot, but you cannot go wrong with any Belgian beer - so many varieties to choose from.

My personal favorite Belgian beer, Chimay, is widely available in the US, as are Leffe, Duvel, Delerium Tremens, Hoegaarden witbier, and Corsendonk (all excellent). When in Belgium, I try to limit myself to beers that are unavaible or hard to find in the US. Some of the better stuff that you can't easily find over here include Hoegaarden Grand Cru (different from their flagship white ale), Orval, Bruge Zot, Maredsous (sp?), De Koenig, Westmalle, Grimbergen, Palm and Petrus. You'll see Stella Artois, Jupiler and Cristal sold everywhere, but these are little better than Bud, Miller or Coors, proving that not all Belgian beers are on the same level.

Thanks Tom I'll be in Bruges in Sept and that list will be a good place to start;)

The best beer bar in Brugge is t Brugs Beertje located at Kemelstraat 5.

They open at 4:00 in the afternoon and always has a line waiting for beer enthusiast to get in.

They offer over 400 Belgium beers with the appropriate glass for each. The last time I was there a few weeks ago, I ran acros a group of men from England who goes there every three months.

Do not miss it!! This place is for those who really enjoy belgium beers.

"Do not miss it!! This place is for those who really enjoy belgium beers." Agreed, but look closely and get good directions, t'Brugs Beertje is difficult to find. It's located down a very narrow alley off of Breidelstraat, between the Markt and the Burg. I have never seen a line queuing outside.

Bruge Zot...I'm personally white wine..but when we were at a sidewalk café..a tour guide, Spanish, whipped the glass of beer,BrugesZot, out of my husband's hand and explained to the group that THIS was the one they must try!! At least she didn't pass it around for them to taste...I just like the logo of the Jester in red and green

Although this has next to nothig to do with beer i suggets that you see the Colin Farrell film "In Bruges"..subtitle "shoot first. sightsee later"..and at the Bruges tourist office ask for the map showing locations of scenes from the movie

As an aside... the Flemish citizens of Belgium weren't too happy with that movie. Why? The movie portrays Brugge as French-speaking, not Dutch. In language-sensitive Belgium, this was a big deal.

...and asiding back..when we were just in Bruge..the people we spoke to in French and English only complained that the film hadn't even opened yet!! in Belgium, end of May...

I thought the cherry beer was exceptionally good, but I can't recall the brand name. I'm thinking it is the brand the first reply person posted.

Lindeman's makes a cherry lambic (this is the brand most readily available in the US), but the generic term for a cherry lambic is "kriek". Several different brands go under this name.

Hi Justin,

I just have to give a little plug to visit Gent while you are in Belgium. I have been living here for a couple of weeks now and think it is fantastic!

Before I came I tried to read up on Belgium and Gent is not talked about too much. I have been on a day trip to Brugge and think Gent is just as pretty. Don't get me wrong, Brugge is still great.

All of the Beer is pretty good; Leffe, Duval, Kreik. There is a really good travel guide for different towns in Belgium and you can get the hard copy at most of the tourist information places - http://www.use-it.be/en/page/20/use-it/. Finally when I was in Brugge I did a bike tour (http://www.quasimundo.com/) it was great and I think you can even get a beer along the way!