Belgian Beers

The emergence of beer in Belgium dates back to the 12th century in the Middle Ages, long before Belgium was an independent country.

Monasteries or abbeys produced beer in the Middle Ages to quench the thirst of pilgrims and earn a good income, and at the same time, they preserved their health by drinking fermented beverages, as diseases transmitted by bad water were very common. The brewing tradition reached the nobility and kings; Charles I of Spain and V of Germany and Flanders, born in Ghent, traveled with his Royal brewmaster. Since then, Belgium has been a world power in beer, with several brewing processes and unique styles, such as Lambics. To be aware of the power that brewers had, one only has to see the beautiful and magnificent building, headquarters of the Belgian Brewers' Association, located next to the Brussels City Hall in the Grand Place. Currently, the Belgian Brewers' Association has 100 members representing most beer brands; this association organizes the Belgian Beer Weekend every year, the country's most important beer event.