Belgium is renowned for two things from what I have seen – beer and chocolate. And in this post I am going to cover the former!
With over 400 breweries and a history of brewing that dates back to the Middle Ages, it is no surprise that this small northern European country is a treasure trove of beers. Below is a quick dive into 14 iconic Belgian beer brands that I believe you should know about. They are not the most niche or the most unusual, but they are well-loved, varied, and well worth checking out if you are new to the Belgian Beer scene.
Leffe

Leffe is a classic Belgian Abbey ale, that I have been drinking for decades. It has actually been brewed since 1240 at the Abbey of Leffe in the Ardennes. The classic Leffe that most people drinks are known for its deep, golden color and rich, full-bodied taste. It is actually quite a common beer to see around Belgium and quite frankly, around the world too. Their flagship beer is the lighter Leffe Blond which has a malty, fruity flavor with a hint of bitterness. It’s easy to drink, especially on a warm day. They have a few other variants like Leffe Brune, which is heavier, but tastier if you ask me. And the far more alcoholic Leffe Triple, with its own unique taste. So, if you see one at your local pub or supermarket, give it a try!
Chimay

Chimay is another famous Belgian beer that I have been consuming for far too long. It has been exported around the world for many years, so you might have already seen it around. It has a long and rich history dating back to 1862, and like many a world-class Belgian beer belongs to a monastery. Like with Leffe, there are three main types of Chimay you will find on the shelves: Chimay Blue, Red, and White. They vary in intensity, body, and alcohol level (which is usually way above what you are used to) and are quite fruity and spicy.
Duvel

Continuing with the more well-known, but still very tasty Belgian beers. Let’s talk about Duvel. It actually translates to “Devil” in English and is a strong golden ale that is considered one of the benchmarks for this type of beer. It is produced by the Duvel Moortgat Brewery, and I always see the factory on the way to the airport, so it’s often on my mind! It also has a high alcohol content of 8.5% owing to its unique fermentation process and a generous amount of hops.
Tripel Karmeliet

This Belgian beer is a specific beer rather than a brewery. Tripel Karmeliet is a complex and well-balanced Belgian Tripel brewed by Bosteels Brewery. Although this award-winning beer was only released in 1996, it is based on a recipe that dates back to 1679. It uses a unique mix of three grains—barley, oats, and wheat—which gives it a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy flavor profile. It is no wonder this beer has won awards.
Rochefort Trappist

Like many Belgian beers, the Rochefort Trappist beers are brewed within the walls of an Abbey. Specifically the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Saint-Rémy in the Ardennes. Again, like many breweries in this country, they offer three varieties of beer—Rochefort 6, 8, and 10. Each beer has its own distinct character and flavor profile. In general, the beers are known for their rich, malty sweetness and complex, fruity notes, making them a must-try for fans of Trappist ales.
Orval

Orval is another famous Trappist beer, produced at the Orval Abbey in the Gaume region of Belgium. They are also often seen around the pubs of Belgium, so although they are not as famous as the earlier beers in this list, you might know them. They produce beer with a distinct amber color and unique, funky taste, That Orval taste is due to the Brettanomyces yeast used during the secondary fermentation process. The beer has a complex flavor profile, with notes of fruit, spice, and a mild bitterness that makes it a favorite among beer connoisseurs.
La Chouffe

A beer that is being promoted a lot since last year is La Chouffe. I actually discovered it while visiting the Ardennes last year, but have since seen it everywhere I go. It is quite a unique beer that was only developed recently (by Belgian beer standards). Two guys started it in a small garage in the 70s, and slowly added to their repertoire. The flagship beer is an unfiltered blond beer, but I love their IPA. Their charming gnome-themed brewery produced a rich, fruity, and slightly spicy flavor profile, with a refreshing, crisp finish.
Delirium Tremens

Delerium Tremens, produced by the Huyghe Brewery, is a Belgian Strong Pale Ale with a unique pink elephant logo that has become instantly recognizable among beer lovers. I actually used to drink it back in university, never really knowing its origins or heritage. It is a Belgian beer with a golden color and high carbonation that has a mix of fruity and spicy flavors, as well as a potent 8.5% alcohol content. It is no wonder it’s so alcoholic given that Delirium Tremens means withdrawal symptoms from alcohol, something you usually only see in alcoholics!
Westmalle

Ask any Belgian and they will know Westmalle. It is a Trappist brewery that has been producing exceptional beers since 1836. They produce two main varieties: Westmalle Dubbel and Westmalle Tripel. The Dubbel (or double) is a dark, malty brew with notes of caramel, chocolate, and dried fruit. Their Tripel is a golden ale with a complex flavor profile that includes fruit, spice, and a touch of bitterness.
De Koninck

De Koninck is produced by the brewery of the same name which is an icon of the city of Antwerp. They produce a classic Belgian Pale Ale with a beautiful amber color that has a balanced mix of malt and subtle hops. They are renowned for their easy-drinking beers, so if you are hesitant to get into the deep and complex flavors that Belgian beers offer, this might be a good starting point for you.
Kwak

A beer with a wacky name and a seriously crazy glass to go with it is Kwak. It is a strong Belgian Amber Ale that is famous for its distinctive, hourglass-shaped glass. I actually got one as a wedding attendee gift from a lovely Belgian lady I know but I rarely drink the beer. I tried it again this year and really enjoyed it It is actually brewed by Bosteels Brewery, the same brewery that produces Tripel Karmeliet. The beer is a full-bodied beer with notes of caramel, toffee, and a hint of banana. But it’s the glass that makes it even more fun to drink!
Stella Artois

An even more famous beer is Stella Artois. It is a very easy-drinking Belgian pilsner, brewed in the city of Leuven since 1926. It is well known in the beer world for its crisp, clean taste and refreshing finish. With its iconic logo and chalice glass, Stella Artois has become synonymous with Belgian beer culture and is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. You have probably had at least one glass in your travels.
Hoegaarden
Hoegaarden is another light Belgian beer, this time a witbier. It is known for its cloudy appearance, light body, and refreshing taste. It is actually brewed with a combination of wheat, coriander, and orange peel if you can imagine that. This gives Hoegaarden offers a unique flavor profile that is slightly sweet, citrusy, and spicy.
Kriek

Last, but certainly not least is Kriek. This is a unique type of Belgian beer called a Lambic beer. It is produced by fermenting the base Lambic beer with sour cherries. This fruity and tart beer is known for its beautiful red color, distinctive cherry aroma, and slightly sweet taste. There are many variations of Kriek produced by different breweries, such as Lindemans, Cantillon, and Boon, each offering its own interpretation of this classic Belgian style.