The weekend from the 3rd to the 5th of September deserves a big red cross on any beer lover’s calendar.
This is the Belgian Beer Festival, Brussels the time of year when centuries of expertise come together in one exceptional showcase of brewing craft. Held in the Grand Square, Brussels, this gathering of Belgium’s finest name beers, along with lesser-known local gems, is bound to impress anyone that takes a ‘good’ drink to really mean ‘Good.’
What's on offer?
Belgium holds all but one of the genuine Trappist’s beers within its borders. These monk-crafted delicacies are linked in name rather than their nature. Their properties vary wildly from light and fruity, to hoppy and rich in depth. Almost every beer has its own glassware too, so expect some odd shapes being tipped back around the square. A personal favourite would have to Delerium Tremens. Named after the ‘tremors’ and ‘delirium’ suffered by those going through acute alcohol withdrawal, this is a drink with a sense of humour. It’s even served in a glass with pink elephants around the rim. Why pink elephants? Because as an 8.5% beer, that’s exactly what it’s supposed to make you see.
...and besides beer?
The festival attracts a whole host of entertainment. There are activities for kids, to soften the blow of not being able to enjoy the drinks, and a range of jazz and traditional music enlivening the atmosphere. The square itself is the centre point of Brussels, and as such is wreathed in fantastic cafés and bakeries. So on the odd chance that you’re not there to sample the array of Belgium beer, or just want a break from their sensory massage, you’ll still find plenty of beauty outside the glass too.
Book your short break in Brussels for the Belgian Beer Festival online today.