Belgium is renowned for its rich brewing tradition and is home to numerous famous breweries known for their traditional brewing methods. These breweries have been producing high-quality beers for centuries, using time-honored techniques that have been passed down through generations. Some of the most well-known breweries in Belgium that are celebrated for their traditional brewing methods include:
Trappist Breweries
Trappist breweries are known for their strict adherence to traditional brewing methods and are highly respected in the beer world. In Belgium, there are six Trappist breweries that produce authentic Trappist beers:
- Chimay: Located in the Scourmont Abbey, Chimay is one of the most famous Trappist breweries in Belgium. They produce a range of delicious beers, including Chimay Red, Chimay Blue, and Chimay White.
- Westmalle: The Westmalle Abbey is home to this iconic Trappist brewery, known for its Westmalle Dubbel and Westmalle Tripel beers.
- Orval: Orval is famous for its unique Trappist beer, characterized by its dry-hopping technique and distinct flavor profile.
- Rochefort: Rochefort is known for its rich and complex Trappist beers, with Rochefort 10 being particularly sought after by beer enthusiasts.
- Achel: The Achel Trappist brewery produces a range of delicious beers, including Achel Blonde and Achel Bruin.
- Westvleteren: Considered one of the best beers in the world, Westvleteren is brewed by the monks at the Saint Sixtus Abbey in Westvleteren.
Family-Owned Breweries
Belgium is also home to many family-owned breweries that have been operating for generations, preserving traditional brewing methods and recipes. Some of the most famous family-owned breweries in Belgium include:
- Rodenbach: Rodenbach Brewery is known for its unique sour beers, with Rodenbach Grand Cru being a standout in their lineup.
- Brasserie Dupont: Brasserie Dupont is famous for its Saison Dupont, a classic Belgian farmhouse ale that has garnered international acclaim.
- Brasserie Cantillon: Cantillon Brewery specializes in traditional lambic beers, fermented using wild yeast strains and aged in oak barrels.
- Brasserie de Rochefort: This family-owned brewery is responsible for producing the renowned Rochefort Trappist beers, known for their exceptional quality and flavor.
- De Dolle Brouwers: De Dolle Brouwers is a small family brewery that produces a range of unique and flavorful beers, including Oerbier and Arabier.
Regional Breweries
Belgium is also known for its regional breweries, each with its own unique brewing traditions and specialties. Some of the most famous regional breweries in Belgium include:
- Brasserie de la Senne: Located in Brussels, Brasserie de la Senne is known for its high-quality ales that reflect the brewing heritage of the region.
- Boon Brewery: Boon Brewery is famous for its lambic beers and traditional geuze blends, crafted using time-honored methods.
- Brasserie St. Feuillien: Brasserie St. Feuillien has been brewing Belgian abbey-style ales since the 19th century, with a focus on quality and tradition.
- Brasserie Dupont: In addition to their Saison Dupont, Brasserie Dupont also produces a range of other classic Belgian beers, maintaining a strong commitment to traditional brewing practices.
- De Struise Brouwers: De Struise Brouwers is known for its innovative approach to brewing traditional Belgian beer styles, pushing the boundaries while still respecting tradition.