Beer culture in Belgium

Belgium's beer culture is renowned for its rich variety and history, featuring over 1,500 unique brews. Each Belgian beer reflects local traditions and ingredients, with styles ranging from Trappist ales brewed by monks to fruity Lambics fermented with wild yeasts. Beer is often enjoyed with food, enhancing culinary experiences. Festivals and breweries celebrate this heritage, fostering community and craftsmanship. Belgians take pride in their beer, viewing it as an integral part of their identity, often served in distinctive glassware that complements its character. UNESCO even recognized Belgian beer culture as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.