Belgium is world-famous for its beer culture, and abbey beers hold a special place within it. These brews, crafted either by monks or inspired by monastic traditions, offer some of the most authentic beer experiences you can find. If you’re searching for the best abbey beer in Belgium, look no further.
Let’s dive into this unique tradition and uncover where you can taste these iconic brews and explore the abbeys in Belgium that craft them.
What Makes Abbey Beers in Belgium Special?
Abbey beers are steeped in centuries of tradition. Unlike typical beers, abbey beers are often brewed in monasteries or under licensing agreements with commercial breweries, inspired by the recipes and values of monastic life.
These beers are known for their deep flavors, historical significance, and artisanal production methods.
While most abbey beers don’t carry the exclusive Trappist label, they are no less remarkable, reflecting Belgium’s rich brewing heritage. Exploring these beers is not just a tasting journey, it’s a connection to Belgium’s culture and history.
Top 10 Best Abbey Beers in Belgium
If you’re exploring the best abbey beer in Belgium, you’ll find a variety of styles, from rich, dark ales to refreshing golden brews. Each abbey beer has its own story, often tied to centuries-old recipes perfected by monks or inspired by their brewing legacy. Let’s dive into the top 10 beers and the abbeys that make them famous.
1. Westvleteren 12 – Saint Sixtus Abbey (West Flanders)
Westvleteren 12, widely acclaimed as the best abbey beer in Belgium, is a strong, dark ale bursting with complex flavors of caramel, dark fruit, and spice.
Brewed in small batches at Saint Sixtus Abbey in West Flanders, this beer is known for its exclusivity and unmatched taste.
Can You Visit? While the abbey itself is closed to the public, visitors can enjoy the beer at the nearby café, In de Vrede.
2. Chimay Blue – Abbaye Notre-Dame de Scourmont (Hainaut)
Chimay Blue, or Grande Réserve, is a dark ale that is perfect for aging. With its smooth notes of caramel and dried fruit, this beer has become a flagship of abbey beers in Belgium.
Can You Visit? The abbey is not open for public tours, but nearby Auberge de Poteaupré offers a tasting room and shop.
3. Orval – Abbaye Notre-Dame d'Orval (Luxembourg)
Orval is a truly unique abbey beer from Belgium, characterized by its dry, hoppy flavor and slight tartness from Brettanomyces yeast. It’s an excellent choice for adventurous beer lovers.
Can You Visit? Yes, the abbey ruins and museum are open to visitors, with tastings available onsite.
4. Westmalle Tripel – Westmalle Abbey (Antwerp)
Often called the “mother of all tripels,” Westmalle Tripel is a golden ale with fruity and hoppy notes that has set the standard for this beer style.
Can You Visit? The abbey itself is closed, but Café Trappisten nearby offers beer tastings with views of the abbey grounds.
5. Rochefort 10 – Abbaye Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy (Namur)
A velvety quadrupel, Rochefort 10 is an iconic dark ale with a rich flavor profile of plum, chocolate, and raisin.
Can You Visit? The abbey is private, but Rochefort beers are widely available in Belgian cafes.
6. Achel 8 Blond – St. Benedictus-Abbey (Limburg)
This bright golden ale offers a balanced mix of malt sweetness and hop bitterness, making it a standout among abbey beers in Belgium.
Can You Visit? The abbey café is open to visitors, where you can enjoy Achel beers on tap.
7. Grimbergen Blonde – Grimbergen Abbey (Flemish Brabant)
Grimbergen Blonde is a fruity, light beer with a subtle bitterness, making it an approachable choice for newcomers to abbey beers in Belgium.
Can You Visit? Yes, the Grimbergen Experience immerses visitors in the abbey’s brewing heritage.
8. Maredsous Tripel – Abbaye de Maredsous (Namur)
This strong golden ale features fruity aromas and a crisp, dry finish, reflecting the artisanal craftsmanship of Maredsous Abbey.
Can You Visit? Visitors are welcome to explore the abbey grounds and enjoy tastings at the visitor center.
9. Affligem Dubbel – Affligem Abbey (Flemish Brabant)
A classic dubbel, this dark ale is rich with caramel and roasted malt flavors, perfect for pairing with hearty dishes.
Can You Visit? The abbey is not open, but Affligem beers are widely available throughout Belgium.
10. Leffe Brune – Abbaye de Leffe (Namur)
Leffe Brune is a dark ale with a sweet, caramelized flavor that has gained global recognition as one of the most accessible abbey beers in Belgium.
Can You Visit? Maison Leffe museum in Dinant provides an interactive experience with beer tastings.
Can You Visit the Abbeys in Belgium?
Many abbeys in Belgium, especially those brewing Trappist and abbey beers, maintain a cloistered environment to preserve monastic life.
However, several offer nearby visitor centers, tasting rooms, or museums where you can learn about the brewing process and sample the beers.
If you’re interested in immersing yourself in the culture, don’t miss opportunities like:
In de Vrede Café (Westvleteren)
Maison Leffe (Dinant)
Auberge de Poteaupré (Chimay)
The Grimbergen Experience (Grimbergen)
Which Abbeys are open for visit?
Villers Abbey (Abbaye de Villers-la-Ville): Located in Villers-la-Ville, this Cistercian abbey offers visitors the chance to explore its impressive ruins and learn about its architectural and cultural significance.
Maredsous Abbey (Abbaye de Maredsous): Situated in Anhée, Namur, Maredsous Abbey welcomes visitors to its grounds, and the nearby visitor center offers tastings of Maredsous beers and cheeses.
Park Abbey (Abdij van Park): Located in Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Park Abbey has been open to the public since 2009, offering access to its church, watermill, and other restored buildings.
Val-Dieu Abbey (Abbaye du Val-Dieu): Situated near Aubel in the province of Liège, Val-Dieu Abbey offers public tours for both the abbey and the brewery, including beer and cheese tastings.
Grimbergen Abbey (Abdij van Grimbergen): Located in Grimbergen, Flemish Brabant, the Grimbergen Experience offers visitors a chance to learn about the abbey's history and brewing traditions.
Ename Abbey (Sint-Salvatorsabdij): Found in Ename, East Flanders, the abbey ruins are part of a Provincial Archaeological Park, offering free access to the ruins and an archaeological museum.
Explore Belgian Abbey Beers: Tours and Experiences
To experience the best of Belgium’s abbey beers, consider joining a guided tour:
Belgian Beer Me! Tours: Specializes in visiting abbeys and Trappist breweries.
Imbeerium: Offers all-inclusive beer tours across Belgium.
These tours provide an excellent way to explore the abbeys in Belgium while savoring the best abbey beers Belgium has to offer.
By blending history, brewing traditions, and the unique character of each beer, abbey beers in Belgium offer a truly unforgettable experience for beer enthusiasts. Whether sipping a Westvleteren 12 or touring an abbey museum, this journey into Belgium’s monastic beer culture is not to be missed.
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