Wines and spirits Belgium

Corsendonk Agnus, Corsendonk Pater, Corsendonk Blonde, Corsendonk Brune The first Corsendonk brewery was built at Corsendonk Priory, in what is now Oud Turnhout, soon after the priory opened at the end of the 14th century. With the closure of the priory in 1784 by Joseph II of Austria, all brewing ceased.Two hundred years later at the start of the 20th century, a Turnhout brewer, Antonius Keersmaekers, went back to the old beer recipe and started selling his Patersbier, a beer very similar to today's Corsendonk Pater.Brewing stopped again in 1953 when the business became a beer retailer only. However, it restarted in 1982 when Joseph Keersmaekers launched two very different beers, now known as Corsendonk Agnus Tripel and Corsendonk Pater Dubbel respectively. Pater is a mellow, dark beerwhich is matured for about 20 days at a temperature of 22ºC. These two beers have now been joined by two others known simply as Corsendonk Blond (golden) and Corsendonk Bruin (brown) and which are about 1º abv lighter. There is also a Corsendonk Christmas Ale which is treat for those who love roasted malts.

If lace doesn't tempt you as a souvenir gift, succumb to Belgian craft beers! This temple of hops features over eight hundred different beers. The beers are categorized for easy reference, with collections of local beers, craft beers, discovery beers, Trappist beers, fruity beers, gluten-free beers and, of course, gift baskets to complete the range! There's also a selection of other souvenirs... A classic address on the Venice of the North tourist circuit.

Diabolici, Dominus (Double and Triple), Gordon Finest (Scotch, Copper, Silver, Red, Gold and Platinum), Gordon Five, Gordon Xmas, Martin's Pale Ale, Martin's Blond Ale, Timmermans beers and Bourgogne des Flandres. (See also Timmermans.) John Martin moved to Antwerp from the UK in 1909, setting up a drinks company which, from 1912, specialised in importing Guinness from Ireland. Martin even managed to persuade Arthur Guinness to brew Guinness Special Export (GXS, 8% abv) specially for the Belgian market.John Martin quickly set up his own communications company and then built a new factory at Genval in 1934. It is no coincidence that the John Martin group soon became known for its strong advertising campaigns and marketing strategies.The move to Genval allowed the company to diversify into the hotel industry. The brewing division's headquarters are still in Genval today. One of the company's flagship beers, Martin's Pale Ale, first appeared in 1950. It is still available today but is now less well known than the Gordon range of beers. The first of these were a Scotch ale and a Christmas beer, which were joined in 1991 by the Finest range. In 1993, the group bought the Timmermans brewery in Itterbeek and its range of sweetened beers, a move which marked a departure from the Martin tradition of selling "British-style" beers. Since 2004, Anthony Martin, John Martin's grandson, has been in charge of the brewing division; his brother, John, runs the hotel business.

The Brasserie de Brunehaut was founded in 1891 in Guignies, a neighbouring village, under the leadership of the Allard-Groetembril family. Brunehaut and Extra Vieille Guignies are brewed here, whose nostalgic memories remain moving. But a century later, the brewery closed its doors. After several years of international peregrinations, a couple of brewers, Guy and Marie-Christine Valschaerts, bought it back but it was too old. They are now rebuilding a new one. The Brunehaut beers then regained their strength and a Bière du Mont Saint-Aubert was already created. After fifteen years at the head of "his" baby, Guy Valschaerts hands over to Marc-Antoine de Mees. Traditional brewing methods led to a complete range of beers, including gold or silver medals brought back from Chicago, which are certainly proof of excellence. Today, all production is certified organic and the Brunehaut range does not contain gluten. Marc-Antoine de Mees has refreshed the brewery's image with new bottles and redesigned labels, while the Abbey of Saint-Martin has become a fully-fledged range.

Blondje, Bruintje, Bruin 12, Paasbier, Kerstbier, Kriek, Zingende Blondine, Koerseklakske Produces a wide range of top-fermentation beers, some of which, such as Extra (12% abv) are particularly appreciated in export markets. One beer, Bitter Sweet Symphony, was created in collaboration with an American brewer.The brewery has been run by Bruno Delrue and Gudrun Vandoorne (who is also the brewer) since October 2007.

Wieze (Tripel Blond, Tripel Zoet Bruin, Christmas) Brouwerij Wieze is a new craft brewery run by Ronny De Wolf at Wieze, in the valley of the river Dender north-west of Brussels. It started in 2009 and currently produces three beers: the golden Wieze Tripel Blond, the brown Wieze Tripel Zoet Bruin and an amber (and hoppy) Christmas beer, Wieze Christmas Tripel Hop. The Wieze brand used to belong to Brasserie Haacht, who acquired it when the Van Roy brewery folded in 1997. De Wolf acquired the rights to the brand and its logo after successful negotiations with Haacht.

Brasserie De Brabandere is a Belgian family brewery located in Bavikhove in the province of West Flanders. Its main beers are Bavik, Petrus and Wittekerke.

This address is sure to attract the attention of beer lovers. 900 different beers are on offer, with the emphasis on craft brews. It's the ideal place to make a few gifts, or to treat yourself. The place also welcomes groups of up to 40 people for birthday parties, beer and cheese tastings... In fact, a cheese bar has officially opened above the brewery. It's also possible to visit the small brewing facility on site. The hardest part will be choosing.

They were already brewing at the Saint-Gérard de Brogne abbey in the 10th century, but the tradition was lost during the French Revolution, reports Bruno Deghorain, who has reinstalled a micro-brewery there. In addition to the production of the brewery La Binchoise that he manages, he brews a blonde Brogneand a Spéciale Noël, both organic. The abbey has a hotel-restaurant, reception rooms and a vineyard. The Barley wine is a triple, organic like the rest of the range. In limited quantities (3,000 copies), it is only available on site and in a few shops.

On the borders of Laeken, across from the Byrrh building, this microbrewery born in the Marolles in 2015 had to move to accommodate its growth. The two partners had previously made test brews of their Curieuse Neus in confidential quantities. This triple (7% vol. alc.) smells slightly of banana and is the head of their assortment with a strong Brussels character (Tanteke, Papy Van De Pils...). En Stoem' has become a sure value, so don't hesitate to venture to the brewery to buy directly from them.

Super des Fagnes Blonde, Brown, Cherry, Food

The Brasserie des Fagnes as we see it today, with its imposing tavern and the curious roof flanked by a windmill, opened its doors in April 1998. After a series of péripéties, it succeeded a certain Brewery Lauvaux, installed in Couvin in 1903 by Constant Lauvaux, also… world champion champion in 1901 and 1902. The Super des Fagnes Blonde and Brown are the most famous beers of the house, with their version Super des Fagnes Cherries.

But, the limited capacity of the mariembourgeoise micro-brewery, they are prepared by the Brasserie brewery in Purnode. On the other hand, the fagnard brewer gives himself a joy to develop in His walls a rich range of brassins, often inspired by ancient recipes. This goes from wise season, White, four cereals or even Type Munich, to more astonishing Cuvée Vigneronne, Cuvée Junior, Cuvée Guillaume to apples or even Mint and Lemon beer, dirt, heather flower…

Three other vintages are constantly being developed: the Super des Fagnes Noël and Scotch, and La, born of a partnership with the provincial domain. All these beers can be tasted in the tavern, which also offers the free visit of a small beer museum. It brings together equipment of a century and a half, but well preserved, from the defunct brewery Degauquier, which had installed its vats in Chimay.

Wipers Times (Blond, Dubbel, Tripel), Tremist, Grotten Santé, Epica

In the spring of 2014, the Sint-Bernardus brewery in Watou, in association with other professionals in the brewing world, set up a tavern and a brand new microbrewery in the historic setting of the Ypres Casemates, built in 1680 to Vauban's plans. The Wipers Times is brewed on the basis of four grains and four spices. It evokes the presence of English soldiers in the city during the First World War. The constant temperature of the casemates is used to mature the Grottenbier, renamed Grotten Santé. This beer was originally created by Pierre Celis. The famous brewer from Hoegaarden wanted to mature his new creation in a cave in order to guarantee a constant temperature for the beverage.

Le Barboteur, a little shop that is much talked about in Schaerbeek, specialises in Belgian and international beers with a space designed for tastings. It's not a beer bar, nor is it just a shop. Their beer library has no less than 400 beers, including 250 Belgian beers. Sébastien and Jean-Thomas have put the hop product at the centre of their policy, with a certain passion and dynamism. You can enjoy them, without fuss, with organic cheese and charcuterie from small producers, or vegetarian "spreads".

Since 1821, the Rodenbach brewery has gone from strength to strength, and its reputation has spread far and wide. You'll be welcomed into the "Het Foederhuis" visitors' center, a perfect blend of industrial archaeology and contemporary design. Here you'll learn the fabulous secrets behind the making of Rodenbach beer. You'll be amazed by the tour of the touraille and the Rodenbach tuns cathedral. And, of course, the tour ends with a tasting! Don't hesitate to grab a bite to eat in the brewery and browse around the store, both of which are brand-new!

When leaving De Panne via Aduinkerke, alcohol and tobacco are cheaper everywhere! The choice is wider and the prices lower here than elsewhere. The welcome is also better... More than 100 different beers and their matching glasses are on the shelves. It is possible to order on the Internet and to organize your own gift basket. And to top it all off, a coffee, tea, cappuccino, espresso or chocolate is offered with every visit.

This small store on the edge of the main road in Marcinelle transpires the belgian spirit. Numerous photos of stars from the Flat Country adorn the walls and there is something for every generation (Remco Evenepoel, Jacky Ickx...). The business opened in 2015 and offers nearly 300 brewery references. Note that the boss has his own beer produced in the Fou du Roi facilities in Thuin. Belgian spirits are also to be discovered as well as cured meats, cheeses, without forgetting the chocolates! Don't miss the tasting days!

The Brasserie des Légendes bears its name well because it is a true legend in the region! Thanks to its know-how, its history and a very respectful relationship with raw materials, this family business offers high quality beers. You will discover the whole Quintine range (blonde, amber with organic beer), but also the Gouyasse range, with in particular the Goliath. The shop also offers gift boxes with glasses, coasters and even "valisette" with an assortment of five different beers. An obligatory stop!

The owner's aim is to unearth less popular craft beers with character. The choices of this small beer cellar are made in contact with the brewers. Malting Pot offers +/- two hundred special beers from home and abroad, classified according to their origin: Brussels, Wallonia, Flanders, Europe, the United States... Malting Pot brews its own beers, but they change regularly. Their beer of the moment is a gose (lightly salted) blond with lime and chili pepper, fruity, refreshing and spicy.

This is a real reference in the whole of Brabant-Wallon! This vast space of 150^m2 includes a large counter with 12 beers available on tap (10 of which are fixed) and a long list of 200 Belgian beers (and seasonal beers, ephemeral by essence). The team, very professional, gives advice to the undecided. The place regularly hosts small spontaneous concerts: everything is good for the pop-rock atmosphere of this bistro which attracts both passing beer lovers and local students.

Excellent beer shop located between the Madeleine church and the eponymous concert hall. The owner is Nepalese, and even if Nepal is better known for its yak milk, Lila Pant has become a reference in beers, mainly Belgian. If the surface is not huge, the choice is large with more than 350 references. A good address and reasonable prices considering its very central location. To satisfy the most passionate, Lila adds postcards and posters.

Winner of several awards in Europe and the US, including "Distillery of the year" in New York, this artisan distillery specializes in quality spirits made from local produce, such as Binche Gin, one of Belgium's finest, Bintje Vodka and Bonespéreuse, distilled in the tradition of the great abbey liqueurs using angelica, a staple of the Bonne Espérance Abbey plains. Installation in the superb Binche railway station, renovated as a microbrewery and distillery, is scheduled for 2024.

Beer, Wine & Spirit was inaugurated in 2013 by Delsart a few hundred meters from the current address. In 2019, the brand moved, refocused its activities and took the opportunity to change its name. Forget all your references, categories, grandpa's abbey beers and other banalities. This address is teeming with originality, each more hype than the last, with over 800 beers in all. There's also a good selection of spirits, with whisky and rum topping the list. Enough to keep you going (even if the non-alcoholic selection is also well-stocked).

In this festive neighbourhood near the Ixelles cemetery and the Free University of Brussels, there is a small shop where you can still distinguish between the banal and the perfect. The best spirits and cigars are on offer to make you lose your head. A real "havanathèque" (a nice neologism...), spirits, champagnes and wines of great finesse. As a result, there is only one piece of advice: ask the boss, who knows his subject inside out. He advises novices and gives customers his informed epicurean point of view!

We particularly appreciate the possibility of tasting great chateaux but also the "oenology" evenings during which we take a real pleasure between amateurs. Choice among 1,200 references in wines from all over the world and champagnes (including 600 Bordeaux wines and 150 great Burgundy wines, 180 champagnes). Advice from sommeliers and competitive prices. Wine lovers will enjoy the select environment of Fort Jaco to choose from a plethora of great wines that will please their palate.

More than 500 references of spirits of all kinds, it's bound to leave you wanting more! At the crossroads of Marché au Chanvre and Rue de la Croix, Fabian and Philippe have found the right angle to attract the eye as well as the customer. Their spirits come from near and far, classic and wild: grappa, tequila, rum, gin, vodka, you name it! Best of all, what you can't find in the stores can be unearthed by the owners. Best of all, you can taste it on the spot, à la ficelle. We haven't found this anywhere else, you amateur!

Le Comptoir des Vignerons Belges is a wine and spirits store offering a wide selection of products: sparkling and still wines, spirits (a fine list of gins, rums, whiskies...), non-alcoholic drinks and accessories. A great place to treat yourself, responsibly. Plus: Crazy Belgians packs with a mix of Belgian products. Customers can buy in-store, collect their orders or have them delivered.