We visited Brussels in December with the intention of spending the whole time exploring the Christmas Markets. At the last minute we booked a Beer tasting tour with Global Enterprises and it proved to be a highlight of the trip!
Global Enterprises offer a four hour guided beer tasting tour that starts with the group meeting in the architecturally beautiful Grand Place and sees you visit 4-5 different Belgian taverns and bars throughout the tour.
Each group is limited to 20 people and we were lucky having a small group of only 7. Our friendly, knowledgeable guide led our group through the Brussels’ streets and pointed out other exciting places of interest in addition to the taverns such as the Royal Pupper Theater Toone on our way to visiting taverns. We were taken to taverns and bars that were off the tourist trail where we were able to experience authentic Belgian culture and Belgian beers. We were even given tastings of local cheeses and chocolates which went down perfectly with the beers.
Being Christmas time and obviously winter it was pretty cold but our guide ensured it was never more than a few minutes walk between the warmth and comfort of each tavern! We were treated to a selection of 8 generous sized tastings each unique and ranging in taste, strength and flavour! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and truly passionate about beer (she is even studying beer making at University!). We were told about the history of beer making in Belgium and discovered a whole new world that includes Gueuzes, triple blonds, Trappist beers, seasonal beers, IPAs and browns! No mentions of Carlsberg, Fosters, Carlton or other British/Aussie beers which was great! Belgian beer is full of flavour and very high in strength so you certainly do not need pints of them!
As you can see we were feeling the warmth and happiness of four hours of beer tasting by the end of the tour…
The tour really showed us why Belgium is so famous for its delicious beers and it was excellent to learn about the history of beer making in the country and taste countless varieties of beers in unique, traditional taverns and bars.
The beer tasting tour was a great experience, an excellent way to see the city centre and also indulge in unique, interesting (and delicious) beers! Our tour finished with a stroll though the Christmas Markets just as they were getting lit up and finished in the oldest tavern in Belgium!
I would highly recommend the tour to anyone who enjoys beer, discovering a new city and its history & is travelling to Brussels! We can’t wait to come back and try Global Enterprises Chocolate Tour next time!
The Aussie Flashpacker experienced our beer tasting tour as a guest of Global Enterprises.
Our opinions are as always, our own.
