The Most Popular Beer in Belgium, Ranked

Choose the beer you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 11, 2024 06:30
Belgium holds a prestigious position in the world of beer, with a history rich in brewing tradition and innovation. Selecting the most popular beer among such a celebrated assortment can often seem daunting to both locals and tourists alike. A ranked list of favorites based on crowd-sourced opinions offers a dynamic solution. It provides guidance and insight into the prevailing tastes and preferences. This list is continuously updated based on the votes submitted by users, reflecting current trends and shifts in popularity. By participating, voters contribute to a broader community resource that benefits others seeking recommendations. This dynamic ranking serves as a helpful tool for anyone looking to sample what many regard as top beers in a country renowned for its brewing excellence.

What Is the Most Popular Beer in Belgium?

  1. 1
    51
    votes
    This beer is one of the most popular in Belgium, known for its crisp flavor and smooth finish. It's been brewed since 1926 and is now sold worldwide.
    Stella Artois is a Belgian lager that has gained immense popularity in the UK and across the world. It is well-known for its smooth and crisp taste, making it a favorite among beer enthusiasts.
    • Alcohol by volume (ABV): 5.2%
    • Color: Pale golden
    • Bitterness: Low to moderate
    • Aroma: Mild maltiness with a hint of hops
    • Ingredients: Water, malted barley, hops, and yeast
    Stella Artois in other rankings
  2. 2
    43
    votes
    Leffe is a Belgian beer brand that has been brewed since 1240. It has a rich, malty flavor and is available in a range of styles, including blonde, brown, and tripel.
    Leffe is a popular beer in Belgium known for its rich history and distinctive flavors. It is classified as a Belgian abbey beer, brewed by Abbaye de Leffe since the 14th century. Leffe is characterized by its deep amber color and creamy, off-white head. It offers a balanced combination of fruity, malty, and spicy aromas, with a hint of caramel and yeast. The beer has a moderate alcohol content of around 6.6% ABV (Alcohol By Volume) and a medium body. Leffe is often enjoyed for its smooth texture and complex taste profile, which includes notes of toffee, cloves, and dried fruits. It is a highly carbonated beer with a refreshing finish.
    • Beer type: Belgian abbey beer
    • Color: Deep amber
    • Head: Creamy, off-white
    • Aromas: Fruity, malty, spicy, caramel, yeast
    • Alcohol content: Approximately 6.6% ABV
  3. 3
    34
    votes
    This strong, golden ale is brewed with a unique yeast strain that gives it a distinctive flavor. It's been brewed since 1923 and is now popular worldwide.
    Duvel is a highly acclaimed Belgian strong golden ale known for its exceptional taste and complexity. It offers a finely balanced combination of rich flavors and refreshing qualities.
    • Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 8.5%
    • International Bitterness Units (IBU): 33
    • Color: Golden straw
    • Clarity: Clear
    • Aroma: Citrus, spices, hops, and a hint of banana
  4. 4
    14
    votes
    Chimay is a Trappist beer brewed by monks at the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Scourmont in southern Belgium. It has a rich, fruity flavor and is available in several varieties, including blonde, red, and blue.
    Chimay is a popular Belgian beer known for its rich flavors and traditional brewing techniques. It is brewed by Brasserie de Chimay, a Trappist brewery located within the walls of the Scourmont Abbey in Chimay, Belgium.
    • Carbonation: Moderate
    • Alcohol content: 7% - 9% ABV
    • Beer type: Belgian Trappist beer
    • Color: Dark amber to deep brown
    • Aroma: Fruity and spicy with notes of caramel
  5. 5
    12
    votes
    This wheat beer has been brewed in the village of Hoegaarden since 1445. It has a light, refreshing flavor and is often served with a slice of lemon.
    Hoegaarden is a renowned Belgian beer that is well-known for its refreshing and unique taste. It belongs to the category of wheat beers, also referred to as white beers or witbiers. Hoegaarden is brewed using a traditional recipe that dates back to the 14th century, resulting in a flavor profile that is light, citrusy, and subtly spicy. It is commonly served with a slice of orange or lemon, enhancing its characteristic zesty notes.
    • Beer Type: Wheat Beer
    • Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 4.9%
    • Appearance: Cloudy and pale yellow
    • Aroma: Fruity, citrusy, and herbal
    • Flavor: Refreshing, lightly spiced, with hints of coriander and orange peel
  6. 6
    14
    votes
    Jupiler is a popular Belgian lager that was first brewed in 1966. It has a light, crisp flavor and is a favorite among soccer fans in Belgium.
    Jupiler is a popular Belgian lager beer that has been brewed since 1966. It is known for its crisp and refreshing taste, making it a favorite among beer enthusiasts in Belgium and beyond. Jupiler is often described as a well-balanced beer with a mild bitterness and a smooth finish. It is a go-to choice for social gatherings, sports events, and casual get-togethers with friends.
    • Type: Lager
    • Alcohol Content: 5.2%
    • Color: Pale golden
    • Aroma: Subtle maltiness with hints of hops
    • Taste: Crisp, balanced, and mildly bitter
  7. 7
    15
    votes
    Orval is another Trappist beer brewed by monks at the Abbaye Notre-Dame d'Orval. It has a complex, spicy flavor and is known for its distinctive bottle shape.
    Orval is a highly acclaimed Belgian Trappist beer known for its complex and distinctive character. It is brewed by the Brasserie d'Orval, located within the walls of the Abbaye Notre-Dame d'Orval monastery in Belgium. The beer has a rich history dating back to the 19th century and is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of its style.
    • Origin: Belgium
    • Beer Style: Belgian Trappist
    • ABV: 6.2%
    • Color: Amber
    • Aroma: Complex floral, fruity, and spicy notes
  8. 8
    7
    votes
    Westmalle is a Trappist beer brewed by monks at the Abdij der Trappisten van Westmalle. It has a fruity, malty flavor and is available in several varieties, including dubbel and tripel.
    Westmalle is a popular Trappist beer that originates from the Westmalle Abbey located in Malle, Belgium. It is known for its rich history and traditional brewing techniques, making it highly sought after by beer enthusiasts.
    • Style: Trappist Ale
    • Alcohol by Volume (ABV): Tripel: 9.5%, Dubbel: 7.0%
    • Color: Tripel: Golden Blonde, Dubbel: Brown Amber
    • Taste: Tripel: Fruity, Spicy, Malty; Dubbel: Rich, Caramel, Malt
    • Bitterness: Tripel: Medium, Dubbel: Low to Medium
  9. 9
    5
    votes
    Palm is a Belgian amber ale that has been brewed since 1929. It has a sweet, malty flavor and is known for its distinctive palm tree logo.
    Palm is a well-known Belgian beer that is classified as a Belgian Amber Ale. It has a rich and deep amber color with a creamy white head. The beer is brewed using a blend of pale and caramel malts, giving it a malty and slightly sweet flavor profile with a hint of bitterness. Palm has a medium body and a smooth mouthfeel, making it an easy-drinking beer.
    • Beer Type: Belgian Amber Ale
    • Color: Deep amber
    • Head: Creamy white
    • Malt Blend: Pale and caramel malts
    • Flavor Profile: Malty, slightly sweet, with a hint of bitterness
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    Kriek is a Belgian beer made with sour cherries. It has a tart, fruity flavor and is often served in a traditional stoneware glass.
    Kriek is a type of Belgian beer that is known for its tart and fruity flavor. It is made by adding cherries to lambic beer during the brewing process, which allows the cherries to impart their natural sweetness and sourness to the final product. Kriek has a vibrant red color and often contains a subtle hint of almond from the cherry pits. It is typically served in a traditional glass with a wide opening to enhance its aroma.
    • Beer Type: Fruit Lambic
    • Alcohol Content: Usually between 4% - 7% ABV
    • Ingredients: Water, malted barley, wheat, aged hops, cherries
    • Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation with wild yeast and bacteria
    • Color: Vibrant red to dark ruby

Missing your favorite beer?

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Ranking factors for popular beer

  1. Consumer preference
    A popular beer should have a large and loyal fan base, resulting in a high demand in the market.
  2. Award-winning
    Beers that have won prestigious awards, such as the World Beer Awards or the Brussels Beer Challenge, tend to be popular as these awards signify quality and taste.
  3. Tradition and history
    A popular Belgian beer may have a long history and tradition, as this signifies authenticity and heritage, which are important factors for beer consumers in Belgium.
  4. Availability
    A popular beer should be readily available in various locations throughout the country, including supermarkets, bars, restaurants, and online stores. Widespread availability can increase the chances of a beer being popular.
  5. Brand recognition
    Beers from well-known breweries or with strong brand identities usually have a higher chance of being popular.
  6. Taste and quality
    The taste and quality of the beer should be taken into account, as a popular beer is typically one that satisfies the taste preferences of many consumers.
  7. Price
    A popular beer should have a reasonable and competitive price that makes it accessible to a large number of consumers.
  8. Style
    The beer style (e.g., lager, ale, or wheat beer) can also influence a beer's popularity in Belgium, as different styles may be more prevalent or in-demand in different regions or among specific demographics.
  9. Marketing and promotion
    Effective marketing and promotion can also contribute to a beer's popularity in Belgium. This may include advertising campaigns, social media presence, or sponsorships and collaborations with local events or sports teams.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular beer in Belgium. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or beer is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 3664 views
  • 199 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each beer once every 24 hours. The rank of each beer is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular beer in belgium

Belgium is renowned worldwide for its beer culture, with over 1,500 different types of beer produced in the country. The Belgian beer industry has a long and rich history, dating back to the Middle Ages when monks began brewing beer in their monasteries. Today, Belgian beer is known for its distinct flavors and brewing methods, with many breweries still using traditional methods passed down through generations. The most popular beer in Belgium is a matter of much debate and varies depending on the region. Some of the most famous Belgian beers include Stella Artois, Duvel, Chimay, and Leffe. With so many options to choose from, it's no wonder that Belgian beer is held in such high regard by beer enthusiasts around the world.

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