Belgian success at World Beer Awards

Belgium is famous the world over for its beer, from classic brands to a growing range of artisanal and innovative products. This heritage and skill has been rewarded in this year’s World Beer Awards, held in London. In this prestigious international

By: xpats.com

Aug 20 2024
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Belgian success at World Beer

Belgium is famous the world over for its beer, from classic brands to a growing range of artisanal and innovative products.

This heritage and skill has been rewarded in this year’s World Beer Awards, held in London. In this prestigious international competition some 11 Belgian beers won prizes.

No fewer than five of these awards came in the "World’s Best Sour and Wild Beer" category. Boon Millésime Oude Schaarbeekse Kriek was crowned best kriek (cherry beer) in the world, while Sosab Flemish Red Ale XII from the Kortrijk Brew Society came top in the ‘Flanders Red Ale’ category.

In addition, the Queue de Charrue won gold for "Best Oud Bruin", Dilbeek’s young brewery, Brouwerij Kestemont’s apricot beer won the "Fruit Lambic" ranking and the Oude Geuze Boon from Lembeek, Flemish Brabant’s Boon Brewery was crowned "Best Gueuze".

Tongerlo Brown beer from Brouwerij Haacht in Boortmeerbeek, Flemish Brabant, won "Best Dark Belgian Style Dubbel". Hoegaarden, arguably most famous for its white beer, was accoladed for its Verboden Vrucht [forbidden fruit] – which came first in the "Dark Strong Beer" category.

In the flavoured beer category, Cuvée Clarisse, a beer mixed with rum by Brouwerij Wilderen in Limbourg was the only Belgian beer represented. It took home the "World’s Best Spirit Beer" prize.

With an increasing drive to cut alcoholism, brewers are working hard in the non-alcoholic sector, and Belgium is no exception.

Leuven-based AB InBev charmed the judges twice here. Its Leffe Bruin 0.0 was awarded "Best Non-alcoholic and Low Alcohol Dark Beer" and Jupiler 0.0 came top of the "Best No /Low Alcohol Lager" category.

Last but not least, Brasserie 3F in Frameries, Hainaut province, was crowned best seasonal beer in the "Best Pale Beer" category.

The World Beer Awards are the global awards selecting the very best internationally recognised beer styles. The annual tasting “selects, awards and promotes the best beers to consumers and the trade throughout the world,” organisers said.