Antwerp Pub Crawl: A Journey Through Belgian Beers

Belgium is renowned worldwide for its exceptional brewing heritage, and an Antwerp pub crawl is one of the best ways to experience the country’s beer culture firsthand.

From Trappist ales brewed by monks to fruity lambics and rich, malty stouts, Belgian beer is celebrated for its diversity and craftsmanship.

In Antwerp, a city that’s both modern and steeped in history, beer plays a central role in local life. Whether it’s enjoyed in cozy cafes or lively pubs, the Belgian passion for beer is evident at every turn.

On our Tauck river cruise, we had the privilege of diving into this beer culture with a fun, flavorful pub crawl through the city.

Here’s a look at the memorable beers we sampled along the way:

First Stop: Syd’s Antwerp – Bolleke (De Koninck)

Our pub crawl kicked off at Syd’s, a charming local pub that’s beloved for its cozy ambiance and extensive beer selection. The first beer we sampled was Bolleke, also known as De Koninck, a staple of Antwerp’s beer culture.

Brewed in the heart of the city, this amber beer is known for its slightly bitter taste, balanced by a mild maltiness. It pours a beautiful amber hue and is traditionally served in its signature tulip-shaped glass, which helps focus the aromas to enhance the drinking experience. With its crisp finish and smooth flavor, the Bolleke perfectly captures the essence of Antwerp’s brewing tradition and is a must-try for anyone visiting the city.

Second Stop: Café Barries – Cherry Chouffe

Next, we ventured to Café Barries, a lively local favorite known for its incredible selection of Belgian beers. Here, we sampled a true gem: Cherry Chouffe, an 8% ABV cherry-infused ale from the famed Brasserie d’Achouffe.

This delightful beer strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and tartness, thanks to the infusion of cherries. The fruity, vibrant flavor is complemented by the hoppy bitterness of the beer, offering a refreshing yet bold taste. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy fruit-forward brews with a touch of Belgian charm. The Cherry Chouffe truly stands out as a unique experience for any beer enthusiast.

Final Stop: Het Souke – Westmalle Trappist

Our final stop took us to Het Souke, a beloved pub in the city where we sampled one of the finest Trappist beers: Westmalle Trappist. Brewed by the monks at Westmalle Abbey, this Trappist ale is revered for its rich complexity and depth of flavor.

With a robust maltiness, notes of fruit, and a lingering hoppy bitterness, Westmalle Trappist offers a well-rounded and satisfying finish to our pub crawl. As a Trappist beer, it follows a centuries-old brewing tradition that makes it one of Belgium’s most respected and sought-after brews. It’s a perfect way to cap off an afternoon of exploring Antwerp’s incredible beer scene.

Summing It Up

We absolutely loved this experience, strolling through the charming streets of Antwerp with a group of about 15 fellow travelers. Exploring these beloved local pubs and sampling a variety of exceptional Belgian beers was an unforgettable way to immerse ourselves in the city’s vibrant beer culture. It was a fun, laid-back adventure that added a unique touch to our journey and offered a true taste of Antwerp’s hospitality.

For more information or to book a Tauck river cruise, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you.

If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our travel newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more.

This article was written with the aid of Perplexity AI, Grok, or ChatGPT. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an independent affiliate of Cadence and a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40

The post Antwerp Pub Crawl: A Journey Through Belgian Beers appeared first on The Roaming Boomers