Emerging from a small country, Belgian beer has a history that dates back over 2,000 years. (arenaphotouk (123RF))

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Oktoberfest put German beer on the map centuries ago. However, across Europe and the world, other beers have hit people’s radars. Emerging from a small country, Belgian beer has a history that dates back over 2,000 years.

In ancient times, Belgium was part of a larger territory known as “Gaul.” In Gaul, beer was known as “the people’s drink,” made by women because it was considered a domestic task and called “sogma.” Part of what makes Belgian beer so unique is that Belgians used wine-making techniques learned from the Romans and combined them with the beer-brewing techniques of the Germanic peoples.

In the Middle Ages, monks took over brewing and began flavoring beer with an herb mixture called gruut (also known as gruit in English). Because gruut was made using local herbs, beer flavors varied across the many feudal regions. Beginning in the 15th century, gruut was switched out with hops, and beer became a commercial product in Belgium.

Beginning in the 15th century, gruut was switched out with hops, and beer became a commercial product in Belgium. (bombaert (123RF))

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Breweries thrived in the country for about 400 years until the Industrial Revolution and the beginnings of the World Wars in the 19th and 20th centuries. Many small breweries couldn’t keep up with the technological advances that allowed larger breweries to mass produce beer. Many were destroyed during the turbulence of the French Revolution and World War I, and those that survived, faced more issues with the economic downturns during World War II. Belgium’s once thriving brewery culture and industry nearly disappeared.

Belgian beer went through a renaissance in part thanks to Michael Jackson. No, not that one. Jackson was a British beer writer famous for works like “The World Guide to Beer,” where he sang the praises of Belgian beer. He went on to publish a book called “Great Beers of Belgium” in 1992 that developed into five influential editions; it was his only book focused solely on beer from one country. Today, Belgium has a unique and thriving beer culture.

Belgium never succumbed to rigid beer brewing laws set forth by the Germans in the 1500s. That means that there are few restrictions in terms of ingredients that can go into Belgian beers. This has led to varied and unique flavor profiles that are enjoyed in Belgium and globally. Four Belgian beers even earned the highest ranking medal (Double Gold) at the annual London Beer Competition in 2026.

Belgium never succumbed to rigid beer brewing laws set forth by the Germans in the 1500s.  (Gabrielhector (Adobe Stock))

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Here are five Belgian beers to try so you can taste why it is so popular.