Imagine strolling down a cobblestone path in Brussels. The aroma of warm bread, sugar, and hops fills the air. Sandwiched between gothic cathedrals and medieval guild halls is a bar with 200 beers on tap. You don’t find that on a typical evening out! Now, picture bringing that centuries-old tradition to your Cincinnati neighborhood. This is what we do at Taste of Belgium: meld European beer drinking culture with American flair, one sip at a time.
Belgium may be smaller than Ohio, but it sure has more “kick” when it comes to brewing. This tiny country churns out over 1,500 beer styles, from wild fermented Lambics to dangerously strong, complex Quadrupels. And it is no surprise, given that the story of Belgian beer has been brewing for centuries, with a history as rich as the beers themselves.
At Taste of Belgium (TOB), we are excited to offer a curated beer menu to celebrate this history. Whether you are new to exploring beer styles or you are an experienced beer drinker, we have a lineup that will take you on a full tour of Belgian beer drinking culture without having to buy a ticket to Europe. From the first beer poured to the last bite served, you are in for an education, a deep dive into flavor and heritage, and a frothy good time. Visit any of our outlets in Ohi, including The Banks and OTR.
A Brief History of Belgian Beer
While many locations, including commercial spaces, had brewing histories, Belgium not only has the best beer but also, truly, the oldest beer history, which began in monasteries. Beginning in the 12th century, Trappist monks brewed beer and then would sell it to their communities.
Fast forward a few hundred years, we’re not just brewing beer in abbeys but now in villages and cities; breweries in every region of Belgium start to gain recognition and develop their own style. For instance, Lambic beers from the Pajottenland region are made through spontaneous fermentation, even with their wild yeast. Meanwhile, rich Dubbels and Tripels are in Flanders and Wallonia.
And then Belgian beer gets recognized on the international stage. In 2016, Belgian beer culture was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. What does that mean? It’s not just the beer itself, but the entire ecosystem that gets recognition – the breweries, the bars, the traditions, and the glasses. Yes, that’s right, almost all Belgian beers have their own glassware, whether for flavor reasons or aroma, or out of sacredness.
At TOB, we don’t just serve beer, we represent a history. Our beer list is built with independent breweries, and keeps with the spirit of history, but also celebrates the complexity and individuality that is Belgian brewing.
Belgian Beer Styles You Can Try at Taste of Belgium
So, where do you even start tasting through centuries of craft? Simple—one flight at a time.
Chimay Flight (Banks location only)
A perfect intro for anyone wanting to understand monastic brewing. The Chimay Flight consists of Chimay Red, Blue, Gold, and White—all brewed within the walls of Scourmont Abbey in Belgium. Each is a Trappist creation that weaves together subtle notes of fruit, spice, and malted grains. The Chimay Blue, in particular, is a winter warmer that hits deep with fig and dark chocolate tones.
Belgian 101 Flight
This flight will be a favorite. Intended for drinkers who want to explore various styles in lighter and more approachable offerings. Think: Blondes, lighter Dubbels, and fruity Lambics. This is perfect for dipping your toe into Belgian beer in a non-threatening way.
Belgian 201 Flight
After you try the 101 flight, it is time to go full geek! The 201 Flight consists of stronger, more complex selections. Quadrupels, strong golden ales, and more. If you like beers that have character while packing a punch, the 201 is your playground!
Drafts of Individual Belgian Brews:
- Delirium Tremens: Belgian Strong Pale Ale 8.5% ABV, brings spice, banana esters, and a warming finish. Recognized by the pink elephant mascot, it comes in, it’s considered a classic among the Belgian strong ale category.
- St. Bernardus Abt 12: The Quadrupel (10.5% ABV), which brings caramel, dried fruits, and a rich malt backbone. This one is probably aged the longest, so it will pair the best with heavier foods.
- Lindemans Framboise: Raspberry Lambic that tastes sweet and tart and is a pleasure to sip. Very approachable even for people who aren’t a big fan of beer.
How to Drink It Right: Belgian Beer Etiquette
You may not require a degree in beerology, but if you desire to savor a Belgian brew the right way, there certainly is a way.
Choose the Right Glass
Have you ever recognized that Belgian beers (also known as brews) seem to always come in a “fancy” glass? That’s not just for looks. Each glass is created to highlight a beer’s aroma, carbonation, and taste. Goblets give stronger ales room to breathe, whereas a fluted glass helps keep the carbonation in lighter beers.
Allow Your Brew to Breathe
Belgian beer is layered and does not have to be chugged. Allow it a second to open up before enjoying, and once you take your first sip, you will recognize it is an experience that you will want to take your time to uncover the beer’s notes.
Pair It with Food
Pairing beer is an art, and TOB has your back. Every aspect of our respective scratch-made menu is spot on with every one of our pours. We have a beer to go with every bite, whether you enjoy rich stews or sweet waffles.
Perfect Belgian Bites to Pair with Your Brew
What good is a beer if you don’t have great food? At Taste of Belgium, we pride ourselves on having a menu that is literally built from the ground up. Everything is fresh, locally sourced, and made in-house. Here are our suggestions on what to pair with your favorite Belgian beers.
Fries & Dips
It’s not just fries – it’s a ritual in Belgium. Crisp, golden fries served with three house-made dips. Pair them with a Tripel or even a Golden Ale to balance the richness of that fry with a well-deserved hit of carbonation.
Cheese Croquettes
Golden, crispy on the outside and irresistibly gooey on the inside, our cheese croquettes are bite-sized bliss. Made with rich, melty cheese and lightly breaded to perfection, they’re the ultimate indulgent snack. Pair them with a Delirium Tremens or St.Bernardus.
Steak & Frites
Our flank steak is tender, juicy, and served with house fries. Why not pair it with a dark beer like St. Bernardus Abt 12? Its bold malt profile can combat the rich flavor of the food without overwhelming it.
Liège Waffle or S’more Waffle
Time to dessert? We take pride in our Liège waffle—dense, chewy, with pearl sugar that caramelizes while baking. Try a Framboise for a sweet and tart way to finish it off that makes your taste buds salsa.
Raise Your Glass to Belgian Beer at TOB
The thing is, Belgian beer culture is not about drinking more. It is about drinking better. Every brew has a story to tell. Every sip connects you to centuries of traditions, experimentation, and yes, a little magic.
At Taste of Belgium, we celebrate that heritage every day. If you are drinking your first Lambic or rediscovering your love for a complex Tripel, we are here to assist you. You can join us for a curated beer flight, or just come in for a pint and a waffle (good beer deserves thoughtful food).
The history of Belgian beer is not something we serve; it is something we live. Come and join the story.
Plan your visit today.
