Beer Tasting Tour in Brussels

If you’re heading to Brussels and want to get a real taste of local brewing culture, a beer tasting tour like this one from Brussels Beer Project might catch your eye. While I haven’t participated myself, I’ve gone through the details and reviews, and it seems like a fun, casual way to learn about Belgian beer—plus, it’s a chance to enjoy some unique brews and hear intriguing stories behind them.

What I really appreciate about this tour is how it emphasizes a contemporary, multicultural approach to Belgian beer. It’s not just about the traditional pilsners and Trappist ales; instead, it celebrates innovation and diversity, which makes it stand out. Also, the passionate guides and engaging tasting experience seem to make the hour fly by, giving you a good intro to the local craft scene without overloading your schedule.

On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that at around $25.45 per person, this is a fairly short, focused experience—so if you’re looking for a deep dive into brewing or a full-day adventure, you might find it a little light. Plus, since the group is capped at 12 travelers, it’s intimate, but that also means you need to plan ahead and book at least 18 days in advance on average.

This tour seems best suited for curious travelers who want a quick, fun peek into Brussels’ modern beer culture. If you enjoy tasting different styles and appreciate stories from passionate guides, you’re likely to find this a worthwhile addition to your trip.

Key Points

• Concise but engaging: The tour lasts about an hour, perfect for fitting into a busy city itinerary.
• Multicultural team: With brewers from Brazil, UK, US, Portugal, and Belgium, you get a diverse perspective on brewing.
• Focus on innovation: The tour highlights contemporary Belgian brewing rather than sticking to stereotypical beers.
• Variety of beers: Expect to taste four different beers, each with its own aroma and style.
• Passionate guides: Reviewers praise the enthusiasm and storytelling ability of the hosts.
• Affordable and intimate: At around $25, it offers a personal experience with a small group.

A Closer Look at the Beer Tasting Tour in Brussels

What the Tour Is All About

This 1-hour beer tasting experience is hosted by Brussels Beer Project, a brewery born in 2013 that aims to challenge the traditional beer scene. From the start point on Rue Antoine Dansaert, you’ll be welcomed with a drink and an explanation of how they brew. The approach is refreshingly contemporary—think forest mushrooms, popcorn, unsold bread, and even Portuguese pastries—to create unique flavors and styles.

The tour’s core is the tasting panel, where you’ll sample 4 beers of 15cl each, with guided descriptions that help you understand what makes each brew special. The focus is on diverse aromas and styles, giving you a taste of what the modern Belgian scene offers. It’s a great way to see how Belgium isn’t stuck in the past but actively shaping its brewing future.

The Itinerary and Experience

The main part of the tour takes place at the brewery itself, located right in the lively Rue Antoine Dansaert area—a neighborhood known for its creative vibe. The visit kicks off with a welcome drink, which you get to choose from dozens of options, setting a relaxed tone.

Next, the hosts walk you through the brewing process, sharing stories about the brewery’s origins and its multicultural team. With more than 30 dreamers representing 10 nationalities, the energy is lively, and the ideas seem to flow as freely as the beers. You’ll learn that the emphasis isn’t just on traditional Belgian beers but on innovative styles that reflect contemporary tastes.

The highlight is the tasting panel featuring three of their latest beers. A reviewer noted that the host’s passion made the experience memorable, describing it as being “given with passion,” which makes all the difference in a short tour like this.

What You’ll Taste and Learn

Expect a variety of beers—each with different aromas, flavors, and styles. The guide provides tasting descriptions, helping you identify subtle notes and distinguish between beer styles. This is especially helpful if you’re new to craft beers or want to deepen your tasting skills.

Reviews mention that the service is friendly and knowledgeable, with one reviewer saying that their son, aged 11, found the presentation very interesting. While the legal drinking age in Belgium is 16, it’s nice to see that the experience is approachable enough for younger visitors to appreciate the brewery’s story and process.

The Pros and Cons for Travelers

The price point of about $25.45 per person offers good value for an hour-long experience, especially considering the personalized attention and diverse beers. However, if you’re a serious beer enthusiast or seeking a comprehensive tour, this might feel a little brief. It’s more of an enjoyable introduction rather than an in-depth exploration.

A potential downside is that the tour is limited to 12 travelers, so it can fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, and you’ll need to book well in advance—about 18 days on average. Also, it’s a very city-centered activity, with the meeting point near public transportation, making it easy to access.

The Atmosphere and Reviews

Many reviewers appreciated the passionate storytelling. One called the host’s presentation “a bath in their beer adventure,” highlighting the enthusiasm that makes the experience engaging. Others appreciated the casual, cool atmosphere inside the brewery, which contrasts with the exterior’s unassuming look.

One reviewer even mentioned that the outside didn’t look like much, but once inside, the service and vibe were very positive. This reminds us not to judge a book by its cover—sometimes, the best experiences are in unassuming places.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys tasting craft beers and hearing stories behind each brew, you’ll likely love this tour. It’s particularly suited to travelers interested in modern, multicultural perspectives on Belgian brewing, rather than just traditional styles. Families with older children might enjoy the presentation, but keep in mind the legal drinking age.

It’s an excellent option for those looking for a short, lively activity that fits into a broader exploration of Brussels. If you want a deeper or longer experience, look for other tours, but if your goal is to get a taste of Belgium’s vibrant beer scene without too much fuss, this is a good pick.

FAQ about the Brussels Beer Tasting Tour

Is the tour suitable for children? The tour is designed for most travelers, but the legal drinking age in Belgium is 16, so kids under that age might not be able to participate in tasting. However, the presentation and brewery visit could still be interesting for older children or teenagers interested in food and drink.

How long does the tour last? It lasts approximately one hour, making it an easy addition to a day of sightseeing without feeling like a long commitment.

What’s included in the price? You get a welcome drink and a tasting panel of four beers, each about 15cl. The experience is guided, and you’ll receive explanations about each brew.

Are there any extra costs? The cost covers the tour and four beers. Any additional drinks or snacks are not included, so if you want more, you’ll need to pay separately.

How far in advance should I book? The tour is usually booked about 18 days in advance, and with a maximum of 12 travelers per group, it’s best to secure your spot early.

What’s the meeting point? The tour begins and ends at Rue Antoine Dansaert 188 in Brussels, which is accessible via public transportation.

Is it a good value? For the price of $25.45, you get a quick but lively introduction to Brussels’ modern brewing scene, guided by passionate hosts. If you’re into tasting and storytelling, it’s quite a good deal.

Final Thoughts

This Beer Tasting Tour in Brussels offers a friendly, engaging peek into the city’s evolving brewing culture. With passionate guides, a multicultural team, and a focus on contemporary beers, it’s a lively little experience that packs a punch for those wanting a quick but memorable taste of Brussels’ beer scene.

While it’s not a deep-dive or a lengthy adventure, it’s perfect for curious travelers eager to learn and taste without a big time investment. It’s especially fitting if you appreciate good storytelling and enjoy discovering what makes modern Belgian beers so unique.

Just remember to book early, arrive ready to enjoy some good conversation, and keep an open mind about the styles you’ll encounter. Cheers to a fun, flavorful hour in Brussels!