Menu for Delirium Cafe
It’s widely known that Belgium has some of the best beer in the world. But what I never appreciated until I visited Belgium was how seriously they take their beer.
First, the variety. There are so many different styles of Belgium beer that I didn’t have time to try them all. I was able to try a few of the best-known specialities. In Antwerp, was able to find a bottle of 2015 Westvleteren 12, a beer brewed by Trappist monks and has widely been praised as one of the best beers in the world. Only 60,000 cases are produced per year, and one can only purchase a small quantity by reserving in advance and picking it up in person at the abbey. Well worth the $20 I paid. I also tried a Brussels specialty called a Gueuze, which is a sour Lambic beer. If you’re visiting Brussels and think you have the time (and liver function) to try everything, be sure to visit Delirium Cafe near the Grand Palace. It’s a massive bar that serves over 2000 types of beer!
Second, the glassware. If you’re a reputable Belgian brewer, you will have your own branded beer glasses in the proper shape for the style of beer you are producing. I ordered a beer with my dinner at one restaurant in Antwerp, and my server came up to me and apologized profusely that they ran out of glasses for the beer I had selected. It was neat to see the various styles of glassware used, and it apparently can affect the beer.
Third, the temperature. Not all Belgian beer is chilled as cold as the Rockies. Most of the Trappist beers I had were room temperature. It was a little strange at first, but you get used to it.
