Over many centuries the Belgians have evolved a varied, complex, unique and idiosyncratic beer culture. They give beer the respect that most nations reserve for wine. The Belgians also have the world's most nuanced and elegant beer cuisine.

Belgian beers are worldly and suited to world cuisines. In the Middle Ages, Belgium was the center of the spice trade for Northern Europe. Brewers began incorporating rare spices and fruits ( coriander, ginger, caraway, curacao orange peel, star anise, paradise grain aromatic peppers and more) in their beers very early on. These subtle spicings mean that the beers marry well with cuisines from many nations.  Only in Belgium do the brewers persist in the widespread use of spices.

People are often surprised to find how well Castelain goes with spicy Asian food, Saison Dupont with barbecued ribs, and Witkap with seafood. Belgian beer is not only for Belgian cooking. Download our portfolio (see the Brewery Profiles section of the site) for much more information, or consult our recipes.