Belgium is famous around the world for its beer culture, bringing fans of fermentation to the country and inspiring brewers abroad. Its dedication to beer resulted in several Belgian brewers winning big in one of the most prestigious international competitions.
A total of 11 Belgian beers were crowned champions at the World Beer Awards in England. For 16 years, the competition's international jury – consisting of a diverse range of voices from the beer industry – has been awarding the best products in the world of beer, spanning from a classic pilsner and a rich stout to a tropical IPA. Participating breweries include world-renowned companies, as well as new kids on the block.
Many Belgian breweries triumphed in a range of categories at this year's awards. Belgian producers were strongly represented in the "World's Best Sour and Wild Beer" category, with no fewer than five Belgian beers winning prizes. Boon Millésime Oude Schaarbeekse Kriek was crowned the best "Kriek" in the world, while Sosab Flemish Red Ale XII from the Kortrijk Brew Society was deemed the best in the "Flanders Red Ale" category.
The best "Kriek" beer in the world. Credit: Boon
In the same category, Queue de Charrue won gold for "Best Oud Bruin", Brouwerij Kestemont's apricot beer topped the 'fruit lambic' ranking, and Oude Geuze Boon from Boon Brewery in Lembeek, Flemish Brabant crowned itself "Best Gueuze".
When it comes to "World's Best Dark Beer", the Belgian breweries also scored highly. Tongerlo Brown beer from Brouwerij Haacht won "Best Dark Belgian Style Dubbel", while the champion of "Dark Beer Strong" was Hoegaarden's Verboden Vrucht.
Cuvée Clarisse, a beer mixed with rum by Brouwerij Wilderen was the only Belgian beer represented in the "Flavoured Beer Category", winning "World's Best Spirit Beer".
In the non-alcoholic beer category, AB InBev won two prizes: Jupiler 0.0 managed to charm the jury for "Best No % Low Alcohol Lager", while the company's Leffe Bruin 0.0 was awarded "Best Non-alcoholic & Low Alcohol Dark Beer".
Finally, Dominicains from Brasserie 3F in Frameries was crowned "Best Biére De Garde & Saison" in the "Best Pale Beer" category.
