Brasserie: What It Is, Its History, and the Best to Know
The term brasserie comes from French and literally means brewery. In a narrow sense, it refers to a place where craft beer is produced; more broadly, in the Belgian and French context, it can also mean a venue that serves beer paired with food. In the craft beer world, when people talk about a brasserie, they almost always mean a craft brewery with a strong production identity, centuries-old tradition, and characterful beers.
Buy beers from the best Belgian brasseries now on Maltese – shipping in 24-48h
Brasserie vs Brewery: What’s the Difference?
- Brewery – generic English term, applies to any producer
- Brasserie – French/Belgian term, associated with producers with established history and tradition
- Brewery – English equivalent
- Brauerei – German equivalent
Belgian Brasseries: The Heart of Tradition
Belgium is home to the most famous brasseries in the world. Many are linked to Trappist or Cistercian abbeys and produce beers with recipes unchanged for centuries. Here are the most iconic ones available on Maltese:
Brasserie d'Orval
A Trappist abbey in the Belgian Ardennes, producing only one beer: Orval, known for its characteristic Brettanomyces fermentation. Amber, dry, with earthy and fruity notes that evolve over time.
Brasserie Cantillon
Located in Brussels, specialized in spontaneously fermented lambic and gueuze. One of the most respected brasseries worldwide, with very limited production and beers that age like fine wines.
- Box Discovering Cantillon – the best way to start with Belgium’s most legendary brasserie
- Brasserie Cantillon Small Fruits Box – a fresh and complex selection of fruit lambics
- Cantillon Tasting 3 bottles of 75cl – for an unforgettable tasting evening
Brasserie Dupont
Located in Hainaut, famous for Saison Dupont, considered the world reference for the Saison style. Craft production since 1844.
Buy Saison Dupont 33cl on Maltese
Brasserie Chimay
Trappist abbey of Scourmont, producing the famous Chimay Rouge, Bleue, and Triple. Among the most widely distributed Trappist beers worldwide.
- Chimay Triple – golden, fruity, spicy. The most elegant of the Chimay range
- Chimay Dorée Can – the lightest, originally produced only for the monks
French Brasseries to Know
France also has an important and rapidly growing beer tradition. French brasseries are mainly concentrated in the northern regions (Alsace, Nord-Pas-de-Calais) and produce characterful beers often influenced by Belgian tradition.
How to Choose Beers from a Brasserie
- Signature style – each brasserie excels in one or more styles: Cantillon for lambics, Dupont for Saisons, Orval for Brett beers
- Freshness – some beers (like lambics) improve with aging; others should be enjoyed fresh
- Pairings – Belgian brasserie beers lend themselves to refined pairings: cheeses, braised meats, seafood
Buy Beers from the Best Brasseries on Maltese
At Maltese, we directly select beers from the most interesting brasseries in Europe. Each label comes with a complete technical sheet, tasting notes, and pairing advice. Shipping in 24-48h with secure packaging throughout Italy.
Explore all Belgian brasserie beers on Maltese – buy online with 24-48h shipping
