Bruges and Belgium according to Kuaska: A Guide to Beer Tourism in Flanders
Bruges is a continuous discovery of squares, canals, green areas, churches, museums, and narrow alleys, which sometimes are simple dead ends but other times hide the moment of the next beer. This is the case with De Garre, one of the best places to enjoy (once you spot the tiny entrance to the street) a beer and cheese pairing that truly speaks of Flanders.
When Belgium is involved, you can only turn to Lorenzo Dabove, aka Kuaska, father of Italian beer culture, who has dedicated his life to exploring, telling, and celebrating Belgian beer. In this guide, you will discover Bruges and West Flanders through the eyes of someone who made Belgian beer his life mission.
Who Is Kuaska (Lorenzo Dabove)
The Father of Italian Beer Culture
Lorenzo Dabove, known as Kuaska, is:
- Writer: Author of fundamental beer books ("Guide to Italian Beers," "Knowing Beer")
- Taster: First Italian Master of Beer
- Promoter: Brought beer culture to Italy since the 1990s
- Beer philosopher: Creator of the motto "Beer does not exist, beers do"
Kuaska and Belgium
Kuaska has a special relationship with Belgium, a country he has visited dozens of times and considers the Mecca of beer. His explorations in Flanders have inspired generations of Italian enthusiasts to discover Belgian beer culture.
Bruges: The Venice of the North
Why Bruges Is Special
Bruges (Brugge in Flemish) is a perfectly preserved medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring:
- Canals: Nicknamed "Venice of the North"
- Architecture: Medieval buildings, bell towers, squares
- Chocolate: Over 50 artisanal chocolatiers
- Beer: Historic pubs, breweries, vibrant beer culture
Bruges and Beer
Bruges is the heart of West Flanders, a region with a centuries-old beer tradition. Here you will find:
- Historic breweries (De Halve Maan)
- Legendary pubs (De Garre, 't Brugs Beertje)
- Westvleteren Trappist Abbey (30 km)
- Authentic beer culture
Kuaska’s Must-Visit Places in Bruges
1. De Garre
Area: Historic center (hidden alley)
Founded: 1600s
Style: Historic Flemish pub
History: De Garre is one of Bruges’ most famous and hidden pubs. It’s located in a very narrow alley (De Garre) starting from Breidelstraat, almost invisible. Once found, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Iconic beer:
Tripel van de Garre (11.5% ABV):
- Exclusive beer, produced only for De Garre
- Powerful, complex, spicy Tripel
- Served in a special glass with a cheese base
- Rule: Maximum 3 glasses per person (due to strength!)
Atmosphere:
- Three floors of dark wood, fireplace, medieval atmosphere
- Always crowded (tourists and locals)
- Friendly but efficient service
Kuaska pairing:
- Tripel van de Garre + aged Flemish cheese
- Cheese is served free with the beer
- Perfect synergy: malty sweetness + cheese saltiness
Info:
📍 De Garre 1
🕐 Mon-Thu 12:00-00:00, Fri-Sun 12:00-01:00
💶 Beer: €6-8
2. 't Brugs Beertje
Area: Historic center
Founded: 1983
Style: Legendary beer café
History: 't Brugs Beertje ("The Little Bear of Bruges") is one of Belgium’s most respected beer cafés. Founded by Jan De Bruyne, it is a temple of Belgian beer.
Beers:
- 300+ beers on the menu
- Curated selection of Belgian Ale, Trappiste, Lambic, Sour
- Rare and collectible beers
- Seasonal rotation
Atmosphere:
- Small, intimate, authentic
- Walls covered with signs and beer memorabilia
- Passionate clientele
- Very knowledgeable staff
Kuaska’s recommendation:
- Ask staff for advice (they know every beer)
- Try rare beers you won’t find elsewhere
- Take your time (not a place for quick drinking)
Info:
📍 Kemelstraat 5
🕐 Thu-Wed 16:00-00:00 (closed Wed)
💶 Beer: €4-12
3. De Halve Maan (Brewery)
Area: Historic center
Founded: 1856
Style: Historic family brewery
History: De Halve Maan ("The Half Moon") is the only brewery still active in the center of Bruges. Managed by the Maes family for 6 generations.
Beers produced:
Brugse Zot Blond (6% ABV):
- Fruity and spicy Blonde Ale
- Symbolic beer of Bruges
- Name: "The Madman of Bruges" (local legend)
Brugse Zot Dubbel (7.5% ABV):
- Dark, malty, caramel Dubbel
Straffe Hendrik (9% ABV):
- Powerful and complex Tripel
- Ageable
Brewery visit:
- Guided tour: 45 minutes, history + production
- Panoramic terrace: View over Bruges
- Tasting: Fresh beer included
- Curiosity: 3 km underground pipeline that brings beer to the bottling center!
Info:
📍 Walplein 26
🕐 Tour: 11:00-16:00 (every hour)
💶 Tour: €12 (with tasting)
4. Cambrinus
Area: Market Square
Founded: 1928
Style: Beer restaurant
Features:
- 400+ beers on the menu
- Traditional Belgian cuisine
- Studied beer-food pairings
- Central location (Market Square)
Recommended dishes:
- Flemish Carbonade (beer-braised beef stew)
- Moules-frites (mussels and fries)
- Waterzooi (creamy Flemish soup)
5. 2be Beer Wall
Area: Historic center
Style: Beer shop + modern bar
Features:
- "Beer Wall": Wall with hundreds of beers
- Takeaway sales
- On-site tasting
- Modern atmosphere
Excursions from Bruges: West Flanders
Westvleteren (30 km from Bruges)
What: Sint-Sixtus Trappist Abbey
Beer: Westvleteren 12 ("best beer in the world")
Where to drink it: In De Vrede (café opposite the abbey)
Kuaska's tip: Unique mystical and beer experience. Go early (opens 10:00) to avoid lines.
Ypres (Ieper) (40 km)
What: Historic city (World War I)
Beer: Ypra (local beer)
Pub: In 't Klein Stadhuis
Poperinge (45 km)
What: Capital of Belgian hops
Museum: Hopmuseum (hop museum)
Festival: Hoppefeesten (every 3 years, September)
Kuaska's Beer Philosophy
"Beer Does Not Exist, Beers Do"
Kuaska's motto sums up his vision: there is no single category called "beer," but thousands of different beers, each with character, history, and territory.
Beer and Territory
For Kuaska, beer is a expression of the territory:
- Local ingredients (Poperinge hops)
- Centuries-old traditions (Trappist, Lambic)
- Culture and identity (Flanders vs Wallonia)
Beer and Food
Kuaska is a pioneer of beer-food pairings in Italy. In Belgium, this is natural:
- Flemish Carbonade + Dubbel
- Moules-frites + Saison
- Flemish Cheeses + Tripel
- Chocolate + Stout
Bruges Itinerary (3 Days) according to Kuaska
Day 1: Historic Center
- Morning: Market Square, Belfry (Belfort)
- Lunch: Cambrinus (carbonade + Dubbel)
- Afternoon: Canals, Begijnhof, Minnewater
- Evening: De Garre (Tripel van de Garre + cheese)
Day 2: Beer and Culture
- Morning: De Halve Maan Tour
- Lunch: Fresh beer at the brewery
- Afternoon: Museums (Groeninge, Memling)
- Evening: 't Brugs Beertje (rare beer tasting)
Day 3: Westvleteren Excursion
- Morning: Departure for Westvleteren (car/bus)
- Lunch: In De Vrede (Westvleteren 12!)
- Afternoon: Poperinge (Hop Museum)
- Evening: Return to Bruges, dinner, and last beer
Practical Tips from Kuaska
How to Taste Belgian Beer
- Use the right glass: Every beer has its glass
- Correct temperature: 8-12°C (not ice cold!)
- Take your time: Belgian beers are complex and deserve attention
- Pair with food: Enhances both
- Ask for advice: Belgian bartenders are very knowledgeable
What to Avoid
- ❌ Drinking too fast (Belgian beers are strong!)
- ❌ Ordering "a beer" (specify which one!)
- ❌ Overlooking local beers for famous brands
- ❌ Skipping food-beer pairings
Budget
- Beer: €4-10
- Meal: €15-30
- Accommodation: €80-150/night
- Daily budget: €100-200
Kuaska's Books on Belgium
For further reading, check out:
- "Knowing Beer" - Complete guide to styles (includes Belgium)
- "Guide to Italian Beers" - Includes Belgian influences on Italian beer
- Articles on Cronache di Birra and other blogs
Conclusion: Bruges, Heart of Flanders
Bruges is much more than a tourist city: it is the beating heart of Flemish beer culture. Walking through its alleys, discovering hidden pubs like De Garre, tasting Tripel van de Garre with Flemish cheese, visiting De Halve Maan, and taking a trip to Westvleteren is an experience every beer lover should have at least once in their life.
Thanks to Kuaska, generations of Italians have discovered Belgian beer culture. His philosophy - "beer does not exist, beers do" - finds its fullest expression right here in Flanders, where every beer tells a story of tradition, territory, and passion.
Discover our selection of Belgian beers on Maltese.beer and bring home the taste of Bruges! 🍺🇧🇪
