Brugs Beertje, my new favourite bar..

This was for me the highlight of the Belgian trip, the discovery of my new favourite watering hole Brugs Beertje.

The name as far as I can tell, translates roughly to “The Little Bruges Bear” (dependant on the language used), you can just about make out the little bears statue in the alcove above the door in the photograph attached.

From the outside it’s hard to tell what delights Brugs Beertje holds, it’s quite unassuming with an old fashioned sweetshop look, quite apt really as you are a bit like a kid in a sweetshop when you get inside and check out the 250+ beer menu.  

What’s really nice about the place is that it doesn’t try too hard to be bold or brash, the inside is like your quaint old fashioned English local, dark and cosy with lots of little nooks and crannies where the conversations buzz.

Staff are attentive but not in your face, happy to help you navigate through the ocean of beer on offer, making sure that you are happy with your choice and what to follow it with if needed.

The walls are covered with beer memorabilia to an extent that almost no bare wall space remains, everywhere you look there is something to catch your eye. A classic example being this understated little gem of an advertisement from De Dolle Brewery for Boskeun, a 10% honey beer that just begged to be sampled, I of course obliged..

It was here amongst one or two other establishments that I chalked off a few more of the beers required to complete my “100 Belgian Beers To Try Before You Die” challenge. Apologies for the lack of tasting notes and dark photos, it was in bad light and had been a long fruitful beery day…

Mort Subite Oude Kriek 7% – A lovely traditional lambic kriek, heavy on both sourness and cherry flavour, but very drinkable.

Rulles Estivalle – 5.2 – A hazy golden beer, light and refreshing with honey and citrus flavours, nice and hoppy too.

Smisje Dubbel – 9% – Dark brown dubbel beer, quite sweet, rich and fruity with hints of spice..

Buffalo Stout 6.5% – Dark almost black beer, tastes sweet with roasted malt/coffee flavours, lovely easy drinking Belgian stout.

Vicaris Generaal 8.8% – Dark brown to amberish ale with smoke and yeast aromas. Taste is slightly sweet with coffee and chocolate.

That brings the running total for the challenge at the half year mark at a respectful 54!

Pipedream – 7.8% – Alvinne, De Struise & Pipeworks Brewing Co

This beer was also a good find being very similar to a previous favourite of mine the Viven Imperial IPA, slightly drier with a little less tropical fruit, but with a spicier finish. Well worth seeking out!

Official description: Pipedream is a joint venture between Alvinne, De Struise & Pipeworks Brewing Co. Pipedream is an American inspired IPA using five hop varieties to satisfy the discerning hophead. This truly is a Chicago Pipedream come true!

Anyway back to Brugs Beertje, if you are visiting the beautiful city of Brugge put this at the top of your drinking to do list, it’s one of the worlds most respected beer establishments and it just has to be done…

It’s situated at 5 Kemelstraat and is open every day except Wednesday. Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri 16:00 – 01:00, Sat & Sun 16:00 – 02:00.

Cheers