The Belgians love their beer. There are approximately 178 breweries for this country of 10.8 million (1 brewery per 60,000 people). Compare that with the US where there are 1700 breweries for a population of 313 million (1 brewery per 180,000 people). So triple the number when compared to the US. Not only are there a multitude of magnificent beers to choose from like:
- Our home town favorite De Koninck
- The sought after Trappist Westvleteren
- One of my favorites and 1998 World Beer Champ Delirium
But you also get a pick of the type of glass that you can drink it from. Below is a picture from the bar where I go after basketball on Thursday night. We lined up all the different types of glasses one can ask for when ordering a pinche (slang for a wheat beer)
- Vaaske - "little vase" 25 cL. This glass has ribs on it so less of your fingers touch the glass and keep them from warming the beer.
- Klap - "slap" in Flemish, not exactly sure why
- Elegantje - "elegant" usually for the ladies
- Fluitje - "whistle" usually for the 70+ crowd (age does not seem to decrease consumption here)
- Halve liter - "half liter" for the really thirsty
- Boerke - "farmer" This glass doesn't have any ribs because farmers throw back their beers so quick that there's no chance of them warming the beer.
I hope you enjoyed my little lesson on Belgian culture.
Hugh
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