Belgium: A Beer Trip Full of Joie de Vivre

Next up was a stop at one of the biggest production breweries in Belgium: Brouwerij Omer Vander Ghinste, where we were joined by 4th-generation family owner and CEO Omer Jean Vander Ghinste, who looked spiffy and professional in a blue blazer and khaki slacks. While he provided us with plenty of details on the current (and future) goings-on at the brewery, it was his willingness to hop behind the bar and serve our group beers that was truly impressive.

Another famed stop on my beer tour was Brouwerij Omer Vander Ghinste, where we sampled the eponymous Omer, Tripel LeFort, Cuvée Des Jacobins and more (sadly not from the barrels on this cart).

As we had been traveling much of the day, many of our group (myself included) were getting a bit parched. As such, seeing someone as eminent as the CEO of the brewery himself serving drinks to our group perfectly showcased the Belgian spirit of generosity and graciousness that was clearly evident throughout my entire trip.

At Brouwerij Omer Vander Ghinste, we were joined by 4th-generation family owner and CEO Omer Jean Vander Ghinste (center), who hopped behind the bar and helped to serve our group beers.

With my jet lag catching up to me somewhat swiftly, our night ended with an incredible four-course dinner at Den Heksestoel. While all of the food was brilliant, the highlight was a traditional Ostend shrimp croquette paired with a Rodenbach Grand Cru. You know that feeling when you find the perfect beer pairing for a food? The shrimp croquette alongside the Rodenbach provided that feeling. The two flavors intermingled and enveloped one another in a way that can only be described as transcendent. While the rest of the meal (and beers) were brilliant, I will never forget that croquette plus its Rodenbach counterpart – so much so that I must go back and get it one day!