Last week, we had the privilege of attending the Kerstbierfest in Essen, Belgium, as guests of VisitFlanders. Hosted by O.B.E.R. (Objective Beer Tasters Essen Region), this incredible festival celebrates the best of Belgian Christmas and winter beers. With a carefully curated selection of over 200 brews, it’s truly a paradise for beer enthusiasts!
The festival is renowned for showcasing a diverse and impressive range of Christmas beers, from iconic favorites to rare and exclusive offerings from the smallest, most remote breweries. It’s clear that the organizers put great effort into creating a lineup that surprises and delights every year. In addition to the bottled beers, there were also 20 served on draught, and we were treated to some delicious winter warmers, perfect for taking the chill off.
Navigating such a vast selection could easily become overwhelming, but thankfully, the festival provided a detailed tasting notes booklet, practically the size of a magazine, filled with information about each beer. It was an excellent guide that made choosing your next taste an enjoyable challenge.
What really set this event apart was the atmosphere. Unlike most beer festivals where guests stand and mingle, the Kerstbierfest offered tables throughout the venue, creating a relaxed environment that encouraged people to sit down and savor their beers. This was ideal, especially since many of the brews were strong and deserved to be enjoyed slowly. To keep us going, food trucks outside offered tasty meals, and inside, charcuterie was served, which helped us pace ourselves throughout the day.
The festival drew a diverse crowd from across the globe, with attendees from about 25 countries, as well as several U.S. states. It was an exciting gathering of beer lovers who came together to celebrate the best of the season’s brews.
If you’re in Belgium around Christmas and love great beer, the Kerstbierfest should definitely be on your list. With its wide variety of seasonal brews, relaxed vibe, and festive atmosphere, it’s a memorable experience for any beer lover. And luckily, many Christmas beers start to appear towards the end of October, so it’s always a festive treat to get an early taste of these seasonal delights during our fall beercation cruises!
