4. Duvel, Puurs
Between Antwerp and Brussels lies the rural town of Puurs on the River Scheldt, home to the Duvel Moortgat brewery.
The guided tour (nine euros per person, 2-2.5 hours) includes an introductory film, a walk through the brewery and bottling plant (except on Saturdays), and a lesson in correctly pouring this iconic Belgian ale into its corresponding tulip-shaped glass.
Founded by Jan-Leonard Moortgat in 1871, the recipe for Duvel was inspired by English ales using a yeast strain procured from a Scottish brewery. It's still used in every bottle of Duvel today.
Visitors are welcome Mondays through Thursdays at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m., Fridays at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
What's in a name?: Duvel was originally called Victory Ale when it was released soon after World War I. The name was only changed after a local shoemaker stated during a tasting session: "This is a real devil" ("duvel" means devil in the local dialect). The beer was then renamed in 1923.
Duvel, Breendonk-Dorp 58, 2870 Puurs; +32 3 860 94 00