Beer – drinking it, brewing it, enjoying a glass in the company of good friends – has been a storied pastime that can be traced back through centuries of history in Europe. In countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, these hearty beverages are deeply connected to cultural and regional identities. Explore the history and heritage of beer and have a small taste of the experience you can enjoy on our new Celebration of Beer River Cruises.
Brewing in Belgium
Belgian yeasts produce distinctive fruity and spicy flavor compounds called esters and phenols, which can evoke tastes reminiscent of pears, bananas, cloves and pepper. These unique tastes set the country’s beer apart from others, but the brewing culture itself has also allowed creative flavors to flourish as well. Unlike other European brewing traditions, Belgian brewers historically weren't constrained by strict purity laws, freely experimenting with ingredients like wheat, spices and caramelized sugars, introducing a variety of novel flavors to their beverages. Because of this, the country is home to an incredible variety of beer styles, including Trappist beers, Lambics, Saisons, Wheat beers, Dubbels and Tripels, and Flemish Old Brown ales.
Each style offers complex flavors characterized by refinement and balance – and you can experience the differences for yourself during your AmaWaterways cruise on the Dutch and Belgian waterways. With specialized excursions in destinations such as Ghent, Brussels and Antwerp, you will visit a diverse array of breweries, savor many types of beers and enjoy authentic experiences throughout your journey, immersing yourself in the culture this beverage has cultivated across Belgium.
Beer from Bavaria and Beyond
Germany's beer brewing tradition is steeped in history, dating back to ancient times and evolving into a cornerstone of the nation's culture, continuing to influence and shape the global beer industry. The origins of brewing in the country can be traced back to around 800 BC when Germanic tribes began experimenting with fermenting barley and other grains. Archaeological evidence, such as an earthenware amphora from around that time found near Kasendorf, Bavaria, confirms early brewing activities in the region.
As the practice spread throughout Germany, each region added their own flair to the process, developing different flavors. Altbier is a copper-colored beer originating from Düsseldorf and the surrounding Rhineland area. Top-fermented but matured at cooler temperatures, it has a flavor profile that combines ale fruitiness with lager-like crispness. Kölsch, a beer style from Düsseldorf’s neighboring city of Cologne (Köln), is also top-fermented but cold-conditioned, resulting in a lighter, refreshing flavor.
The rivalry between Altbier drinkers in Düsseldorf and Kölsch drinkers in Cologne is particularly noteworthy, highlighting the strong regional attachments to these beer styles. You can savor these beers during your AmaWaterways Rhine River cruise.
Our Celebration of Beer River Cruises
If you’re a true beer enthusiast, the best way to sample these beers in the regions they were brought to life is on one of our new specially curated Celebration of Beer River Cruises. Embark on your immersive journey alongside a dedicated Beer Host, who will provide rich insight into this classic beverage. Enjoy up to three beer tasting excursions on your journey alongside two onboard beer tastings or informative lectures as well as other specially curated beer and culinary experiences.
Contact your travel advisor or visit our Beer Cruise page for more information!