Belgian beers are considered by many to be the world's finest, as complex and nuanced as French wine and a heck of a lot more fun to drink. Fortunately for suds aficionados, the country's most celebrated brews will be on tap from November 14-15, 2009 at the Bruges Beer Festival, where visitors can sample flavors that date back centuries. Now in its third year, the festival will welcome 67 breweries and beer firms who will present about 278 locally-made beers, ranging from the darkest Abbey ales - which are often served with cheese - to fruit-sweetened lambics, which pair perfectly with desserts. To discover your own favorites, start by purchasing a sampling glass for three euros and a handful of beer tokens for 1.25 euros each. Then, walk up and down the aisles of the Bruges Market's Halletoren and sample brews from every region of Belgium, pausing to chat with the brewers who are on hand to answer questions and share the history of their product. As if the beer tasting wasn't enough, local chefs will create gourmet dishes using beer as an ingredient, and several prominent brewers and beer experts will offer lectures and discussions on brewing techniques, regional styles, and tips to be an expert taster. If the weather's nice, take your brew to the outer terrace of the inner court of the historic belfry for some open-air sipping. I can't think of a better way to experience this gorgeous old city. Bruges is just a 50 minute train ride from Brussels, where Starwood has four properties including the luxurious Le Meridien Brussels.
