Belgium’s Historic Beer Diversity: Should We Raise a Pint to Institutions?

Abstract

Despite its relatively small size, Belgium has historically been considered to have the most diverse array of beer varieties in the world. We explore whether Belgium’s institutional history has contributed to its beer diversity. The Belgian area has experienced a heterogeneous and variable array of institutional regimes over the last millennia. In many cases institutional boarders crossed through the Belgian area. We trace the historical development of many of Belgium’s well known beer varieties to specific institutional causes. We also show that the geographic production of important varieties such as Old Brown, Red Brown, Trappist, Lambic, Saison, and Gruitbeer, continues to be influenced by Belgium’s institutional past.

Keywords: Institutions, history of beer, innovation and taxation in brewing, brewing heritage, Belgian beer diversity

JEL Classification: N30, N40, L23, L66