Belgian Beer

Belgium issued a set of five stamps on the culture of beer drinking in Belgium. 

In 2016, the beer culture in Belgium was inscribed on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

UNESCO said: “Making and appreciating beer is part of the living heritage of a range of communities throughout Belgium. It plays a role in daily life, as well as festive occasions.

The new Belgian pane of five non-denominated stamps for international mail honours this recognition. The logos of UNESCO and Intangible Cultural Heritage are shown in selvage in the lower right. Beer bottles and bubbles from the head of the beer also are depicted in the selvage.The stamps represent five facets of the Belgian beer culture: craft, diversity, culture, beer and gastronomy, and the social aspect.

 I honestly had no idea that Belgian Beers were included in the UNESCO list of cultural heritage ! 

Usually the hard beers are served in different types of glasses in Begian cafes - which is what is shown in the stamp on my envelope :) Belgian "special" beers (stronger or bottled beers) are often served in elaborate branded beer glassware. Unless the bar is out of the specific glass that goes with that beer it is more often than not served in its own glass. Most bartenders or waitresses will apologize if the beer comes in a different glass.

I only wish the Begian post had taken more care to postmark the stamp on the cover !