“More than a guidebook, this elegantly-written, deeply researched book gets right to the heart of Europe’s most fascinating brewing culture.”

Will Hawkes

Beer, food, and travel journalist with bylines at The Washington Post, Financial Times, The Guardian, Sydney Morning Herald, and The Daily Telegraph, among others

"A worthy successor to Michael Jackson. Few people have done more in recent years than Breandán to uncover the fascinating stories behind contemporary Belgian beer, and Hidden Beers is the excellent culmination of this mission."

Eoghan Walsh

Author of A history of Brussels Beer in 50 objects and Brussels Beer City: Stories from Brussels' Brewing Past

“This is more than a guide; it's a beautiful spellbook that animates some of the most singular, compelling, and evocative beers ever brewed.”

Kate Bernot

Director of the North American Guild of Beer Writers, and beer writer with bylines at The New York Times, The Washington Post, Imbibe Magazine, and Thrillist

“Breandán Kearney is one of the most consistently perceptive voices on Belgian beer and Belgian beer culture. He combines the clear eye of an outsider with deep insider knowledge, gathered in the ground, and is always able to find a compelling human angle.”

Boak and Bailey

Authors of Brew Britannia and 20th Century Pub; Beer Writers of the Year 2014.

Why this book now?

“Breandan's book is timely, well researched, and it takes you off the Belgian-Brewery-Beaten-Path. Introducing the reader to many smaller and less-well-known Belgian brewers who are currently making beautiful beers at an artisanal scale backed by thousands of years of tradition and a timeless drive for quality and distinction.”

Sam Calagione

Founder and Brewer, Dogfish Head Brewery

“Breandán Kearney has two wonderful qualities. He is passionate about beer culture. And he is a fantastic writer, who revels in storytelling. In Hidden Beers of Belgium, he shares his curiosity as he travels around the country in search of beers that you haven’t heard of—at least not yet.”

Leo Cendrowicz

Editor, The Brussels Times Magazine

"There's something in Hidden Beers for every type of beer drinker—a broad selection of styles and brewing philosophies. A uniquely fresh approach to the Belgian beer scene.”

Ray Daniels

Founder, Cicerone Certification Program

“Belgium has a long relationship and deep cultural roots with beer. But this does not mean it is stagnant. Hidden Beers is a great illustration of old and new; fantastic established breweries and new gems. This book will guide you to the discovery of your next great Belgian beer."

Peter Bouckaert

Owner/Brewmaster Purpose Brewing and Cellars, Former Brewmaster at Rodenbach and New Belgium Brewing Co

What's the book about?

"Hidden Beers of Belgium will supercharge your joy for Belgian beer, every page inspiring refreshing insight. Beer heaven just got an upgrade."

Charlie Papazian

Founder of the Brewers Association, the American Homebrewers Association, the World Beer Cup®, and the Great American Beer Festival, and author of The Complete Joy of Homebrewing

"Despite its breadth, this is no inaccessible encyclopaedia. Breandán and Ashley have delivered the perfect book for those who want to go deep into Belgian brewing culture and explore the country's most interesting independent beers."

David Jesudason

Journalist for BBC Culture, The Guardian, Vittles, and Pellicle, Beer Writer of the Year 2023 - British Guild of Beer Writers; Author of Desi Pubs: A guide to British-Indian pubs, food and culture

“In recent times, the late Michael Jackson celebrated Belgian beer culture, and now we have Breandán Kearney. His fantastic new book beautifully showcases our rich beer heritage.”

Luc de Raedemaeker

Belgian beer educator, Editor-in-Chief of Bier Grand Cru, and co-author of The Belgian Beer Book

“A vital and revitalising new resource for the beautiful, unsung heroes of the Belgian beer world, full of passion and respect for the beers it represents.”

Katie Mather

Deputy Editor at Pellicle and writer of the food and drinks newsletter The Gulp

"Breandán is one of beer's finest storytellers and this exceptional book uncovers just how rich and deep Belgian beer culture really goes. The stunning photography from Ashley that accompanies each section really brings each of these tales to life. It's a must for every beer lovers library."

Matt Curtis

Co-founder of Pellicle and author of Modern British Beer and Manchester’s Best Beer Pubs and Bars

"Delve into the undiscovered landscape of Belgian beer and plan your beer pilgrimage. All the work has been done for you!"

Regula Ysewijn

Judge and TV Presenter on the Belgian version of The Great British Bake Off and the Author of six books about food culture, including Belgian Café Culture.

"Drinking beer in Belgium is easy. Drinking great beer, fermented far off the beaten path, is far trickier. Breandán Kearney has created a crucial compass guiding travelers to the best Belgian beer you haven't tried—yet."

Joshua Bernstein

Journalist with bylines at The New York Times, Bon Appétit, Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Saveur, Food & Wine, VinePair, and Imbibe, and the author of The Complete Beer Course

"I thought I’d read all of the books about Belgian beer I needed to read, but then Hidden Beers came along. It's full of stories of craftsmanship and features both tears of joy and tears of struggle, each told in the comforting, informative, smart, and knowledgeable voice of Kearney and accompanied by Joanna's compelling photography."

Jens Skrubbe

Belgian beer expert based in Sweden who has worked with Belgian beers for over 23 years, including with Belgoklubben and and Pressklubben, as well as being an ’Honorary Knight of the Knighthood of the Brewers Paddle’.

"Breandán is one of my favourite beer writers. He finds the story and the soul of every beer he talks about, and in this book that means some incredible and previously untold tales. An essential addition to any beer lover's library.”

Jonny Garrett

Co-founder of the Craft Beer Channel and author of books including Beer School, The London Craft Beer Guide, A Year in Beer, and The Meaning of Beer

"No country has more wonderful yet obscure beers than Belgium, and no one in as good a position to reveal them as Kearney and Joanna."

Jeff Alworth

Author of The Beer Bible, The Secrets of Master Brewers, and The Widmer Way.

“I can't quit returning to the photo of Colleke's "Pay It Forward" board on page 42 of Hidden Beers, and thinking that is what Breandán Kearney has done with this book. He's been there and left us directions to do the same.”

Stan Hieronymus

Author of Brewing with Wheat and Brew like a Monk, and owner of www.appellationbeer.com

Breandán Kearney

Writer

Ashley Joanna

Photographer

“Like wallowing in an old estaminet with a deep cellar and layers of antiques, Hidden Beers is a dive back into the quirky esoterica that hooked many of us on Belgian brewing in the first place. No tacky breweriana here, though—Joanna’s photography is all class, and the beers that Kearney picks are deep cuts genuinely worth hunting, each with a story worth reading.”

Joe Stange

Managing Editor of Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine and Co-author of Good Beer Guide Belgium

"In this book, Breandán and Ashley take you on a journey through the hidden gems that every Belgian beer geek should know. Discover their back-stories, meet the wonderful people behind them, and prepare to get very thirsty."

Cédric Dautinger

Belgian beer journalist for BEER.be

“Even after 30 years of brewing beer professionally, I still love to explore new beers and breweries, especially in Belgium. In Hidden Beers, Breandán and Ashley have shown me the next wave of gems worth exploring.”

Vinnie Cilurzo

Co-Owner of Russian River Brewing Company, California, USA

“The tradition of Belgian brewing is revered thanks to some brands that have crossed the border and traversed the globe. Still, to experience the flavors, history, and uniqueness that is Belgian beer, it is best to do so in person. Barring a trip, this book—filled with insight and veneration—is the next best thing. The breweries seem to leap off the page because of Ashley Joanna’s insightful photography and are given soul by the words of Breandán Kearney.”

John Holl

Editor of All About Beer

“As a beer writer who has traveled the world to drink, I wish I had Hidden Beers in my back pocket when I visited Belgium for the first time. I’m checking right now to make sure my passport is still up to date.”

Grace Lee-Weitz

Senior Editor for Hop Culture and Untappd

“Breandán Kearney has immersed himself in Belgium's beer culture. He has written extensively about Belgian breweries and a book on the subject by him is eagerly awaited.”

Roger Protz

Campaigner and broadcaster and the author of more than 25 books about beer and brewing

"Unique stories and unique beers. Hidden Beers is a book that makes me curious to visit these breweries and discover more."

Freddy Van Daele

Chairperson of Zythos vzw, the Belgian beer consumer organisation

In Summary...