Chocolate and Jenever (Belgian Gin)Tasting in Ghent

Explore Belgian Chocolate and Jenever in Ghent for $91.92

This 1 hour 30 minutes tasting experience in Ghent, Belgium, offers a delightful combination of Belgian chocolates and local jenever, all for $91.92 per person. Limited to small groups of up to 6 people, the tour provides an intimate setting to enjoy high-quality products in a historic location. The tour is conducted at Chocolade Ambassade, a charming shop just around the corner from Gravensteen Castle, making it easy to combine with sightseeing.

What makes this experience stand out is the focus on craftsmanship behind both chocolates and jenever. It’s a perfect choice for those interested in discovering lesser-known Belgian drinks alongside artisanal chocolates. The guided tasting is led by one of the shop’s founders, who shares engaging stories and insights into the history and production of these products. The tour also includes a 10-year aged jenever, offering a rare tasting opportunity.

While the tour is primarily focused on educating guests about Belgian food and drink, it’s also designed to be fun and interactive, with a scenting exercise and personalized recommendations. Be aware that transportation is not included, and the experience takes place indoors in a temperature-controlled chocolate shop. This makes it ideal for those wanting a cozy, informative, and delicious activity within Ghent’s vibrant city center.

Key Points

• Small-group experience limited to 6 participants for a personalized tasting
• Includes 4 different jenevers, including a 10-year aged variety
• Pairs five artisanal chocolates from Belgian chocolatiers
• Led by one of the founders of Chocolade Ambassade, offering expert insights
• Location is a historic Flemish stairhouse near Gravensteen Castle
• Duration of 1.5 hours with water included, no transportation provided

The Historic Setting of Ghent’s Chocolade Ambassade

The tasting occurs at Chocolade Ambassade, a chocolate shop located within an authentic 16th-century Flemish stairhouse. This building’s unique architecture creates a cozy, historical atmosphere that complements the artisanal products. Its proximity to Ghent’s key sights, such as Gravensteen Castle, makes it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the city. The shop’s focus on quality and craftsmanship ensures a genuine experience rooted in Belgium’s chocolate heritage.

The interior temperature is maintained around 18°C to preserve the chocolates’ quality, so it’s recommended to bring a sweater if you’re sensitive to cooler temperatures. The small group size enhances the intimacy, allowing for personalized attention and in-depth explanations from the guide.

The Guide and Personal Stories Behind Belgian Craft

The guide leading the tasting is one of the founders of Chocolade Ambassade, who shares stories and insights into both chocolates and jenevers. This personal touch makes the experience more engaging, as the guide explains the craftsmanship, origins, and unique characteristics of each product. Visitors appreciate the knowledgeable and welcoming approach, which makes the tasting accessible even for those new to Belgian spirits or fine chocolates.

The trainings include sensory exercises, such as scenting the jenever, which adds a fun and interactive element to the session. These activities help guests appreciate the nuances of the flavors and aromas, making it a memorable learning experience.

Discovering Belgian Jenever: From Classic to Aged

Belgian jenever remains a somewhat hidden gem outside of Belgium, yet it holds a special place in the country’s drink culture. Known as the ancestor of gin, jenever can sometimes resemble whiskey when aged, giving it a rich, complex profile. The tour highlights four local jenevers, including a 10-year aged variety, which are carefully selected for their diverse styles and flavors.

Guests get to taste different types of jenever, learning about production techniques and historical significance. The guided explanations help clarify how aging affects the flavor, and why jenever deserves more recognition alongside Belgian beer and chocolates.

Pairing Artisanal Chocolates from Top Belgian Makers

The chocolates offered are from four distinguished Belgian chocolatiers, each representing different styles and techniques. The six chocolates are carefully curated to showcase varieties and flavors that pair well with the jenevers. Guests can expect to taste high-quality, artisanal chocolates that exemplify Belgium’s chocolate craftsmanship.

The pairings are designed to enhance the tasting, allowing guests to experience complementary flavors in each combination. After the session, there’s an opportunity to purchase chocolates directly from the shop, making it easy to bring home a delicious souvenir of the experience.

The Tasting Experience: From the Scenting Exercise to Flavor Pairings

The tasting session begins with a scenting exercise, where participants learn to detect and identify the aromas of different jenevers. This interactive element is both educational and fun, and it sets the stage for appreciating the complex profiles of the spirits.

Throughout the session, the guide shares engaging facts about the history, production, and cultural significance of both chocolate and jenever. The pairings are presented thoughtfully, with insights into why certain chocolates complement specific jenevers. The whole process is designed to be informative and enjoyable, taking just over an hour.

Logistics: Meeting Point and Group Size

The meeting point is Chocolade Ambassade at Kraanlei 3 in Ghent. The activity starts promptly at 5:00 pm, and guests are advised to arrive a few minutes early to settle in. The group size is limited to 6 people, ensuring plenty of opportunity for questions and personalized attention.

Since transportation is not included, visitors should plan to arrive on their own. The shop’s location in the city center makes it accessible by public transport and within walking distance of other attractions.

Who Should Book This Belgian Tasting?

This experience is ideal for adults interested in food and drink, especially those curious about lesser-known Belgian spirits like jenever. It’s perfect for culinary enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone wanting a relaxed, intimate activity that combines education and tasting. The small-group format ensures a personalized and interactive session, making it suitable for couples, friends, or solo travelers.

However, the tasting contains alcohol, and participants must be over 18. The experience is not recommended for people with severe food allergies or intolerance to gluten, eggs, milk, soy, nuts, or sesame, as cross-contamination may occur.

The Sum Up: A Unique Belgian Food and Drink Journey

The Chocolate and Jenever Tasting in Ghent offers a delightful insight into Belgian craftsmanship—from luxurious chocolates to aged jenevers. Its historic location, personal guide, and interactive format make it an engaging choice for adults seeking a cultural and gastronomic experience. While it’s a relatively short tour, the depth of knowledge and quality of products make it well worth the $91.92 price tag.

This tour best suits those who appreciate artisan foods and want to learn more about Belgium’s hidden drink heritage. Its small-group size guarantees a personal touch, and the location near Ghent’s main sights allows for easy integration into a day of sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, since the tasting involves strong alcohol, it is only for adults over 18.

Can I book this experience last-minute?
Booking is typically made 34 days in advance on average, but availability may vary.

Are food allergies a concern?
The products may contain traces of gluten, eggs, milk, soy, nuts, sesame, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed. It’s important to inform the provider before booking.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers 4 jenevers (including a 10-year aged one), 6 artisanal chocolates, and water.

Where is the meeting point?
The activity starts at Chocolade Ambassade, Kraanlei 3, Ghent.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Is transportation provided?
No, guests must arrange their own transport to the meeting point.

What is the best way to dress?
The indoor location is maintained around 18°C, so bringing a sweater is advisable if you are easily cold.