Chocolate and Jenever (Belgian Gin)Tasting in Ghent

A Tasty Journey Through Ghent’s Chocolate and Jenever Scene

In the heart of Ghent, just a short walk from the iconic Gravensteen Castle, you’ll find a delightful experience waiting for you: a Chocolate and Jenever Tasting that lasts about an hour and a half. For $91.92 per person, this small-group tour—limited to just six participants—offers a close-up look at two of Belgium’s most treasured creations: artisanal chocolates and local jenevers. Led by one of the shop’s founders, this tasting promises to be as engaging as it is delicious, blending local craftsmanship with stories that bring each sip and bite to life.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is the combination of two iconic Belgian products in one session—the perfectly paired chocolates from four top chocolatiers, along with five unique jenevers, including a rare 10-year-aged variety. We also love the intimate setting in a 16th-century Flemish stairhouse, which adds authentic charm and makes it easy to combine with a day of sightseeing.

One potential consideration? Since the tasting is held in a chocolate shop, the temperature stays around 18°C to keep the chocolates at their best, so bringing a sweater might be wise if you’re sensitive to cooler environments.

This experience suits curious travelers who want a hands-on, authentic taste of Belgium beyond its famous beers, especially those interested in exploring lesser-known local spirits and high-quality chocolates in a friendly, intimate atmosphere.

Key Points

• Authentic Belgian craftsmanship showcased through local chocolates and jenevers
• Small-group setting for personalized attention and engaging stories
• Historic location in a 16th-century Flemish stairhouse near Ghent’s main sights
• Insightful guides who share details about the origins and production of the products
• Opportunity to purchase chocolates and get recommendations for local stores
• Ideal for food lovers and those curious about regional spirits beyond beer

A Closer Look at What to Expect

The Location and Atmosphere

The tasting takes place at Chocolade Ambassade, a charming shop close to Ghent’s historic center. The 16th-century Flemish stairhouse setting enriches the experience, making it feel more like a visit to a local artisan’s workshop than a tourist trap. After all, walking through Ghent’s streets, you’ll notice how well this spot fits into the city’s authentic character.

The shop is small, with a maximum of six guests, which means you’ll enjoy a more personalized experience. We loved the way the environment fosters a sense of intimacy and allows the guide to pay close attention to each participant’s questions and responses.

The Guide and the Experience

One of the highlights is the personal involvement of the guide, who is one of the shop’s founders. Their passion for Belgian chocolate and jenever shines through as they share engaging stories and detailed insights—not just about the products but about the artisans and traditions behind them.

Reviews highlight how knowledgeable and welcoming the host is, with one reviewer mentioning, “The host was incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming. The explanations of the origins of the drink were great.” Expect to learn about the history of jenever, its connection to gin and whiskey, and what makes each variety unique.

Tasting Details and Flavors

The tasting typically includes four carefully selected jenevers, among them a rare 10-year-aged jenever, which offers a complex, smooth flavor that often surprises those unfamiliar with aged spirits from Belgium. You’ll also sample six artisanal chocolates from different premier Belgian chocolatiers, each with its own distinct style and flavor profile.

What sets this apart is the pairing approach—experts guide you on how the chocolates complement the jenevers, highlighting flavor combinations that might be new to most. As one reviewer said, “We tried so many different chocolates and Genevers, with incredible flavor pairings.”

The Tasting and Scenting Exercise

A fun element is the scent evaluation activity, where you’ll train your nose to identify different aromas in the spirits. This interactive component is praised for being both educational and entertaining, helping you appreciate the nuances of each jenever.

Post-Tasting Opportunities

After the session, if you wish, you can purchase chocolates from the shop or get recommendations on where to buy jenever locally. This is a great chance to bring home a piece of Ghent’s artisanal craft or explore other local food and craft products.

Practical Details and Value

While the price of around $92 might seem a bit steep, the value lies in the quality of the products, personalized storytelling, and authentic setting. For those interested in Belgian culinary traditions beyond their renowned beer, this tasting offers an intimate, high-quality introduction.

The tour also emphasizes the educational aspect—you’ll leave with a better understanding of what makes Belgian chocolates and jenevers special, along with tasting skills you can use elsewhere.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for food lovers curious about Belgian specialties, especially those who appreciate artisan craftsmanship. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy small-group experiences with personal interaction and storytelling. If you’re into spirits and chocolates, or simply want a memorable, taste-focused activity in Ghent, you’ll find this engaging and rewarding.

It’s particularly suited for those who want to experience local traditions in an authentic setting, rather than a large, commercialized tasting. And if you like the idea of pairing spirits with chocolates—something a bit different from the usual—this tour will satisfy that craving.

The Value Proposition

In sum, this experience offers a combination of education, authentic flavors, and intimacy. The small-group format and personal guide make it stand out, while the historical location adds a layer of charm. You will come away with a deeper appreciation for Belgium’s lesser-known spirits and high-quality chocolates, along with the ability to identify and describe complex flavors.

For travelers who enjoy culinary exploration and want to support local artisans, this is a superb choice. It’s also a wonderful introduction for those new to spirits like jenever or looking to broaden their tasting palate.

While the price might seem high at first glance, the level of detail, the quality of the products, and the engaging storytelling make it a solid value for anyone who loves quality food experiences.

FAQ

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

How long does the tasting last?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a perfect short activity that won’t take up your whole evening.

Can I buy the chocolates or jenever after the tasting?
Yes, you are encouraged to purchase chocolates, and staff can offer recommendations for where to buy jenever in Ghent.

Is transportation needed for this tour?
No, the meeting point is within walking distance of Ghent’s main sights. Public transportation is nearby, making it easy to reach.

What should I wear?
The environment is a chocolate shop, kept at around 18°C to preserve the chocolates. If you tend to feel cold, bringing a sweater is advisable.

Are there any allergies or dietary considerations?
Yes, the products may contain traces of gluten, eggs, milk, soy, nuts, sesame, and more. Travelers should inform the staff of any allergies beforehand. It’s not recommended for those with severe food allergies due to cross-contamination risks.

To sum it up, if you’re looking for a delightful, authentic taste of Belgium that combines education and enjoyment in a cozy setting, this chocolate and jenever tasting in Ghent hits the mark. It’s a wonderful way to connect with local artisans’ craftsmanship, indulge your senses, and take home a few new flavor favorites.