Chocolate and Jenever (Belgian Gin)Tasting in Ghent

If you’re heading to Ghent and love discovering authentic local flavors, this chocolate and jenever tasting offers a delightful way to spend an afternoon or evening. It promises more than just tasting; it’s about understanding the craftsmanship behind Belgium’s beloved treats, all within a cozy, historic setting. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, curious about gin-like spirits, or simply after a fun, small-group activity, this tour fits the bill.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the personalized, intimate setting with only six guests max ensures you get attention and in-depth stories. Second, the combination of Belgian chocolate and jenever is a unique twist, offering a chance to explore two iconic products in one go. Third, the knowledgeable hosts bring the tasting alive with engaging anecdotes and tips, including a scenting exercise that really sharpens your senses. The only thing to consider? It’s a warmly educational experience, so it’s best suited for those with an interest in food, drinks, or cultural stories—not just quick tastings.

This experience is perfect for foodies, culture seekers, or couples looking for a memorable, authentic activity. If you enjoy learning about local traditions and trying well-curated artisanal products, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Good To Know

• Intimate size for a more personal and engaging experience
• Includes 4 different jenevers, including a 10-year aged option
• Artisanal chocolates from four top Belgian chocolatiers
• Knowledgeable hosts sharing stories, facts, and personal insights
• Located in a historic Flemish stairhouse near Ghent’s main sights
• Taste, smell, and learn about both chocolate and spirits in one session

Location and Atmosphere

The tour takes place at Chocolade Ambassade, a charming chocolate shop situated just a short walk from Ghent’s famous Gravensteen Castle. The shop itself is housed in a 16th-century Flemish stairhouse, adding an authentic historical vibe that enhances the experience. It’s an easy addition to a day of sightseeing—perfect after exploring the castle or wandering through Ghent’s cobblestone streets.

Inside, the tasting room maintains a comfortable temperature around 18°C, ensuring the chocolates stay perfectly fresh and melt-in-your-mouth. The cozy ambiance, coupled with the historic decor, makes the experience feel exclusive and personal—not like walking into a tourist trap.

Group Size and Duration

With a maximum of 6 people, you’re guaranteed a relaxed, intimate setting. This small group size encourages questions and interaction, making the session more engaging and tailored. The 1 hour 30 minutes duration feels ideal—long enough to sample multiple products without fatigue, yet short enough to keep energy and curiosity high.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The session begins with an introduction by one of the founders of Chocolade Ambassade, who shares the shop’s passion for quality chocolate and spirits. You’ll start with a scenting exercise, where your sense of smell is sharpened, setting the stage for deeper appreciation.

Chocolate tasting is next—expect six artisanal chocolates from four renowned Belgian chocolatiers. These chocolates are carefully selected to showcase different styles and flavors, allowing you to compare textures, fillings, and cocoa profiles. The hosts provide insights into what makes each chocolatier special, often sharing behind-the-scenes stories that make each piece more memorable.

The jenever tasting is the highlight—featuring four local jenevers, including a 10-year-aged variety that’s quite rare outside Belgium. Jenever is less known than Belgian beer but offers a fascinating taste profile—sometimes reminiscent of whiskey when aged, with a complex flavor that’s perfect for savoring slowly. The hosts guide you through the tasting process, explaining how each jenever is crafted, its historical significance, and the unique characteristics of each bottle.

Throughout, you’ll learn about Belgium’s craft traditions, the artisans behind the products, and how these spirits and chocolates reflect the country’s rich culinary heritage.

The Beverages: Quality and Variety

The included four jenevers stand out for their range—from lighter, floral styles to a rich, aged flavor. The 10-year-jenever is a treat — its deep complexity often surprises first-timers. The tasting also includes a jenever product, which could be a liqueur or a specially crafted sample.

You’ll be encouraged to smell, sip, and compare each, with water provided to cleanse your palate. Reviewers appreciated the explanations of the origins of each drink, which added depth to the tasting experience.

The Chocolates

Along With the spirits, you’ll sample five artisanal chocolates from top Belgian chocolatiers. These chocolates aren’t mass-produced but made with care, highlighting Belgian craftsmanship. Reviewers have loved the opportunity to compare different styles—from dark, intense chocolates to milk and specialty fillings.

The chocolates are paired thoughtfully with the jenever, creating flavor combinations that range from sweet and smooth to bold and complex. The hosts often share tips on how to best enjoy these chocolates and spirits at home, making this a practical experience as well.

The Personal Touch

One of the key features of this tour is the personal involvement of the hosts. As described in reviews, they are knowledgeable and welcoming, eager to share stories and answer questions. Their enthusiasm makes the session not just educational but also fun—particularly during the scenting exercise, which many found surprisingly enjoyable and engaging.

Post-Tasting: Shopping and Recommendations

After the tasting, you can purchase chocolates directly from the shop. The hosts also offer suggestions for where to buy authentic jenever and other local food or craft items in Ghent, making this a practical stop for souvenir hunting.

Pricing and Value

At $91.92 per person, the experience offers a curated, high-quality introduction to Belgian chocolate and jenever. Given the inclusion of four jenevers (including a rare aged variety), six chocolates, and the personal guidance, the value seems well justified—especially for those wanting an authentic, intimate experience.

The small-group format ensures that you’re not just a number, and the local guide’s insights are a bonus that elevates this beyond a typical tasting.

This activity is ideal for culinary enthusiasts, curious travelers, couples, or small groups. If you like discovering local traditions through tasting, or if you want a relaxing but educational activity that pairs history with flavor, you’ll find this experience rewarding. It’s especially good if you’re interested in Belgium’s lesser-known spirits and want to learn about the craftsmanship behind them.

In essence, this chocolate and jenever experience offers more than just a tasting. It provides a deep dive into Belgian craftsmanship, with passionate guides, high-quality products, and a historic setting that elevates the whole experience. The small-group size allows for personalized attention, and the combination of flavors creates memorable sensory contrasts.

It’s perfect for those who appreciate authentic local products and want to learn the story behind each sip and bite. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or simply seeking a unique activity in Ghent, this tasting offers value, education, and fun—all in one compact package.

• What is included in the tour? The tour includes four local jenevers (including a 10-year aged option), five artisanal chocolates from different Belgian chocolatiers, and water.

• Where does the tasting take place? It happens at Chocolade Ambassade, a historic chocolate shop located near Ghent’s Gravensteen Castle, in a 16th-century Flemish stairhouse.

• How long is the tour? The experience lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, providing enough time to enjoy and learn without feeling rushed.

• Is this activity suitable for children? No, due to the inclusion of strong alcohol, participants must be 18 or older.

• Can I buy the chocolates and jenever? Yes, you can purchase chocolates after the session, and the hosts can recommend where to buy authentic jenever in Ghent.

• Is transportation needed? Transportation is not included, but the location is near public transit, making it easy to reach.

• Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

• Are there any dietary restrictions? The products may contain traces of gluten, eggs, milk, soy, nuts, or sesame. Please inform the hosts of any allergies beforehand.

This tasting offers a charming, educational peek into Belgium’s culinary heritage, making it a worthwhile addition to any Ghent itinerary.