Mongozo
Merelbeke-Melle, Belgium
Belgium has always been wonderfully open-minded about beer. Wild fermentation, fruit beer, farmhouse ales, spices, herbs, basically anything capable of fermenting eventually got attempted somewhere. Mongozo continues that slightly adventurous tradition from a more modern angle.
Originally developed in the Netherlands with strong Belgian brewing influence, Mongozo became known for beers inspired by global ingredients and brewing traditions. Coconut, banana, quinoa and palm nut all appear across the range, often alongside gluten-free and fairtrade-focused production.
The beers themselves remain surprisingly approachable despite the unusual ingredients. Mongozo Coconut carries soft sweetness and gentle tropical character balanced by light wheat beer freshness, while the banana version somehow avoids becoming completely ridiculous despite sounding like it absolutely should.
What makes Mongozo interesting is that the beers still feel beer-led rather than novelty-driven. The ingredients contribute flavour and texture without turning everything into liquid desserts or gimmicks.
There’s also something quite refreshing about breweries willing to explore global flavour influences without pretending they’ve reinvented civilisation in the process. Just slightly different beer, made thoughtfully, for people who enjoy trying something outside the usual lager-and-IPA cycle.
