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Master Beer Sommelier

Born in Germany and a citizen of Belgium, beer runs through Jens Piferoen’s blood. Having spent years perfecting his beer palate, Piferoen serves as Master Beer Sommelier
at Belga Café (514 8th Street, SE; Washington, DC; 202-544-0100; www.belgacafe.com), Washington, DC’s original Belgian café. At 28 years of age, Piferoen was not only the first beer sommelier in the District, but his skills have trained other beer aficionados in the metropolitan area casting a national light on the Nation’s Capitol making it a premier beverage destination.

Overseeing Belga Café’s beer program with Executive Chef and Owner Bart Vandaele, Piferoen shares his knowledge and expertise with guests offering an expansive array of his own creations that compliment the concept and energy of the menu. He not only specializes in pairing each of Belga Café’s 135 Belgian brews alongside each dish, but he also executed the beer-based cocktail list and only serves each beer in their original glassware created by the brewery to ensure the flavor of the beer is enhanced through the chemistry and design of the glass… the latter exhibited by a shelving display in Piferoen’s playground, the bar.

Introduced to the hospitality industry at an early age, Piferoen grew up in his parents’ restaurant in Belgium, but it wasn’t until he began working at Brickskeller’s that he discovered his passion. Beginning as a server in 1999, Piferoen worked at the popular saloon for seven years, ultimately becoming a bartender then manager. It was at Brickskeller’s bar that Piferoen was introduced to a diverse variety of beers from around the world and helped him discover his passion for the brewing industry, particularly the brews from his native country, where beer is a leading export.

Inspired by his country’s enthusiasm and tradition of brewing, Piferoen became engrossed in the culture, brewing techniques and tradition of using specific glassware for each beer that is so uniquely Belgian. Joining Belga Café in 2004, Piferoen takes pride in showcasing so many brands from his homeland as well as finding a beer for every guest that walks through the door.

“It’s exciting to be from Belgium, where so many high quality beers are produced from such a small country,” said Piferoen. “And not only high quality, but different varieties. I am just trying to help people experience the different flavors of beer, many of which they don’t automatically think of.”

Piferoen is constantly updating and improving Belga Café’s already impressive beer selection. The current menu features common Belgian favorites such as Duvel, Delirium and Rochefort, as well as Belgian beers unknown State side including Palm, which makes its exclusive first appearance in Washington, DC, on Belga Café's menu. At 261 years old, Palm is the only brewery in the world to use the traditional four Belgian brewing techniques: top, bottom, mix and spontaneous fermentation.

And with that, Piferoen continues to be an original on Capitol Hill.