WESTLAND, Mich. - It has been a local Belgian Beer event in Westland  for five years and is now deemed the biggest in North America.

More than 200 varieties of craft beer from more than 80 different Belgian breweries will be available to attendees of the North American Belgian Beer Festival (NABBF) on February 7, 2015, hosted by Ashley's Beer & Grill, 7525 N. Wayne Rd.  

"Microbreweries in Michigan are an expanding industry and we are proud to have a Westland business host an event that features some of the best Belgian Kraft Beers," said Mayor Wild. "This exclusive event is a testament to the international reach our Shop and Dine district in Westland is garnering."  

The one-day NABBF is a greatly expanded version of last year's successful Belgian Bottle Festival, part of the annual Ashley's Belgian Beer Festival, now in its fifth year. The Festival is the largest of its kind, composed exclusively of beers imported from Belgium, a country widely recognized by experts as one of the most important beer countries in the world.

"The North American Belgian Beer Festival is the largest celebration of authentic Belgian beers in the United States," said Steve Villani of Global Beer Network, a major importer of Belgian beers. "Brewers from across Belgium - arguably the best brewing country in the world - will be in attendance to offer samples and educate consumers on some of the best ales the world has to offer."

Attendees will have the opportunity not only to sample many unique specialty and boutique brews but also to pair them with a menu of Belgian-inspired cuisine. Belgian beer experts will be on hand to help educate and guide guests through the amazing diversity and complexity of the Belgian beer world.

The NABBF's emphasis on authenticity is underscored by this year's sponsorship from the Flanders Investment and Trade group of the Consulate General of Belgium.

"We are excited to be part of this year's Festival - it's a great opportunity for Americans to not only taste some amazing beers from Belgium but also to learn about Belgian food and beverage culture," said Heidi Hoover, Trade Director.

"It is rare even in Belgium to have this many of their beers at one place. Festival guests will have a unique experience to learn from experts about Belgium's centuries-old brewing traditions and why that country's craft beers are considered among the best in the world," said Roy More, co-owner of Ashley's.