How a Belgian Civil Servant Served Up the Ultimate Beer-Soaked Petty Revenge
In Belgium, beer isn’t just a drink—it’s a cultural institution, a way to celebrate, commiserate, and sometimes, as one legendary civil servant proved, to deliver the sweetest (and hoppiest) form of petty revenge. This is the story of a man whose farewell party became the stuff of office legend, thanks to a basket of carefully chosen brews and a dash of understated Belgian humor.
When your country boasts thousands of unique beers—each with its own name, glass, and personality—why settle for a boring goodbye card when you can let the beer do the talking? Get ready to raise a glass to a masterclass in office politics, Belgian style.
Let’s set the scene: Our hero, a high-ranking Belgian civil servant, had climbed the bureaucratic ladder only to realize that management wasn’t his pint of choice. Faced with the soul-crushing task of shuffling colleagues’ lives like chess pieces—telling a young mother she’d have to commute 50 kilometers to work, for instance—he decided to step down, returning to his beloved field of tax law. (Dull to some, but as his child lovingly notes, he excelled at it.)
But office life, like a good Trappist ale, is never entirely sweet. The shuffle meant that one of his former subordinates took over as his boss—a man who, let’s say, enjoyed the taste of power almost as much as Belgians enjoy their saison. While our protagonist was nearing retirement and didn’t let it get to him, the opportunity for a tasteful little send-off was brewing.
Belgium’s beer culture is legendary. As Redditor u/CoderJoe1 put it, “TIL Belgium beer marketing is genius.” Indeed, with brands like Duvel (“Devil”), Judas, and Troubadour, every bottle tells a story—and sometimes, a sly inside joke.
So, when retirement day rolled around, our civil servant prepared a parting gift for each close colleague: a bottle of beer chosen for its symbolic name, paired with its distinctive glass, and engraved with a personal message. For Martha, there was “Martha.” For the music lover, “Troubadour.” For the optimist, “Bonne Espérance” (Good Hope). Each gift was as thoughtful as it was Belgian.
But the pièce de résistance was reserved for his boss—the man who now sat in the chair our hero once occupied. Instead of a single bottle, he received an extravagant basket filled exclusively with beers sporting less-than-flattering names: Duvel (Devil), Judas, Schijnheilig Paterke (Self-Righteous Little Monk), Stouterik (Troublemaker), and Flierefluiter (a fool not to be taken seriously).
As u/warumistsiekrumm quipped, “Dad was savage. That man couldn't even put out his burn with all that beer.” The boss accepted the basket with a big smile—until he started reading the labels. Realization dawned. The speech he’d prepared for the farewell party was left undelivered as he made a hasty, red-faced exit.
The Reddit community ate up every drop of this tale. “Your father has a wonderful sense of humor. lol,” wrote u/MuchDevelopment7084, echoing the collective admiration. Others, like u/Becalmandkind, marveled at the creativity: “Self righteous little monk! 😂🤣 I love it!” Even those who aren’t fans of Belgian beer found themselves wishing for a taste of “Schijnheilig Paterke”—because who could resist a brew with a backstory like that?
Some, like u/Travelchick8, used the story as a springboard to celebrate Belgian beer’s rich traditions: “The 2be Beer Wall in Bruges is one of my favorite places. I loved looking at all the different beers with their corresponding glasses.” The iconic glassware, each tailored to its beer, is a beloved part of the ritual—and in this case, the perfect vehicle for a not-so-subtle message.
Others pointed out just how much room there is for creativity in the world of Belgian beer names. “Not a single bottle of Mort Subite?” joked u/meipsus, referencing the famous “Sudden Death” lambic. “He could have been a lot more savage,” agreed u/merlinou, though the selected lineup already packed quite the punch.
On a more heartfelt note, commenters like u/Travelchick8 and u/Stregabomb recognized the man behind the prank: “Your dad was a king for that move. I’m sure he made an amazing manager when he was managing people.” Many offered condolences and raised their own virtual glasses in tribute: “I will raise a toast to your father's savage humour when I next open a Belgian beer,” promised u/Gold_Au_2025.
If there’s a lesson here (besides “never underestimate a Belgian with access to a bottle shop”), it’s that wit, kindness, and just a smidge of mischief are the best ingredients for dealing with difficult people. As u/Powerful_Put_6977 put it, “That was absolutely the best power move by your father. ... Now he's shown you how it's done, let's hope you can carry on his legacy should the need ever arise.”
So next time you find yourself facing a toxic manager or a workplace foe, remember: you don’t need to make a scene to make your point. Sometimes, the perfect message can be delivered with a smile, a glass, and just the right beer. Proost!
What’s your favorite creative act of workplace revenge (petty or otherwise)? Any legendary beers from your country with names fit for a comeback? Share your story—and raise a glass to cleverness in the comments below!
Original Reddit Post: In Belgium, even petty revenge is served with beer