Fruit "beard": what Barbe Ruby is famous for
At first glance the frivolous name and the brutal label - this beer seems to work on the contrast, immediately attracting attention. Although in fact there is no contradiction - "barbe" means "beard" in French. And not just any beard, but a specific one - the famous Belgian brewers. But first things first.
How it all began
Once upon a time, back in the Middle Ages, there was a Barbe d'Or brewery in the Belgian city of Liège. It belonged to a noble family of de Homme - and apparently it stood out because it left its mark on history. The masters from Verhaeghe decided to perpetuate the memory of their ancestors and created a line of Barbe fruit beers. On the label they put the family coat of arms of the noblemen who owned the brewery.
Barbe beer became popular first of all thanks to its producer. Verhaeghe brewery became famous because it was the first Belgian brewery - in the 19th century - that started to sell its products not close to the production facility, as was customary, but in the capital. During World War I the company was suspended, but then it managed to win the trust of customers again and now it is rightfully considered one of the most iconic and legendary in Belgium.
А сейчас?
Despite its fruity character, Barbe Ruby has retained its serious medieval character. Quite strong (about 8 degrees), not sweet, but rather tart and spicy, with a slight acidity in the end, it conquers from the first sip even those who are generally indifferent to this direction. At the very beginning the taste captures the cherry with a bone and notes of wine barrels, then hints of almonds are added, and at the finish there are light nuances of grapes and citrus fruits. A stunning combination that is impossible not to fall in love with!
Barbe Ruby's aroma is also very rich. It has tones of ripe cherries, elderberries, almonds, and true connoisseurs will also feel light vanilla hints.
Ruby beer is brewed by top fermentation. Only natural ingredients: water, wheat, barley malt, sugar, yeast, hops and fruit extract. Despite the strength of the drink, there is almost no alcohol in it - and this is also the merit of the brewers, who hone their recipes to perfection.
The producer recommends serving the beer chilled to 6-8 degrees in a branded glass, which also features the famous beard. This way you can fully enjoy the unique bright taste and special character of Barbe Ruby, which keeps the memory of talented medieval brewers. Come to any Belgian beer restaurant - and enjoy a pleasant tasting!
Japanese beer Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager
It is tacitly believed that the best beer is brewed in Europe — Belgium, Germany and the Czech Republic. However, there are other countries which produce high-quality foam, it is just that it is not so popular in Russia. For example, Japan. Connoisseurs will confirm: it is almost impossible to find tasteless beer in the land of the rising sun. On the shelves of Japanese stores there are both classic varieties and unusual labels. A bright representative of the latter is Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager. Let’s find out what exactly it is good for. Freshness and harmony The original Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager is brewed on the basis of Hitachino Nest Lager light lager, but with a secret ingredient. Yuzu juice, or Japanese citron, is added to the drink. Thanks to this fruit, the taste and aroma of the beer acquires characteristic citrus notes, refreshing sourness and piquant bitterness. In addition to yuzu itself, the flavor of Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager has notes of tangerine, grapefruit, malt and hops. And in addition to the citrus sourness, the full-bodied flavor also shows light malt notes. Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager is so refreshing and drinkable that it is often consumed without gastronomic accompaniment, as an aperitif. It is the perfect drink for hot weather or to quench thirst. This beer can also be served with light appetizers, salads and seafood. A bit of history If you want to delve more into Japanese beer culture, it’s also worth learning more about the maker of Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager. This is a Kiuchi company founded by Kiuchi Nihei in the city of Naka in 1823. Initially, the company only produced sake, and later switched to other alcohols such as wine, liqueurs, and beer. In 1996, Kiuchi put beer production on stream by opening its own mini-brewery, Hitachino Nest. Hitachino is the old name of the province, which in ancient times was known for its fertile soils and abundant crops of grains from which excellent beer was brewed. Kiuchi products have repeatedly received prestigious awards at beer competitions and festivals, not only in Japan, but also abroad. The beer is appreciated for its excellent taste and quality, and the company itself is appreciated for its loyalty to tradition: since its foundation, for almost two centuries, it has been owned by the same family. Looking for a place to try Japanese beer in Moscow? Come to any Lambic beer restaurant. We have many interesting varieties that will pleasantly surprise you!
24 March 2025
Summer lambics: refresh yourself with a fruity beer from Belgium
When the thermometer is high, nothing is as refreshing as a cold beer. Especially if it’s lambics — a traditional Belgian sour beer with natural juice, which not only gives a pleasant coolness, but also pleases with deep flavor. Why fruit beer saves you in the heat Light sourness, sparkling «character» and juicy fruit notes make lambics an ideal drink for summer. Unlike heavy ales or bitter IPAs, fruit beers are easy to drink, almost like lemonade, but with a distinctive beer depth. It stimulates the appetite, quenches thirst and gives a feeling of freshness thanks to the natural juices in the composition — cherry, raspberry, peach or other fruits and berries. What to choose The best option for hot weather — sour lambics, which do not leave an unpleasant feeling of lusciousness, like a sweeter beer or soda. For example, the classic cherry Kriek MAX. The bright flavor of ripe berries and pleasant sourness make it perfect for a hot day. «Kriek» is not too sweet, with a slight tartness and a long aftertaste. If you like softer, sweeter options, Lindemans Pecheresse is your choice. This peach lambic has a honeyed and fruity bouquet, a light sparkle and velvety texture, and a slight acidity and refreshing note in the finish. A variant for cider lovers, but it’s still a lambic — Lindemans Apple. The drink has a bright rich taste, which perfectly balances the sweetness of red and sourness of green apples, pleasant aroma and refreshing aftertaste. Perfect for a hot day! How to drink lambics in the heat For a beer to be truly refreshing, proper serving is important. Lambics should be: — Cool down to 6-8°C — this will reveal all the nuances of flavor, but will not lose the freshness.— Serve in tall glasses — the flavor will «play». If desired, you can add ice to the drink, but do not get carried away — there is a chance to «dilute» the deep flavor of Lambic. And it is better to just have to go to Lambic! In our beer restaurants — a large selection of varieties from Belgium and other countries of the world. Proper serving of drinks, delicious food, cozy atmosphere and excellent service are guaranteed!
21 June 2025