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!
The strongest beers: what to try
Beer is considered to be a light drink - you can drink a lot of it and hardly get tipsy. But this is true only for non-strength varieties. Meanwhile, there are some that can easily give a head start to both vodka and whiskey. Let's tell you more about them! World leaders Brewmeister Snake Venom (67.5%) Scottish ale called “snake venom” for its incredible strength. It is achieved by smoking peat malt, using two types of yeast and multiple freezing. Despite the high concentration of alcohol, the beer is characterized by softness, retaining hop aroma and malt bitterness. Price - more than 6000 rubles. Used in cocktails. Brewdog Strength in Numbers (57.8%) The result of a collaboration between BrewDog and Schorschbräu, who created the beer using the “Icebock” method (freezing and clearing of ice). Additional strength was provided by a 10-year-old whisky. It was released in a limited edition at a price of $40 for 50 ml. Brewmeister Armageddon (65%) Scottish beer made from crystal malt, oats, wheat and spring water. The strength is achieved thanks to the addition of aged whisky. Price - from 5000 rubles. Koelschip Start the Future (60%) Dutch ale obtained by the “Icebock” method. Despite the standard ingredients, the flavor turned out to be unusual - sweet-tart with soapy and peppery notes. Created as an experiment, not flavor-oriented. Price - approximately $46 for 330 ml. Schorschbrau Schorschbock 57 (57%) German ale from the famous Schorschbrau brewery, which usually produces beers with a strength of 13-16%.It is distinguished by dark amber color, oily texture and burning taste with whiskey notes. It is produced in limited batches, the price is $300 for 400 ml.Rock Bottom Campbell Beer PT's Punch (56%)A California ale with guava, orange and passion fruit. Easier to drink than its European counterparts, with a pleasant bitterness and floral notes. Unlike other experimental varieties, the drink is available in online stores for pre-order. Strong in Lambic In our country, of course, you can not drink 50-degree beer. But you can treat yourself to a strong foamy drink in any beer restaurant. At Lambic we offer several with high strength. The result of a collaboration between BrewDog and Schorschbräu, who created the beer using the “Icebock” method (freezing and clearing of ice).Additional strength was provided by a 10-year-old whisky. It is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the strongest in the world, and the high degree is achieved thanks to fermentation. We will recommend excellent gastronomic accompaniments for all varieties so that you can get a real pleasure. We look forward to seeing you!
23 April 2025
Bornem Double beer: a taste with a history
There are many special options among Belgian brews, especially when it comes to beers with a history. But Bornem Double stands out even among such stars. At the recent California Microbrew Beer Festival, this Van Steenberge Abbey draft was recognized as the best in its category. What is its charm — we will tell you in this article. Main features Bornem Double is a lively beer with a full, rich, velvety flavor that harmoniously combines fruity notes and malt sweetness. The long aftertaste reveals nuances of spices and chocolate, as well as neat hop notes. Separately it is worth talking about the aroma. It is very beautiful, with notes of milk chocolate, brown sugar, vanilla and spices. The variety is good both inside and outside — in the glass it reveals a deep dark brown color with burgundy reflections. Bornem Double is usually served with meat dishes — steaks, grill, game, sausages. Despite the rather high strength of 8%, the beer is very drinkable, and you can hardly feel alcohol in it. It is also perfect for cold seasons, as it has a warming effect. Secrets of production The history of Bornem beer began in 1957 at the Beirens brewery in the town of Wommelgem. After the brewery closed in 1971, thanks largely to the abbots of the Bornem monastery, the recipe was taken over by the Van Steenberge brewery. The beer was originally sold under the St. Bernard brand and with the monk’s image on the label. However, to avoid similarity with the St. Bernardus Watou brand, the logo was changed: an image of a heron holding a fish appeared on the label. The choice of the symbol is not accidental: the heron is a typical inhabitant of the neighborhood of Bornem, which reflects both the charm of the local fauna and the traditional culture of the region. By the way, the word «heron» is often found in the names of local bars and brasseries. The main feature of this dub is the manufacturing technology. The beer is not pasteurized, and after primary fermentation in barrels it undergoes secondary fermentation in bottles, acquiring its unique taste. You can try Bornem Double in any Lambic brasserie. In our beer restaurants you will find a large selection of varieties from all over the world, including Trappists, as well as an excellent assortment of dishes and always cozy atmosphere. Come — we will find something to surprise you!
23 April 2025