Belgian wheat ale - a light beer with a unique taste
It cannot be confused with others - both in appearance and in taste. Belgian beer has a beautiful pale yellow color, which gave its name to the whole trend, and a unique taste - light, fresh, with a slight sourness in the aftertaste. It is also distinguished by a special technology of brewing - when making white ale no hops are used. But first things first.
A bit of history
Belgian white beer was first produced more than 600 years ago in the village of Hougardin, Flanders. For its production an unusual set of ingredients was used - in addition to standard unfermented wheat (50%) and barley malt (50%), a variety of herbs and spices were added to the wort.
For many years white ale was popular, but by the middle of the nineteenth century it was on the decline, and in 1956 the last brewery that produced this type of beer closed. For some time the drink remained in oblivion, and no one knows how its history would have ended, if it were not for the Belgian brewer Pierre Celis. He founded a new production facility in Hoogarden and in 1966 he restored the production of Belgian white beer under the now well-known brand Hoegaarden.
White ale got its popular name because of its unusual milky yellow color. The hue can vary from light straw to golden, but the opacity and lush white foam cap remain unchanged regardless of the variety.
But the main advantage of white ale is its bright taste. Today, in addition to herbs and spices, producers add grated coriander, curacao bark, orange zest, cumin, chamomile, cinnamon and other spices. The result is a highly carbonated beer with a pleasant acidity and a complex bouquet in which you can trace notes of citrus, honey, vanilla and spices. Due to the absence of hops in the composition of white ale almost no bitter, so it is often chosen by those who prefer a lighter and sweeter, but without pronounced fruit and berries in the taste.
Another distinctive feature of white ale is its low alcohol content. As a rule, its strength varies from 4.4 to 5.5%.
You can sample authentic Belgian wheat beer in our beer restaurant We offer a huge selection of ale drinks, from simple to refined, from non-alcoholic to strong, as well as a wide range of beer snacks and individual dishes. Our brasserie also has a cozy atmosphere and professional staff that will help you find the right drink to suit your tastes and the perfect accompaniment for your drink from the menu. Come and see for yourself!
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