Belgian beers: 7 brews that will turn your perception of flavor upside down
Belgium deservedly holds the title of the beer capital of the world. Here, both production and consumption are treated with great care, which is why beer from this country is always delicious and of high quality.
Of course, Germany, the Czech Republic and the USA can boast of good beer. But there is no such variety of original styles as in Belgium. Now we will prove it: we will introduce you to seven varieties of Belgian beer that every beer lover should try.
The best of the best
Tripel Karmeliet
This is the beer that many people call the most favorite. Tripel Karmeliet is a strong tripel that is brewed from barley, wheat and oats. It has a perfectly balanced flavor, which is confirmed by its excellent rating on Untappd (4 stars based on 237 thousand evaluations). Pairs well with cheeses, especially brie — try it!
Duvel
An iconic Belgian beer with a powerful, dense, very rich flavor. Quite strong — 8.5%. The alcohol does not affect the drinkability, but rather gives sweetness, while Saaz and Styrian Golding hops in the composition give a fruity character. Pairs well with fish and roast potatoes.
Pauwel Kwak
One of the best-selling varieties not only in the homeland, but also abroad — largely due to the presentation. This amber beer is poured into unique glasses on a wooden base, which, like the drink itself, were invented by brewer Pauwel Kwak. But the flavor is also top-notch: soft, sweet and slightly bitter at the same time, with notes of toffee, spices and orange.
Westmalle Tripel
Possibly the world’s first tripel — legend has it that this strong beer was first given that name. It is a Trappist brewed at the Abbey of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The rich flavor has notes of banana, pear, spice, and good hopiness. This is really fantastic!
La Chouffe Blonde D’ardenne
A world famous beer with a recognizable label. If someone near you asks for «gnome beer» this is it! It has a beautiful golden color and thick foam, as well as a really luxurious taste — sweet, fruity, with a mild spicy aftertaste.
Rochefort 8
A dark Trappist beer with a rather high strength of 9.2%. It has a sweet, creamy flavor with nuances of apples, raisins, plums, orange zest and pepper. A multiple winner of beer championships, so it’s a must try.
Orval
A unique beer with an ever-changing flavor. This unusual property is provided by Brettanomyces yeast, thanks to which the drink continues to develop even after bottling. Young Orval is sweet and hoppy, with time the flavor becomes more complex and dry, and then a sour note appears. Orval never gets boring — proven!
You can try unique Belgian beers at Lambic. In our beer restaurants there is a huge choice of drinks from all over the world, as well as an excellent assortment of dishes and always cozy atmosphere. Come — we will find something to surprise you!
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