Belgian beer that everyone should try
When we say Belgium, we mean beer, and this is not an exaggeration: the foamy drink is really one of the main symbols of the country. And its quality is recognized even on an international level: in 2016, UNESCO included Belgian beer in the list of cultural heritage of mankind.
Belgium is the birthplace of the world famous, and sometimes even legendary, styles of beer: Trappist, Blanche, Lambic. Each of them has dozens of varieties, which, although they have a common character, still differ markedly in taste. It's up to everyone to decide which one they prefer, but we offer a little guide for those who are just starting to get acquainted with Belgian beer heritage.
Westmalle Trappist Tripel
If you are ever asked to describe Belgium with just one drink, choose Westmalle Tripel. First of all, it is a Trappist beer, which means that it is already unique: it is brewed in only 13 certified breweries, which are located in real Catholic monasteries. Secondly, it is also a blanc - a white ale, a special kind of beer with a distinctive flavor. This particular variety has a strength of 9.5%, a mild fruity taste and an attractive "appearance" - a white-gold color and a dense foamy cap. A couple of decades ago it was voted "the best beer in the world", and since then Westmalle Tripel has only strengthened its position!
Lindemans Kriek
This lambic, though it is more of a variation of the original line, is for some reason particularly loved by connoisseurs around the world. This Belgian beer is made by spontaneous fermentation - microorganisms from the air get into the open vat with the wort and provoke the fermentation process. It differs from the usual lambic in the nuances of production - before the filtration they add cherry juice to it as well. It is ideal for those who can't like other types of this style because of the excessive acidity - the berries in the composition make it sweeter.
Rodenbach Grand Cru
Rodenbach Grand Cru has a really complex composition - beers of different ages are mixed, bacteria of different strains are added, in general, it's real magic. But the result is worth it - the soft taste with distinct cherry and plum notes (with the complete absence of fruit in the composition) will not leave indifferent even the most sophisticated connoisseurs.
Dubuisson Bush Caractere
The character is really felt in everything: from the strength (as much as 12%) to the nuances of the production. he Dubuisson Bush Caractere recipe has been kept a top secret for many years, but we know that the water for it is extracted from the sources in the cellars of the brewery, and the unique yeast and exclusive malt are used for brewing it. The taste is worth it: mild, with a perfect balance between bitterness and sweetness. It is impossible not to fall in love!
If you're not going to visit Belgium yet, we invite you to the Lambic beer restaurant - here you can taste all the above-mentioned brands and hundreds of others, traditional and original. And surely - with the best appetizer, which will accentuate the noble taste of the drinks. We are waiting for 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