Belhaven McCallum's Stout: Your Perfect Harbor
This beer revolutionized the world of stouts: the producers took a risk and made the famous dark beer sweet. Yes, it is nothing like Guinness, the world's most famous stout, but that is what makes it unique. How Belhaven brewery made such an experiment and why Belhaven McCallum's Stout became so popular all over the world — we will tell you in this article.
How it all began
Beer in the village of Belhaven (literally translated as "beautiful harbor") began to be brewed in the 12th century. At first it was monks, then in 1719 they were replaced by the Johnstone family who founded their brewery there. The location was ideally suited for production, the region boasted the finest barley, and the brewery had its own spring of pure natural water. In addition, in the first half of the nineteenth century a railroad was built to the village, which immediately opened up new opportunities for trade.
However, the family company, which specialized in traditional Scottish beers, did not become very popular. And by the 70s of the last century, the business had stalled altogether — the small company could not stand up to the industrial giants. The Belhaven brewery found a new life later, in 1972, when it had a new owner.
The new director of production development was Stuart Oss. And it was under his leadership that three new beers appeared in the brewery, among them the famous Belhaven McCallum's Stout. Stuart Oss stayed in his position until 2008, and during this time the talented brewed beverage managed to become truly legendary.
Secret ingredient
Despite the fact that the Scots are famous fans of strong alcohol, the owners of Belhaven brewery decided to do the opposite — to make stouts atypical, lighter and sweeter. They lowered the alcohol content and enriched the flavor — and the consumer liked it.
Belhaven McCallum's Stout is one of the most popular beers in the lineup. The only thing that makes it similar to a traditional stout is a lush foamy cap, thanks to the nitrogen capsule the producer glues to the bottom of the can. The color, on the other hand, is quite different: red-brown and transparent. The aroma of the drink is very mild, with a slight caramel sweetness and hints of fruit and berries. Hop bitterness is almost imperceptible and appears only after the drink warms up.
The taste of the beer is soft, sweet and dense. There are notes of dried fruits and caramel, raisins and apples, as well as distinct notes of bread. The aftertaste is short, with a slightly more noticeable bitterness than the taste.
True connoisseurs of stouts often argue whether this variety should be accepted into the family or is rather a variation for the general consumer, which has nothing to do with gourmet tastes. Whether it is or not is up to you to decide, but one thing is certain: the taste of Belhaven McCallum's Stout is memorable from the first sip, and it is definitely worth a try for anyone who is even a little bit into foamy beverages. For example, at any of the Lambic beer restaurants — come!
Bourgogne des Flandres Beer: History, Flavor, and Perfect Pairings
Contents A look back in time Key characteristics What to serve it with Come and try it at Lambic Belgium is a country where beer has long become part of the cultural fabric. Hundreds of styles are brewed here, and each one is unique in its own way. But even among this diversity, there are drinks that stand out from the crowd. Bourgogne des Flandres is exactly such a case. This beer, whose name literally translates as «Burgundy of Flanders,» combines the traditions of two famous regions and features a distinctive flavor that is unlike any other. We’ll tell you what makes it special, how it came to be, and what it pairs best with. A look back in time The history of Bourgogne des Flandres began back in 1765 in the city of Bruges, where it was first brewed by the Van Houtryve family of brewers. In 1957, production moved to the Verhaeghe brewery, which later became famous for another renowned Flemish red ale — Duchesse de Bourgogne. Since the early 1990s, Bourgogne des Flandres has been brewed at the Timmermans brewery, which is part of the John Martin group. The name of the beer refers to the history of the 15th century, when the Dukes of Burgundy controlled a large part of the Netherlands, including the wealthy cities of Flanders. This heritage is reflected both in the name of the drink and in its character — noble and refined. Key characteristics Bourgogne des Flandres is a dark beer with an ABV of 5%, produced using a unique «lambic infusion» technique. The process works like this: a specially selected lambic — a spontaneously fermented beer — is blended with a dark ale, after which the drink is aged in port wine oak barrels. Bourgogne des Flandres has a rich, ruby-brown color. Its aroma reveals a complex bouquet: juicy notes of cherry, nectarine, and apple intertwined with malt, vanilla, and chocolate, as well as subtle hints of oak and even stone. The flavor is soft, sweetish, almost wine-like, with a light tartness and sourness. Cherry, caramel, chocolate, and malt dominate, yet the beer doesn’t feel heavy at all. The finish is long, caramel-like, with a pleasant slightly sour note. What to serve it with Thanks to its rich flavor, Bourgogne des Flandres is often served as a digestif. But it also pairs beautifully with food. The best gastronomic companions for this beer are aged cheeses with intense flavor and roasted meat with a delicious crust. It especially shines when paired with grilled meat, Flemish beef, roast beef, and even potato waffles. The beer’s soft sweetness and fruitiness beautifully offset the saltiness of cheese and the spiciness of meat, creating harmonious and memorable combinations. Come and try it at Lambic At the Lambic brasserie, you can try Bourgogne des Flandres on tap — exactly as it should be enjoyed. And our waitstaff will always recommend the perfect gastronomic pairing to ensure you get the most out of your meal. We look forward to seeing you at Lambic!
15 July 2026
What to Order with Beer at a Restaurant: Simple Food and Drink Pairings
Contents Light beer and universal snacks Dark beer and more substantial dishes Fruity and sour beer: what to drink it with Seafood, cheese, meat, and desserts How to avoid mistakes when choosing Many people are used to carefully pairing snacks with wine, but not with beer. And that’s a shame — a successful gastronomic duo can highlight the flavor of the drink or, on the contrary, play on contrast to great effect. The main rule is that simpler beers are served with light dishes, while richer beers pair with heartier fare. In this article, we’ll explore what food goes well with beer and share successful pairings with fish, meat, cheeses, and even desserts. Light beer and universal snacks Light styles — lagers, pilsners, or witbiers — don’t overpower the food but rather serve as a backdrop to it. Such beers pair perfectly with snacks that have bright but not heavy textures. Cheese sticks or crispy cheese balls are an excellent choice, helping to highlight the beer’s freshness. Another universal option is classic garlic croutons made from dark rye bread with blue cheese sauce. If you’re looking for something more sophisticated, try the Portuguese cod croquettes at Lambic — tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, they beautifully complement the light bitterness of the beer. For vegetable snack lovers, we recommend the spicy eggplant in Thai sauce — the kick of Asian spices is softened by Greek yogurt, creating an interesting contrast. Dark beer and more substantial dishes Stouts, porters, and dark ales are beers with a pronounced malty flavor, featuring notes of chocolate, caramel, and even coffee. Such drinks deserve worthy companions with a rich, «meaty» character. The malt sweetness and light bitterness perfectly complement grilled meat and hearty sauces. Chicken wings are a universal choice — their spiciness and sweetish sauce perfectly echo the caramel tones of dark beer. If you want something more substantial, check out the bruschetta with roasted beef and caramelized onions from the Lambic menu. Another great option is Spanish empanadas with pork and suluguni cheese: hearty meat in crispy pastry, complemented by barbecue sauce and sour cream-garlic sauce, making a worthy pairing for any dark style. Fruity and sour beer: what to drink it with Lambics, gueuzes, and fruit ales are sparkling, often sour, with pronounced fruity notes. They require carefully chosen gastronomic partners so as not to overwhelm the drink’s flavor. The best companions are snacks that can either create contrast or highlight the complexity of the chosen style. For example, baked camembert with truffle paste and ciabatta. Seafood in batter, such as shrimp, also works wonderfully. Seafood, cheese, meat, and desserts Meat and poultry pair magnificently with ales featuring caramel and malty notes. Fish and seafood go best with light styles and wheat beer with its citrus freshness. And a cheese board is perhaps the most universal food to pair with beer, suitable for most styles, especially if it includes aged varieties with nutty flavors. Don’t forget about desserts with beer either: dark styles pair beautifully with chocolate desserts, while fruit lambics complement light mousse cakes. How to avoid mistakes when choosing The main rule is that food should either complement the beer, enhancing its flavor, or create contrast — for example, salty with sweet. The most reliable way is to ask your waiter for advice. At Lambic, they’ll always recommend which snacks will best bring out the beer’s character. Don’t be afraid to experiment and order different dishes with your beer — rules are rules, but the most important thing is to find that perfect combination that wins you over. See you at Lambic!
15 July 2026