Brussels Champagne: what it really is
It cannot be called champagne in the traditional sense of the word, because no wine materials are used for its production, and fermentation takes place according to a completely different technology. The only thing in common is the taste reminiscent of a sparkling drink, and if you want, you can find many differences. But this is also an advantage - Brussels Champagne is unlike any other, which is why it is worth tasting at least once in a lifetime.
What's the secret?
Brussels Champagne is made using lambic, the name given to beer that is made by spontaneous fermentation. It sounds mysterious and looks even more unusual: the wort is placed in open containers, where various microorganisms from the external environment enter. These microorganisms act as yeasts, bringing the beverage to the right consistency. Not all microflora are suitable for this purpose, but only for a certain area, so it is believed that real lambic is produced only in the breweries located in the valley of the Senna river. The finished drink has an original flavor, sour and dry, and is often - to soften it - supplemented with a variety of berries and fruits. This is how a fruit lambic is made, which, like the drink without additives, has also found its connoisseurs.
In essence, Brussels Champagne is a lambic, only more mature. It can be made on the basis of a single variety, or by mixing old and young lambic together, but always with additional maturation in oak barrels or secondary prematuration in the bottle.
Producers offer many varieties with different flavor nuances. It is possible to find drinks with a pleasant bread sweetness, and dry versions with aromas of ginger and citrus, and beers with notes of flowers, wood and fruit - it depends on the preference.
The strength of champagne in Brussels is usually low - on average 5-6%, which also distinguishes it from traditional sparkling champagne. And it is mostly served in small bottles of up to 375 ml, and only occasionally in the traditional 0.75 ml. But it should not be compared to ordinary champagne - the drink from Brussels is more likely to appeal to beer connoisseurs who want to try something unusual.
To appreciate the taste and aroma of Brussels champagne you don't have to go to the capital of Belgium - just visit a good beer restaurant in the capital. For example, any place in the Brasserie chain We offer a huge selection of different Belgian beers, from classics to original varieties, as well as a wide menu of dishes and snacks to go with them. Come on in!
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