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.
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!
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
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy Belgian beer. But what to pair it with? When it’s hot outside, you want something light, fresh, yet rich. And that’s where seafood, cheeses, fruits and desserts come in, which perfectly complement the rich flavors of Belgian brews. Seafood In summer, chilled shrimp with lemon and garlic sauce are especially good — they set off the malty sweetness of pale ales and wheat beers. But other seafood can pair well with Belgian beers, too. Here are some ready-made tips: — Blanche de Bruxelles or Hoegaarden — whizbiers with citrus notes — can be served with mussels and low-fat sauces. — Saison Voisin, a farmhouse ale with a spicy hop bitterness, will accentuate the flavor of grilled oysters or calamari. Cheeses The Belgians know a lot about cheese, and their beers harmonize well with different varieties: — Sharp aged cheeses (such as gorgonzola) are a great pairing for a strong Tripel Karmeliet.— Delicate goat cheeses with honey go perfectly with fruity lambics like Lindemans Kriek. Fruit salads and berries In the heat of the day, it’s especially nice to snack on fresh fruit — it enhances the fruity notes in the drink itself: — Cherries, strawberries, peaches — a win-win for Kriek or Framboise.— A fruit salad with citrus and mint is a refreshing pairing for a blanche, such as Corsendonk Blanche. Desserts If you want to end the evening on a sweet note, give these a try: — Waffles with berries and whipped cream — duo with St. Bernardus Abt 12 or Chimay Blue.— Lemon tart — will emphasize the citrus tones of the vitbiers or lambics.— Chocolate desserts — the perfect accompaniment for Kasteel Rouge, Petrus Aged Red and Delirium RED, as well as all chocolate and coffee varieties. And remember: summer appetizers should be light and should accentuate, not overpower, the flavor of the beer. It is best to serve them chilled to keep the balance and enjoy every sip. Come to Lambic — in our beer restaurants you will find the best beer from all over the world and the perfect accompaniment to it. We look forward to seeing you!
21 June 2025