Bottled or draft: which beer is better?
High-quality beer, if it has been stored correctly, cannot be bad in principle. And when a favorite beer is found and a beer restaurant is checked, you should not expect any unpleasant surprises. But if the bar offers the same drink both in a bottle and on tap, many still begin to doubt - what way to serve it, to get the maximum pleasure from the taste? Let's find out how bottled beer differs from draft beer, and which of these options is better.
In a bottle.
Bottled beer is valued primarily for its authenticity. Simply put, it is the same shape, volume, and taste that was once intended by the producer. You can go to any city or walk into any bar and you are guaranteed to get the same result. In addition, even at home you can play with the serving temperature, thus revealing even the most complex flavor nuances.
On tap
The situation with draft beer is more unstable. Even if beer restaurants are on the same street, there is no guarantee that the taste of the same drink in them will be the same. It should not be like that, but in some establishments, especially budget format, they often neglect important things. For example, they don't clean the bottling structure in time, they store kegs with beer not in a specially equipped room, but just under the bar, they serve beer that was connected to the tap many weeks ago. All this affects the taste of the drink in your glass, especially if we are talking about complex brews.
What do you prefer?
In order not to take risks, in unfamiliar places it is better to order only light varieties from the tap, so it is less likely that they can be spoiled. And if you want to enjoy a complex drink, to feel every nuance and nuance, you should not rely on the seller's conscientiousness - it is better to take a bottled beer and insist that it is served chilled to the right temperature. For example, it is better to try lambic for the first time in a bottle - the drink itself has a very specific taste, and the wrong serving can easily spoil the first impression. But an ordinary lager can be ordered from the tap in any bar - it is the most popular beer, and the probability that it is stale is almost zero.
You can try drinks that won't disappoint, no matter how they're served, at the chain of beer restaurants. We carefully control the conditions of beer storage and cleanliness of drafts, serve drinks only at the right temperature, and recommend dishes that help to further sharpen all the nuances of taste and flavor. Come and see for yourself!
The strongest beers: what to try
Beer is considered to be a light drink - you can drink a lot of it and hardly get tipsy. But this is true only for non-strength varieties. Meanwhile, there are some that can easily give a head start to both vodka and whiskey. Let's tell you more about them! World leaders Brewmeister Snake Venom (67.5%) Scottish ale called “snake venom” for its incredible strength. It is achieved by smoking peat malt, using two types of yeast and multiple freezing. Despite the high concentration of alcohol, the beer is characterized by softness, retaining hop aroma and malt bitterness. Price - more than 6000 rubles. Used in cocktails. Brewdog Strength in Numbers (57.8%) The result of a collaboration between BrewDog and Schorschbräu, who created the beer using the “Icebock” method (freezing and clearing of ice). Additional strength was provided by a 10-year-old whisky. It was released in a limited edition at a price of $40 for 50 ml. Brewmeister Armageddon (65%) Scottish beer made from crystal malt, oats, wheat and spring water. The strength is achieved thanks to the addition of aged whisky. Price - from 5000 rubles. Koelschip Start the Future (60%) Dutch ale obtained by the “Icebock” method. Despite the standard ingredients, the flavor turned out to be unusual - sweet-tart with soapy and peppery notes. Created as an experiment, not flavor-oriented. Price - approximately $46 for 330 ml. Schorschbrau Schorschbock 57 (57%) German ale from the famous Schorschbrau brewery, which usually produces beers with a strength of 13-16%.It is distinguished by dark amber color, oily texture and burning taste with whiskey notes. It is produced in limited batches, the price is $300 for 400 ml.Rock Bottom Campbell Beer PT's Punch (56%)A California ale with guava, orange and passion fruit. Easier to drink than its European counterparts, with a pleasant bitterness and floral notes. Unlike other experimental varieties, the drink is available in online stores for pre-order. Strong in Lambic In our country, of course, you can not drink 50-degree beer. But you can treat yourself to a strong foamy drink in any beer restaurant. At Lambic we offer several with high strength. The result of a collaboration between BrewDog and Schorschbräu, who created the beer using the “Icebock” method (freezing and clearing of ice).Additional strength was provided by a 10-year-old whisky. It is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the strongest in the world, and the high degree is achieved thanks to fermentation. We will recommend excellent gastronomic accompaniments for all varieties so that you can get a real pleasure. We look forward to seeing you!
23 April 2025
Bornem Double beer: a taste with a history
There are many special options among Belgian brews, especially when it comes to beers with a history. But Bornem Double stands out even among such stars. At the recent California Microbrew Beer Festival, this Van Steenberge Abbey draft was recognized as the best in its category. What is its charm — we will tell you in this article. Main features Bornem Double is a lively beer with a full, rich, velvety flavor that harmoniously combines fruity notes and malt sweetness. The long aftertaste reveals nuances of spices and chocolate, as well as neat hop notes. Separately it is worth talking about the aroma. It is very beautiful, with notes of milk chocolate, brown sugar, vanilla and spices. The variety is good both inside and outside — in the glass it reveals a deep dark brown color with burgundy reflections. Bornem Double is usually served with meat dishes — steaks, grill, game, sausages. Despite the rather high strength of 8%, the beer is very drinkable, and you can hardly feel alcohol in it. It is also perfect for cold seasons, as it has a warming effect. Secrets of production The history of Bornem beer began in 1957 at the Beirens brewery in the town of Wommelgem. After the brewery closed in 1971, thanks largely to the abbots of the Bornem monastery, the recipe was taken over by the Van Steenberge brewery. The beer was originally sold under the St. Bernard brand and with the monk’s image on the label. However, to avoid similarity with the St. Bernardus Watou brand, the logo was changed: an image of a heron holding a fish appeared on the label. The choice of the symbol is not accidental: the heron is a typical inhabitant of the neighborhood of Bornem, which reflects both the charm of the local fauna and the traditional culture of the region. By the way, the word «heron» is often found in the names of local bars and brasseries. The main feature of this dub is the manufacturing technology. The beer is not pasteurized, and after primary fermentation in barrels it undergoes secondary fermentation in bottles, acquiring its unique taste. You can try Bornem Double in any Lambic brasserie. In our beer restaurants you will find a large selection of varieties from all over the world, including Trappists, as well as an excellent assortment of dishes and always cozy atmosphere. Come — we will find something to surprise you!
23 April 2025