What is the difference between lager and ale: let's understand the nuances
Many people believe that it's all about color: lagers are light beers, ales are dark beers. In fact, this is not the case: there is a wide variety of beers in both families. Indeed, due to the production technology, lager is mostly a light lager beer, while ale has a rich flavor and is often quite strong, but it would still be wrong to separate them by this characteristic. What is the difference, then?
It's the yeast
Ale, historically considered to be the first beer, is made by top fermentation. Special yeasts are used for this and the process takes place at high temperature (from 15°C to 2070°C). As a result, the yeast accumulates on the surface - hence the name. A lot of higher alcohols and esters are produced during top fermentation, which affects the taste and aroma of the beer - it is richer than that of lager.
Lager is produced by bottom fermentation, which is considered the most modern and popular method today, primarily because of the fact that such beer can be stored without pasteurization for up to 2 years (ale - up to 6 months). The process takes place at lower temperatures (from 8 to 13 degrees Celsius) and the yeast settles to the bottom after refining. The lager matures in even colder conditions - at temperatures close to zero. The taste of the lager is smoother and less sweet.
Lager is considered a universal beer - no wonder it is the most common beer on supermarket shelves. It goes with any dish, even simple ones, and is suitable for any event. In addition, it can and should be drunk chilled, which is especially important in the hot season - not every beer can boast such an option. Ale can rather be compared to wine - its taste and aroma are more complex, which means that you need to treat it in a special way: choose appetizers carefully so they do not drown the taste of the drink, serve at the right temperature (the best way to taste ale is warm) and so on.
In addition, ale and lager usually differ in strength: for the former it is on average 4-9%, while the latter can boast only a modest 3-5%. But this condition is not strict: you can find both light ales and lagers with a strength of up to 13%.
Despite some advantages of the ale, it cannot be said that it is somehow better than lager. They are really very different families, and not all beer lovers are looking for complex flavors and high strength. So just choose what you like, and in the beer restaurant Lambic you will be served the chosen beer according to all the laws of the genre - for maximum enjoyment!
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