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!
Fourchette Blonde beer: created by the best
Despite the fact that beer can be both expensive and unique, it is not often served at high receptions. For some reason, it is tacitly considered to be a less refined beverage than, for example, wine or champagne. But Fourchette Blonde can give a head start even to collector’s labels — both in terms of taste and history of origin. In this article we will tell you what this variety is, what makes it so famous and why it should be served at least in Michelin restaurants. One such Fourchette Blonde is probably the most gastronomic beer in the world. And it’s all about the fact that the best chefs in Belgium took part in its creation. Especially for this performance Van Steenberge brewery gathered in 2017 in Ghent, at a specially organized event, 11 recognized masters of their craft. And a unique format began. The vast experience of the Van Steenberge brewers and the exquisite taste of the best chefs could not fail to bear fruit. Thus came Fourchette Blonde, a multi-grain golden strong ale with an incredibly rich, complex flavor. Most drinkers will perceive it as fruity and floral. Notes of apple, peach and tropical fruits are felt thanks to a unique yeast strain, and wheat malt gives the drink floral and honey nuances. But the real connoisseurs will feel in the flavor also shades of citrus, coriander, nutmeg. But everyone without exception, regardless of the experience of tasting, will appreciate the velvety taste, in which floral freshness and soft bitterness are perfectly balanced. To make Fourchette Blonde, in addition to the traditional water, barley malt, hops and yeast, interesting ingredients were used — wheat, rice and sugar. There seems to be no magic, but that’s just for the first sip. For special occasions Fourchette Blonde is definitely not a beer for every day. The producers themselves also recommend to drink it on special occasions, combining it with exquisite dishes. Fourchette Blonde was invented and realized exclusively for culinary impressions, and the drink gives them in full. Where to try Fourchette Blonde in Moscow, if there are no Michelin restaurants anymore? Come to Lambic beer restaurants! Our drink list includes the best beers from all over the world, including truly unique varieties. And thanks to our extensive menu we will offer a good gastronomic pairing for even the most refined drinks. We look forward to seeing you!
24 March 2025
Winter flavor: A Winter Carol spiced cider
What could be better on a cold winter evening than a spicy warming drink? And we’re not talking about traditional mulled wine or glögg. There is a great alternative among beer drinks as well — for example, A Winter Carol cider. Its name literally translates as «winter history», the manufacturer is domestic — support is always nice, and the taste — above all praise. But about everything in order. Taste the winter A Winter Carol is a luxurious spicy cider from the line of Specials from the Moscow craft brewery Rebel Apple. The drink was inspired by Charles Dickens’ stories, which are as mystical and magical as the cider itself. A Winter Carol is made from pure direct-pressed apple juice with the addition of orange zest, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. The result is a unique drink — bright, with a sweet, mild flavor, in which you can feel the nuances of orange zest, honey and spices for mulled wine. The aroma is rich, apple, with notes of citrus and spices. The producer recommends to consume the cider in its pure habitual form or, if you want to feel the real Christmas spirit, in a slightly heated one. It will be a good gastronomic pairing with pastries (for example, cinnamon buns or gingerbread) and various desserts. Everything you need for a cozy winter dinner! A few words about the manufacturer Rebel Apple is a unique Moscow cidery, the only full-cycle production facility in the capital, where drinks go from the first apple to the final packaging. The company’s creator and ideological inspirer is Alexander Ionov. He is also one of the pioneers of domestic cider-making. He created the first batches of his drinks in his Moscow apartment, where a separate room with air conditioning was allocated for production. Today Rebel Apple is one of the most popular cideries in the country. Apples for the production of drinks are brought here from the best Russian orchards. And all ciders are aged for up to 18 months in neutral containers, oak barrels or bottles. This approach to flavor and quality has already borne fruit: the brand has a lot of fans, and their number continues to grow. Looking for a place to try A Winter Carol cider or other Rebel Apple beverages? Come to any Lambic beer restaurant! Our menu features these and other unique beers from all over the world, as well as a large selection of delicious dishes and always cozy atmosphere. We are waiting for you!
24 March 2025