Taste and color: the choice between filtered and unfiltered beer
Beer lovers are divided into two categories: some believe that there is nothing better than filtered beers, while others believe that only unfiltered beers are truly delicious. As always, the truth is somewhere in the middle, but there really is a difference between filtered and unfiltered beer, and not just in taste.
Read more about production
As a rule, the process of making drinks of the same family, both filtered and unfiltered, is the same in the first stages. Purification allows to remove the sediment formed during the fermentation process, and the number of such filtrations is left to the brewer's discretion - depending on the recipe and the desired final result.
Filtered beer undergoes 2 to 3 levels of purification, including filter carton, which removes even the smallest "garbage" from the drink. Unfiltered beer also passes through special equipment, but only once, and the degree of purification is low.
Pros and cons of filtering
The main argument in favor of purification is the versatility and predictability of the final product. Filtered beer does not give off offensive flavors, because all living bacteria and yeast cells are removed from it as much as possible, it is stored longer and is guaranteed to meet all the expectations of customers.
The situation with unfiltered beer is more complicated. As a rule, it is not suitable for mass distribution, it is highly sensitive to temperature changes because it contains live yeast, it loses flavor and aroma rather quickly even if all the storage conditions are observed. To put it simply, unfiltered beer is a perishable product that must be treated with great care.
But that, according to connoisseurs, is its main advantage. Unfiltered beers are more "alive" and therefore healthier for the body. Studies confirm this - the content of vital vitamins in unfiltered beer is 10 times higher than in processed beer.
It is impossible to say unequivocally which beer is better - both beers have their advantages. Fans of filtered beer note a variety of varieties and a long shelf life, unfiltered beer - the benefits for the body and a richer taste. At Lambic Beer Restaurant, we offer you to try both variants and make your own choice. Or find your favorite drink of each family to get the maximum benefits and enjoyment. We offer hundreds of varieties from the best Belgian producers, and we'll help you find a beer that's sure to please your palate. Come on in!
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
Summer appetizers for Belgian beer: from seafood to desserts
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