Lager: what kind of beer it is and how to drink it properly
Lager is the world’s best-selling beer: almost 80 percent of the lagers on the market can be attributed to this family of beers. Not surprisingly, such popularity gives rise to numerous myths: for example, some people believe that all light, unfiltered beers belong to lagers. But in fact, this is not true: it is not the color, strength or number of filtration that determines what style you belong to. The point is the brewing method: only low fermentation beers (i.e. beers made at low temperatures) can be called lagers. This distinguishes it from ales, which are brewed by top fermentation under warmer conditions.
Accordingly, the lager can be either light or dark. There are hundreds of varieties in this family, including the most popular — Pilsner, Bock, Schwarzbeer and others. What else is known about lager?
How and when?
Lager was born in Germany. Like everywhere else, beer was mainly brewed in monasteries — it was considered a great alternative to everyday beverages that could not boast a high degree of purification or a long shelf life. And because the German monks’ brewing season began in late autumn, the beer matured in cold cellars. Hence the name — «lager» in German means «storehouse».
It turned out that the method of bottom fermentation separates the beer yeast from the wort and settles to the bottom, which gives the drink a special taste. The monks highly valued their invention, proudly called it «liquid bread» and consumed it even during Lent.
Despite the apparent ease of production, modern lager — quite capricious beer. It is sensitive to temperature changes and requires strict adherence to the recipe. To make lager the malt should be firstly crushed, but not to a pulp, then soaked and filtered. Only after the mash is separated from the solid particles go to the boiling. Hops are added to the boiling mass, then cool it down to 5-10 degrees, and only then the yeast is added to the wort. It takes up to four months for the lager to mature. To «sink» the yeast to the bottom, the fermentation temperature is gradually reduced during the whole period.
The secrets of use
The classic of the family is European amber lager, which has a characteristic color and universal taste. Also popular variants include pilsner, which is made from light malt, dark lager with a smell of caramel, black Schwarzbier and bock of roasted malt. A distinctive feature of lagers — notes of bread, rye and banana in the aroma and a long pleasant aftertaste.
Lager should be consumed at a temperature of 5-8 degrees. Higher or lower is not an option: the drink will lose some of its flavor. After the lager has been poured into the glass you need to let it breathe and just before drinking it you need to shake it in a circular motion, covering the neck of the glass with your hand. Roll the drink in your mouth like wine, you do not need to — its taste is felt brightest after swallowing.
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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