Lambic: beer for real connoisseurs
The world of beer lovers is divided into two camps: some believe that there is no better beer than lambic, others are never ready to try it again. It's all due to a specific taste, which appears due to a special production technology. What is it all about?
The secrets of making
Lambic is a generalized name for a whole family of foamy drinks that are produced by spontaneous fermentation. The mash of unfermented wheat and barley malt is placed in an open vat and left to ferment in this form. Yeast is not used in this fermentation, as it is carried out by micro-organisms on the walls of the vessel and in the environment. They get into the ready mixture and cause fermentation - usually this process lasts no more than a week. But there is one thing: not all wild bacteria are good for making lambic, only the ones from the Senna Valley. That's where the special microflora has developed, which ultimately gives the product its unique flavor.
Experts love lambic for its uniqueness-as nature is impossible to fully control, the proportion of microorganisms that cause fermentation may vary from batch to batch. This means that each brewed batch of beer will be at least slightly different from the previous one.
But you should not expect any unpleasant surprises: despite the "wild" brewing process, brewers control it thoroughly at all stages. Only certain bacteria affect wort, which gives the finished product a characteristic taste: tart and sour, without obvious bitterness, with recognizable aroma notes - old leather, wet hay, horse blanket, which are in harmony with the smell of fresh fruit, wine vinegar and freshly baked pie.
What is it?
The lambic family varieties range from dry gueuze to faro, which has caramelized sugar added to it. Some varieties may also include fruits and berries. The most popular variety is kriek, made with the addition of fresh cherries with a bone, which gives the drink a unique fruit and nut flavor.
Also lambics can be raspberry, peach, strawberry, and currant - if the taste of the traditional drink seems too specific, fruits and berries will help smooth it out.
Even if the first acquaintance with lambic is not a success, it is worth trying it again, because it is like a cheese with a noble mold, which does not reveal all the richness of its flavor right away. It is important to have the right serving and the right appetizer - then you have a chance to join the army of connoisseurs of this unique drink once and for all. Come to Lambic Beer Restaurant - we will choose the right kind of beer for you and provide all the necessary conditions for you to get maximum enjoyment!
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