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Features of Belgian beer: tradition and modernity

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Belgium is the most "beer" country in the world: this is confirmed by numerous studies and admiring tourists. The Belgians are very sensitive to the preservation of beer traditions, which is why all beer drinks produced in this country are always tasty and of high quality. What are the other characteristics of Belgian beer and how is it better than other countries?

A hundred points ahead

Of course, quality beer is also produced in Germany, the United States, and even Russia, but nowhere is there such a variety of original styles as in Belgium. Local brewers have had a great influence on brewers all over the world, and they have also provoked the widespread spread of craft beers. In order to catch up with the Belgian masters, brewers in different countries tried to create original varieties, and this led to the expansion of the lines and the creation of new production facilities.

There are hundreds of different beers produced in Belgium, and it is impossible to single out features that are characteristic of all the country's beers without exception. But there are some aspects that are common to most styles:

— Phenolic aromas produced by the yeast. Herbal, spicy, clove aromas are found in almost all Belgian beers.
— Fruit esters are also the result of yeast. They give the aroma of the finished drink hints of citrus or fruit that won't go unnoticed when consumed correctly.
— Sizzle and sparkle. Because many Belgian varieties are subjected to a second pre-pregnancy in the bottle, they behave a bit like Champagne when poured. This is also considered a characteristic of Belgian beer.

Despite these similarities, you can easily come across Belgian beers that do not meet any of these criteria. So getting to know Belgian beer is always an unpredictable journey.

Among the country's highlights are:

— Trappist beer, a unique beverage with a centuries-old history, which is brewed only in monasteries. Today only 13 certified breweries are engaged in its production;
— Belgian white ale - a beer made without hops with a beautiful milky-yellow color and rich flavor;
— lambic - beer of spontaneous fermentation, dry and sour. There are also lambics with added fruit, the most famous variety being Cherry Creek;
— Flanders red and brown ales are sour beers without a pronounced hop bitterness.

And this is just a small part of the beers from Belgium, which must be tasted by all connoisseurs. Come to the Lambic beer restaurant - let's taste them together!

 

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Summer lambics: refresh yourself with a fruity beer from Belgium

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 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