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?
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!
Beer is considered to be a light drink - you can drink a lot of it and hardly get tipsy. But this is true only for non-strength varieties. Meanwhile, there are some that can easily give a head start to both vodka and whiskey. Let's tell you more about them! World leaders Brewmeister Snake Venom (67.5%) Scottish ale called “snake venom” for its incredible strength. It is achieved by smoking peat malt, using two types of yeast and multiple freezing. Despite the high concentration of alcohol, the beer is characterized by softness, retaining hop aroma and malt bitterness. Price - more than 6000 rubles. Used in cocktails. Brewdog Strength in Numbers (57.8%) The result of a collaboration between BrewDog and Schorschbräu, who created the beer using the “Icebock” method (freezing and clearing of ice). Additional strength was provided by a 10-year-old whisky. It was released in a limited edition at a price of $40 for 50 ml. Brewmeister Armageddon (65%) Scottish beer made from crystal malt, oats, wheat and spring water. The strength is achieved thanks to the addition of aged whisky. Price - from 5000 rubles. Koelschip Start the Future (60%) Dutch ale obtained by the “Icebock” method. Despite the standard ingredients, the flavor turned out to be unusual - sweet-tart with soapy and peppery notes. Created as an experiment, not flavor-oriented. Price - approximately $46 for 330 ml. Schorschbrau Schorschbock 57 (57%) German ale from the famous Schorschbrau brewery, which usually produces beers with a strength of 13-16%.It is distinguished by dark amber color, oily texture and burning taste with whiskey notes. It is produced in limited batches, the price is $300 for 400 ml.Rock Bottom Campbell Beer PT's Punch (56%)A California ale with guava, orange and passion fruit. Easier to drink than its European counterparts, with a pleasant bitterness and floral notes. Unlike other experimental varieties, the drink is available in online stores for pre-order. Strong in Lambic In our country, of course, you can not drink 50-degree beer. But you can treat yourself to a strong foamy drink in any beer restaurant. At Lambic we offer several with high strength. The result of a collaboration between BrewDog and Schorschbräu, who created the beer using the “Icebock” method (freezing and clearing of ice).Additional strength was provided by a 10-year-old whisky. It is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the strongest in the world, and the high degree is achieved thanks to fermentation. We will recommend excellent gastronomic accompaniments for all varieties so that you can get a real pleasure. We look forward to seeing you!
23 April 2025
There are many special options among Belgian brews, especially when it comes to beers with a history. But Bornem Double stands out even among such stars. At the recent California Microbrew Beer Festival, this Van Steenberge Abbey draft was recognized as the best in its category. What is its charm — we will tell you in this article. Main features Bornem Double is a lively beer with a full, rich, velvety flavor that harmoniously combines fruity notes and malt sweetness. The long aftertaste reveals nuances of spices and chocolate, as well as neat hop notes. Separately it is worth talking about the aroma. It is very beautiful, with notes of milk chocolate, brown sugar, vanilla and spices. The variety is good both inside and outside — in the glass it reveals a deep dark brown color with burgundy reflections. Bornem Double is usually served with meat dishes — steaks, grill, game, sausages. Despite the rather high strength of 8%, the beer is very drinkable, and you can hardly feel alcohol in it. It is also perfect for cold seasons, as it has a warming effect. Secrets of production The history of Bornem beer began in 1957 at the Beirens brewery in the town of Wommelgem. After the brewery closed in 1971, thanks largely to the abbots of the Bornem monastery, the recipe was taken over by the Van Steenberge brewery. The beer was originally sold under the St. Bernard brand and with the monk’s image on the label. However, to avoid similarity with the St. Bernardus Watou brand, the logo was changed: an image of a heron holding a fish appeared on the label. The choice of the symbol is not accidental: the heron is a typical inhabitant of the neighborhood of Bornem, which reflects both the charm of the local fauna and the traditional culture of the region. By the way, the word «heron» is often found in the names of local bars and brasseries. The main feature of this dub is the manufacturing technology. The beer is not pasteurized, and after primary fermentation in barrels it undergoes secondary fermentation in bottles, acquiring its unique taste. You can try Bornem Double in any Lambic brasserie. In our beer restaurants you will find a large selection of varieties from all over the world, including Trappists, as well as an excellent assortment of dishes and always cozy atmosphere. Come — we will find something to surprise you!
23 April 2025