Bornem Double beer: a taste with a history
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!
The strongest beers: what to try
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
Belgian beers: 7 brews that will turn your perception of flavor upside down
Belgium deservedly holds the title of the beer capital of the world. Here, both production and consumption are treated with great care, which is why beer from this country is always delicious and of high quality. Of course, Germany, the Czech Republic and the USA can boast of good beer. But there is no such variety of original styles as in Belgium. Now we will prove it: we will introduce you to seven varieties of Belgian beer that every beer lover should try. The best of the best Tripel Karmeliet This is the beer that many people call the most favorite. Tripel Karmeliet is a strong tripel that is brewed from barley, wheat and oats. It has a perfectly balanced flavor, which is confirmed by its excellent rating on Untappd (4 stars based on 237 thousand evaluations). Pairs well with cheeses, especially brie — try it! Duvel An iconic Belgian beer with a powerful, dense, very rich flavor. Quite strong — 8.5%. The alcohol does not affect the drinkability, but rather gives sweetness, while Saaz and Styrian Golding hops in the composition give a fruity character. Pairs well with fish and roast potatoes. Pauwel Kwak One of the best-selling varieties not only in the homeland, but also abroad — largely due to the presentation. This amber beer is poured into unique glasses on a wooden base, which, like the drink itself, were invented by brewer Pauwel Kwak. But the flavor is also top-notch: soft, sweet and slightly bitter at the same time, with notes of toffee, spices and orange. Westmalle Tripel Possibly the world’s first tripel — legend has it that this strong beer was first given that name. It is a Trappist brewed at the Abbey of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The rich flavor has notes of banana, pear, spice, and good hopiness. This is really fantastic! La Chouffe Blonde D’ardenne A world famous beer with a recognizable label. If someone near you asks for «gnome beer» this is it! It has a beautiful golden color and thick foam, as well as a really luxurious taste — sweet, fruity, with a mild spicy aftertaste. Rochefort 8 A dark Trappist beer with a rather high strength of 9.2%. It has a sweet, creamy flavor with nuances of apples, raisins, plums, orange zest and pepper. A multiple winner of beer championships, so it’s a must try. Orval A unique beer with an ever-changing flavor. This unusual property is provided by Brettanomyces yeast, thanks to which the drink continues to develop even after bottling. Young Orval is sweet and hoppy, with time the flavor becomes more complex and dry, and then a sour note appears. Orval never gets boring — proven! You can try unique Belgian beers at Lambic. In our beer restaurants there is a huge choice of drinks from all over the world, as well as an excellent assortment of dishes and always cozy atmosphere. Come — we will find something to surprise you!
23 April 2025