I come from Germany: about the kölsch beer style
If you go to Cologne, Germany, and enter any brewery, you will be poured a small glass of light beer, very soft and drinkable. This is Kölsch, a legendary style of beer, somewhat similar to other light beers such as lagers, pilsners and ales, but unique in its own way. What is its peculiarity and how to drink kölsch properly — we will tell you in this article.
Just the facts
Unlike many varieties with a long history, kölsch appeared relatively recently — about 120 years ago. Its birthplace is Cologne, hence the name, which literally translates as «Cologne». Even today the city continues to preserve its heritage: only 20 breweries can brew Kölsch, and all of them are located either in Cologne itself or in its vicinity.
The recipe and brewing technology are controlled by the Kölner Brauerei-Verband, an organization of Cologne brewers. However, kölsch is still brewed outside Germany, most often by small craft breweries, but unofficially.
Beer with the flavor of German summer
Kölsch belongs to hybrid styles, a kind of exception to the general division into lagers and ales. It is not too appropriate to compare it with other light styles: it is less bitter than German pils, not as fruity as ales, not as malty as helles.
There is no single recipe for the drink. Each brewery decides for itself how much hops and malt to add. Kölsch is well-fermented, has an average strength of 4-5 degrees and a bright hop profile.
The flavor of this unique beer is fresh, slightly sweet, with pronounced notes of bread, flowers, honey, spices, and grass. Minerality is present in the aftertaste. The aroma is delicate, malty, with tones of hops and fruit.
Beer serving in German bars deserves special attention. It is poured into stem glasses — long low glasses with the volume of only 0.2 liters. This is explained by the fact that kölsch is quickly exhausted in the air, so it should be consumed as soon as possible. Drinking the variety ice-cold is not recommended, it is usually heated to 8-10 degrees.
Looking for a place to try popular beers? Come to Lambic! Our beer restaurants feature labels from all over the world. We also have a varied menu with many interesting European dishes, cozy atmosphere and excellent service. Come — we’ll find something you’ll like!
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
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!
23 April 2025