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Draft beer and its peculiarities: what you need to know not to lose in taste

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Every day beer is becoming more and more popular in our country, and this cannot but affect the supply. Whereas previously you could only buy beer in bottles, and a single variety was poured into mugs, today, with the advent of numerous bars and craft breweries, the selection of beers on tap has become much greater. And sometimes it is as large as, or even larger than, the bottled menu. Does this way of serving beer have any peculiarities?

Myths and Truth

Many uninformed beer drinkers are convinced that even if you take the same beer, draft beer will taste different from bottled beer. Some people think that bottled beer is better, others - on the contrary, because in bars and restaurants it is allegedly diluted, but the essence does not change. In fact, both are wrong: there is no difference in taste. It is the same drink, packaged in different containers - a bottle, can or keg.

Taste can be affected by the unscrupulousness of the seller - if the beer is bottled or stored improperly, it can affect the product. For example, the bottling structure is not clean enough, beer is not stored in a specially equipped room, but under the bar, and so on. Also, the taste can be affected by low traffic in the bar - beer that stays on tap for weeks can lose its flavor qualities. Therefore, it is important to choose a proven beer restaurant - and then the draft beer will definitely not differ in taste from the bottled beer.

Another myth associated with draft beer is that it is fresher than bottled beer. We're used to the idea that draft and bottled beer is always better than boxed and bottled beer. But this is also a misconception: beer in kegs has a shelf life of its own. For example, Belgian draft beer usually "lives" from 6 months to a year. Truly fresh can be called only that drink, which hit the table a few days after production. All other variants in terms of freshness will not differ from the product in bottles.

If you are visiting a beer restaurant for the first time, it is better not to take the risk - order light varieties that are not distinguished by a complex rich taste. Bottled beer is more difficult to "spoil," so it is better to choose it for tasting exquisite drinks. On the contrary, if a place inspires confidence, like the Lambic brasserie chain, you can experiment. The advantage of draught beer is that you can order any portion, even a set of the smallest volume glasses, and get acquainted with a large number of varieties in one visit.

 

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The strongest beers: what to try

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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

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!

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