Dark ales as they are: Characteristics of the oldest family
It is believed that the history of beer began with dark ales - such drinks were brewed by the ancient Sumerians and Egyptians. They called their product "liquid bread" for its ability to quench both thirst and hunger. The drink's unusual taste and special properties were given by herbs and spices that were added to the wort.
With the advent of the Purity Beer Law, according to which only four ingredients could be used to make beer: water, barley malt, yeast and hops, dark ales went into the shadows for a while. But today there is a renewed interest in them, and it is not surprising because the taste and aroma of such beers really strikes the imagination.
The nuances of production
Ales are made by top fermentation. This means that the process takes place at quite high temperatures (usually 15 to 25 degrees Celsius), and the resulting fermented yeast rises to the surface. The drink then matures in a cool place. Depending on the variety, this takes anywhere from 4 weeks to 4 months.
Dark ales differ from pale ales in that the malt is specially roasted. The color can also be determined by the use of different types of hops.
A dark ale is usually a thick, dense, dark-colored drink with a mild flavor, which clearly shows hints of malt, notes of fruit and caramel. Depending on the variety, the bouquet may vary, but the basic nuances often remain the same. Among the most popular types of this family are Irish stout, porter, Belgian and Scottish dark ales, barleywines and brown ales.
It is not customary to snack on dark ales - it is believed that simple dishes interrupt the delicate fruity flavor of the drink. Just before drinking it you should chill the beer, as it helps to reveal all the richness of taste. It is also not recommended to mix the drink with any other alcohol.
Producers claim that when consumed in moderation, dark ales are good for the body. They contain vitamins B and E, as well as phosphorus, selenium, calcium, magnesium and manganese.
You can taste the most tasty dark ales from the best world producers in the chain of beer restaurants. We offer hundreds of sorts of beer from the world-famous "Guinness" to the rare author's products and a big menu of appetizers and main courses which will help to emphasize the taste of noble drinks. In addition, our brasserie has a cozy atmosphere and only professional staff who will help you make the right choice. Come and see for yourself!
Jeju Beer Company: legendary craft from South Korea
When talking about good beer, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic and other European countries are most often mentioned. And the reason for this is not that other parts of the globe do not make high-quality foam, it is simply that many varieties simply do not reach Russia. It is about such a case — the famous South Korean beer of Jeju Beer Company — that we will talk today. History of the brewery Jeju Beer Company was founded in 2015 on the largest Korean island of Jeju. The company, whose main mission is to create a new beer culture in the country, became the first global craft brewery in Korea, and in a short period of time — also the most popular. According to analytics, one bottle of Jeju Beer is purchased every three seconds in the country. In 2017, the company introduced a series of new wheat beers, including the already sensational Jeju Wit Ale, Jeju Pellong Ale and Jeju Slice. The highlight of these brews is the composition: the unique flavor of the beer is given by the rind of gamgyul, a citrus plant native to Jeju. Now Jeju Beer Company’s beer is exported to Taiwan, Thailand, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, China and other countries of the world. The global distribution network of the Korean brewery is ensured by partnership with Brooklyn Brewery. Jeju Beer Company is a winner of many festivals, in particular, the winner of silver medals of Australian International Beer Awards and Korea Liquor Awards 2019 in the category of craft beer. Best brews One of the most popular brews is Jeju Wit Ale. It is a luxurious wheat beer with the addition of the aforementioned Jeju Island citrus and coriander. The drink has a delicate floral aroma and a pleasant taste dominated by citrus notes. The beer recipe was developed in collaboration with Garrett Oliver, brewmaster of Brooklyn Brewery and winner of the James Beard Award, which is called the «Oscars» for chefs in the beer industry. Special attention should be paid to Jeju Pellong Ale. This is an American Pale Ale style beer with a citrusy aroma dominated by tones of apricot. The flavor has the sweetness of the tropics. The aftertaste is dry, with a pleasant citrus bitterness. There is also Jeju Geomeong Ale, a dark beer made with local black barley and chocolate malt. The drink has a rich flavor that reveals tones of coffee and dark chocolate. The same notes, as well as malt sweetness, can be felt in the taste of the drink. You don’t have to go to South Korea to try Jeju Beer Company beer. Come to Lambic! Our beer restaurants have hundreds of high quality beers from all over the world. We also have delicious food, excellent service and always cozy atmosphere. We are waiting for you!
23 January 2025
Belgian waffles: history of origin and interesting facts
If you ask anyone what Belgium is associated with, most people will name three things — a sculpture of a boy in Brussels, beer and, of course, waffles. Flavorful, airy and crispy, they have long ceased to be just a dish on restaurant menus and have become a real culinary landmark of the country. Back in the past Surprisingly, the history of the most famous waffles originates not in Belgium, but in the United States. During the 1962 World’s Fair in Seattle, Belgian pastry chef Walter Clement introduced his unique dish to the Americans. The waffles, served with strawberries and whipped cream, were so well liked by the local population that they soon spread throughout America. It is said that in the first four months after the «premiere» more than half a million waffles were sold in the United States. It is believed that the name «Belgian» was established because not all Americans knew where Brussels was located. In their homeland, Belgium, the famous waffles are called only Brussels waffles. Did you know that... Brussels waffles are made from yeast dough in cast iron waffle makers, which makes them soft on the outside and crispy on the inside. Some pastry chefs add a secret ingredient to it, but what it is they don’t reveal. There is speculation that it could be one of the beers, but there is no proof for this theory. Brussels waffles are often confused with Liege waffles, which are also made in Belgium, in the city of Liege. But these are different dishes: Liege waffles are drier, more like buns, and their dough contains bits of caramelized sugar. Classic Belgian waffles are sweet, served with coffee or tea. But there are also unsweetened waffles with different fillings. Where to try Of course, it is better to taste any national dish at home, but if you can’t go to Belgium yet — come to Lambic! Our Belgian beer restaurants have everything to feel the real taste of this wonderful country: dozens of varieties of beer, national cuisine and cozy atmosphere. And for Belgian waffles we have allocated a whole section with sweet classics with strawberries and ice cream, and unsweetened potato positions with fish, meat and other fillings. Come — it will be delicious!
23 January 2025