Amber ale: the secret of bright taste
If you want something special, amber ale is one of the best options: rich color and bright taste will hardly leave indifferent even those who have tried many other brews. Traditionally it is made in small breweries due to the nuances of production, but it is drunk - all over the world. What makes amber ale different from other beers?
Taste and Process
The first thing worth saying about amber ale is that its composition is quite unusual. Three kinds of malt are used at once! And the production takes place in several stages:
— The malt wort is boiled;
— When the process comes to an end, bitter hops are added to the mass;
— Then the beer ferments, on average for two weeks;
— then the beer is carbonated with the fermenting wort;
— Finally, the beverage matures in the bottle, a period usually set by the producer, up to a year.
The result is an original drink with a bright taste and unusual appearance. The color can vary from golden to dark amber, there is a slight turbidity, as the beer is unfiltered, and a thick cream-colored foam cap when poured.
When tasting amber ale you can feel the aroma of flowers, fruit and caramel, which is fully revealed after the foam settles. The taste is very intense, with a dominant malt sweetness, hints of caramel and fruit, as well as a slight bitterness in the aftertaste.
Amber ale is divided into types depending on the place where it was made. For example, American is characterized by the darkest color in the family and a rich taste of caramel. Italian is different - from light to dark ruby, and in some varieties you can distinguish notes of spices and almonds. Irish ale has a real amber color, very rich and a little cloudy, as well as a refreshing taste with a slight bitterness and fruity notes in the aroma.
And, of course, Belgian amber ales should be singled out. Among the beers offered by Belgian brewers, there are a variety of drinks - dry, bittersweet, with a pronounced caramel, with notes of fruit and ginger, as well as the absolute champion in strength - 12% beer Bush Caractere by Dubuisson brewery.
You can taste this beer as well as other amber ales in the Brasserie network. In our beer restaurants you can find a huge selection of Belgian and foreign beers, a wide range of beer snacks and other dishes, as well as the coziest atmosphere, pleasant prices and professional staff, who will help you to choose a drink of your dream. Come on in!
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