Myths about beer: what exactly you should not believe
Any Belgian will confirm that beer should not be drunk icy - the lower the temperature, the harder the taste and aroma unfolds. But in our country the culture of drinking beer has not yet reached this level, which means that there are still many misconceptions and myths associated with the favorite drink. Which of them definitely can not be believed?
About temperature
The opinion that cold beer tastes better was born at a time when the choice of beverages was very sparse. Beer was heavily chilled in order to hide flaws in taste. Nowadays there's no such a need - if a beer is of high quality, it should be consumed at a temperature offered by the producer.
About the composition
They say that they add preservatives to beer and alcohol to strong beer, make it from powder, and so on. These are all misconceptions. It is not profitable to add alcohol to a drink because it must first be produced from some raw material, and there is no point in arguing about artificial ingredients - all breweries produce beer using the same technologies, and only the quality of the raw material can influence the quality of the finished drink.
About authenticity
Many uninformed aficionados are convinced that beer is just water, hops and malt. Belgian producers are ready to argue with them: there are internationally recognized brews that are made without one or even two "basic" ingredients, but, for example, with a mixture of herbs and spices in the composition.
About the effects on the body
It is believed that beer makes people fat, but in reality it is not - it is a fairly low-calorie product. But if you drink it too much or combine it with fatty snacks, you can easily exceed the required caloric content.
About appetizers
It is thought that beer has to be accompanied by certain snacks, like salted fish or chips. That's not true: good beer often doesn't need an accompaniment at all, and if it is consumed in tandem, it is usually with more refined dishes, from noble cheeses to seafood and fruit. Usually it depends on the variety - each one has its own unique pairing.
About storage times
Many people believe that a good beer is one that is stored for no more than three days. This is a myth: beer itself cannot be a fresh product because it has undergone the fermentation process, which means that it can be stored for the entire shelf life prescribed by the manufacturer.
About beer restaurants
It is believed that a good beer restaurant can be found only in the homeland of the famous frothy drinks - that is, not in ossia. This is a major myth: in the Moscow brasserie chain Lambic you can try original Belgian beer, which will be properly served and accompanied by the best snacks. Come - we'll prove it in practice!
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