Any Russian knows that vodka should be drunk cold and necessarily snacked on with kippers, pickled mushrooms or, for example, sauerkraut. Beer is the same story: there are certain rituals for drinking this drink. And each country has its own rituals. We offer to study the most interesting ones, so that you can check everything in practice while traveling.
In Germany — one of the most «beer-swilling» countries in the world — to order a beer in a pub, you don’t even have to talk to the waiter. It is enough to make eye contact with him and show him on your fingers how many glasses you want. This method is especially common at large beer festivals like Oktoberfest.
Germans also have some interesting stories to tell about beer. For example, it was in Germany in the XIV century that the famous glasses with lids were invented to protect the drink from the bubonic plague. And until the eighties of the last century they observed the so-called «law of purity», according to which beer should consist of only four ingredients — water, malt, hops and yeast.
In Belgium, beer is almost never appetizer, but can, on the contrary, wash down food with it. However, it is bad form to drink beer straight from the bottle: brewers take care that their beverage can reveal its flavor to the maximum, so there are special glasses for each type.
Tourists joke that Belgians have beer running through their veins instead of blood, and by and large they are not wrong — until the 1980s, beer was even poured in schools instead of Pepsi. However, it was of very low strength (up to 2.5%).
In the Czech Republic the culture of beer drinking is quite strict, and all unwritten rules are strictly adhered to by beer lovers. For example, a man should be the first to enter the beer hall, only the first glass should be touched, and beer should not be poured from one container to another. If you decide to stop, you should put a bierdekel, i.e. a beer stand, on the glass. Otherwise, the waiter will pour the drink over and over again.
In this Scandinavian country beer can even become a medicine — it is often prescribed as a mild antidepressant. And to drink beer, or rather to make toasts, clinking glasses with beer, it is necessary to look into each other’s eyes — this is a long-standing tradition.
In the Land of the Rising Sun, rituals are honored, and beer rituals are also found. For example, if you come to a beer restaurant in a large company — you need to appoint a person who will pour all the foam. And in Japan there is also an unusual way of cooling beer. Pre-frozen beer foam from a special machine is added to glasses.
There is such a phenomenon as «beer pilgrimage» here. There are special establishments with «holes in the walls» where you can quickly get your pint of beer and leave. Locals advise to approach such «holes» at least four times a day. Or at least before dinner to work up an appetite.
And to find out how beer is drunk in Russia, come to Lambic. We will show you, advise you on the best varieties and give you lots of bright emotions!
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
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