Compiling a beer chart is no easy task, as everyone has different tastes. But statistics are stubborn things. We analyzed actual orders at Lambic beer restaurants and prepared an honest rating of the most popular beer brands for you. For convenience, we divided it into two categories: bottled and draft. So, here are the best Belgian (and other) beers according to our guests!
Bottles allow brewers to create ideal conditions for maturation and preserve complex flavors. These varieties are favorites among those who appreciate authenticity and depth.
1. Riegele Feines Urhell
— An exemplary German lager. Golden, crystal clear, with a pronounced hop bitterness that is perfectly balanced with malt sweetness. The taste is fresh, with light herbal notes.
— Alcohol content: 4.7%
— Suitable for connoisseurs of classic and pure flavors. An excellent choice for those who are tired of watery mass-produced lagers and are looking for the gold standard.
— What to order with it: pretzels, grilled sausages, potato salad, burgers.
Bartender's comment: “Often ordered by guests who want a ‘good light beer’. Perfect for the first glass."
2. Eggenberg, Freibier
— Non-alcoholic lager with the classic taste of Austrian beer. It has a fresh taste with a delicate bitterness. The aftertaste is long and pleasant.
— Alcohol content: 0.5%.
— Suitable for those who want to enjoy an evening without alcohol.
— What to order with it: seafood.
3. Barbe Ruby
— A genuine cherry lambic from Belgium. It has a bright, berry flavor with a pleasant natural tartness and a refreshing aftertaste.
— Alcohol content: 7%.
— Suitable for lovers of fruit varieties and those who are just discovering the world of Belgian lambics. Often enjoyed by those who usually drink wine or cider.
— What to order with it: light salads, meat dishes, desserts.
Bartender's comment: “Very often ordered for women's groups or as a dessert beer."
4. Schnitzlbaumer Weisse Alkoholfrei
— Non-alcoholic fruity and tart wheat beer. It has a light refreshing taste with a delicate hop bitterness in the aftertaste.
— Alcohol content – 0.4%.
— Suitable for drivers, athletes, pregnant women, or simply those who don't want alcohol today but crave the taste of real beer.
— What to order with it: light salads, soups, grilled vegetables, cheeses. Very refreshing on its own.
Guest comment: “I'm driving, but I don't want to drink juice with my friends at the bar. This beer is just what I need. It feels like I'm drinking real wheat beer, but I'm not getting drunk.”
5. Delirium Red
— Dessert beer with cherries and elderberry juice. The taste is very juicy, berry-like, sweetish, with a slight sourness in the finish.
— Alcohol content: 8.0%.
— Suitable for those who like sweet and fruity varieties. Ideal as a digestif.
— What to order with it: berry cheesecakes, chocolate fondant, sweet waffles, nuts, fruit.
6. Cider Rebel Apple Nympho
— Non-alcoholic apple cider, balanced and moderately sweet.
— Alcohol content: 0%.
— Suitable for cider lovers who, for whatever reason, cannot order alcoholic options.
— What to order with it: light snacks, pastries, desserts.
Guest comment: “Great as an aperitif and, overall, a very decent non-alcoholic cider.”
7. Pauwel Kwak
— A legendary Belgian strong amber ale. It has a rich, caramel-sweet taste with malty notes. It is famous for being served in a unique glass mug on a wooden coaster.
— Alcohol content: 8.4%
— Suitable for lovers of history and rich malty flavors. A beer that turns drinking into a ritual.
— What to order with it: roast duck or beef, aged cheeses.
8. Kasteel Rouge
— A powerful, dessert cherry ale based on strong dark Kasteel beer. The taste is like cherry jam, liqueur, and dark chocolate in one glass. Velvety, sweet, with an almost imperceptible sourness.
— Alcohol content: 8.0%
— Suitable for those with a sweet tooth and those looking for a substitute for dessert wine or liqueur. Best enjoyed in small portions.
— What to order with it: meat dishes, barbecue, dark rice, dark chocolate, coffee tiramisu, nut tartlets.
Bartender's comment: “It is most often ordered at the end of dinner. One glass per group to try. A great way to end the evening.”
9. Corsendonk Blanche
— A benchmark Belgian witbier. Cloudy, golden in color, with a refreshing taste of coriander, orange zest, and a slight spicy kick. Incredibly aromatic.
— Alcohol content: 4.3%.
— Suitable for lovers of light, summery, aromatic varieties. An ideal aperitif.
— What to order with it: seafood salad, mussels in white wine, goat cheese.
10. Tripel Karmeliet
— The pinnacle of Belgian brewing. Brewed according to the original recipe from 1679. The taste combines notes of hops, herbs, citrus, banana, pear, and flowers. Despite its strength, it is incredibly drinkable.
— Alcohol content: 8.4%.
— Suitable for absolutely everyone. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned connoisseurs.
— What to order with it: low-fat cheeses, fried shrimp, dishes with lemon sauce.
Bartender's comment: “Our absolute bestseller. When guests ask us to ‘recommend something cool,’ we often suggest Karmeliet. No one has ever regretted it. A legendary beer.”
Freshness is the main advantage of draft beer. It is served at the perfect temperature, with the right head, and has that unique “freshly poured” taste.
1. Schnitzlbaumer Lagerbier Hell
— A high-quality, pure German lager. It has a pleasant malty base, a light bread-like sweetness, and a soft, noble bitterness. Very smooth and balanced.
— Alcohol content: 4.9%.
— Suitable for those who want to drink fresh, light, high-quality beer glass after glass. A reliable and win-win option.
— What to order with it: pizza, burgers, French fries, any classic bar snacks.
2. Bourgogne des Flandres
— A legendary Flemish brown ale. It has a smooth, sweet taste with hints of cherry, caramel, vanilla, and malt. Incredibly refreshing and complex.
— Alcohol content: 5.0%
— Suitable for gourmets and those who want to try “sour beer” in its most accessible and delicious form.
— What to order with it: tuna steak, dishes with cheese sauce, duck.
Guest comment: “I tried it for the first time on the bartender's recommendation. I really liked it! Now it's my must-have when I come to Lambic.”
3. Gordon Five
— An exquisite premium lager. Dry, refreshing, with a slight sourness and bitterness in the taste.
— Alcohol content: 5%.
— Suitable for fans of light and fresh beer. An excellent choice for an evening with friends.
— What to order with it: cheese platter, fried chicken wings, salmon steak.
4. Eggenberg Helle Weisse
— Austrian unfiltered wheat beer. It has a rich flavor with notes of banana, bubble gum, honey, and white pepper, and a bitter aftertaste.
— Alcohol content: 5%.
— Suitable for wheat beer lovers. Refreshing, aromatic, ideal for warm weather.
— What to order with it: pretzels, white sausages, vegetable salads.
Bartender's comment: “We recommend this variety when guests ask for ‘something light and aromatic’. The perfect balance of banana and spices — a benchmark wheat beer.”
5. St. Feuillien Grisette Blanche
— Belgian witbier with a smooth, soft, creamy taste, notes of banana, citrus, spices, and minimal bitterness. Very refreshing.
— Alcohol content: 5.5%.
— Suitable for those looking for a light but interesting beer.
— What to order with it: seafood salads, light pasta dishes, goat cheese.
6. Sater Premium Lager
— A clean, classic, well-fermented lager. It has a slight hop bitterness, which is balanced by malt sweetness. The taste has notes of toast, biscuit, nuts, caramel, and honey.
— Alcohol content: 4.8%.
— Suitable for those who appreciate the classic beer taste and for those who want to “refresh” themselves after stronger varieties.
— What to order with it: any grilled dishes, fish with fried potatoes, sandwiches.
Guest comment: “I don't like experiments, I just want a simple, good beer. Sater is just that: a clean taste, a pleasant bitterness, no unnecessary sweetness.”
7. Palm
— The most popular Belgian beer in the “special ale” category. Honey-amber in color, with light caramel, bread tones, and a mild bitterness. Incredibly drinkable and versatile.
— Alcohol content: 5.2%.
— Suitable for any occasion. A Belgian classic that you can drink by the liter without getting tired of the taste.
— What to order with it: mussels, carbonara, burgers, grilled sausages.
8. Timmermans Kriek Lambicus
— An authentic cherry lambic. Bright, sour cherry flavor with a characteristic “wild” aftertaste from barrel aging. Fresh and sparkling.
— Alcohol content: 4.0%.
— Suitable for connoisseurs of traditional lambic and those who love fruity sourness.
— What to order with it: waffles, light desserts, salads with berries.
Bartender's comment: “When you pour it, the cherry aroma spreads throughout the bar. Often people at the next table turn around and ask, ‘What's that?’ It sells itself.”
9. Petrus Aged Red
— A Flemish red ale aged in oak barrels. When bottled, its complex sweet and sour profile with cherry and malt notes becomes even more pronounced.
— Alcohol content: 8.5%.
— Suitable for lovers of fruity varieties.
— What to order with it: meat, smoked meats, aged cheeses, desserts.
10. Affligem Blonde
— A light Belgian abbey ale with notes of malt, tropical fruits, citrus, vanilla, and honey.
— Alcohol content: 6.7%.
— Suitable for those who love Belgian classics.
— What to order with it: grilled chicken wings, seafood pasta, fish, spicy appetizers.
As you can see, our beer rating includes classic lagers, complex Belgian ales, and refreshing wheat beers. The main thing is quality, taste, and proper serving. Choose from our proven top varieties or trust the advice of the bartenders at Lambic. They will help you choose the perfect variety for your mood and dish. Come and try it!
Contents What to look for in a beer restaurant: selection, proper serving, freshness How to tell from the menu if they really understand beer Atmosphere, music, service: details that shape the experience Why guests choose Lambic: format and concept In Moscow, there are hundreds of beer restaurants—but not all of them can be called good. To avoid having your evening spoiled by stale beer or poor service, it’s worth evaluating a place in advance. Let’s look at how to choose a restaurant you’ll actually want to return to. What to look for in a beer restaurant: selection, proper serving, freshness The most important thing in any beer restaurant is the quality of the product. You can assess it based on three key criteria: — Selection. A good restaurant doesn’t necessarily need a huge beer list. What matters is balance—having a variety of styles represented. The presence of craft beers or well-known Belgian brands is a strong sign that the establishment keeps up with the market.— Proper serving. Beer should be poured into a perfectly clean, dry, and chilled glass. It’s also important that it’s served at the right temperature. For example, a rich stout should not be ice-cold, and a light lager should not be warm. The foam height and how quickly it settles can also indicate whether the draft system is functioning properly.— Freshness. Beer is a perishable product. If a place isn’t popular, beer may sit too long in kegs, developing off-flavors like cardboard, metal, or sherry. In a good restaurant, high turnover ensures that kegs are replaced quickly and the beer is always fresh. How to tell from the menu if they really understand beer A menu can reveal more about a restaurant than the interior. Here’s what to look for: — Detailed descriptions. Simple labels like «light,» «dark,» or «filtered» suggest a lack of expertise. A serious establishment will include the style, country or brewery, ABV, IBU, and tasting notes (caramel, citrus, hop bitterness, etc.).— Proper glassware. Certain styles require specific types of glass. If the menu indicates that a Belgian ale is served in a particular glass, it’s a sign the restaurant values beer culture.— Tasting sets. Ready-made selections of 3–5 beers indicate an understanding of flavor combinations.— Food pairing. If the menu includes dishes designed to complement specific beer styles (for example, oysters with stout or goat cheese with lambic), it reflects a high level of expertise. Atmosphere, music, service: details that shape the experience Even a restaurant with a great menu can feel uncomfortable. When choosing a place, consider three key factors: — Atmosphere. For casual gatherings with friends and football, a pub with rustic furniture and large screens works well. For a romantic evening or business meeting, choose a restaurant with soft lighting, comfortable seating, and well-zoned space. If you’re looking for authenticity, go for specialized beer restaurants—for example, those designed in a «beer temple» style.— Music. It shouldn’t be too loud. The ideal background is jazz, rock ’n’ roll, or instrumental music at a moderate volume.— Service. It should be attentive but not intrusive. If staff immediately push the most expensive options without offering alternatives, it’s probably not a place worth returning to. Good beer isn’t cheap—but there’s always something to suit different preferences and budgets. Why guests choose Lambic: format and concept The Lambic brasserie chain includes around fifteen beer restaurants in Moscow. We set a high standard of quality—and here’s why guests keep coming back: — Expertise. Lambic specializes in Belgian beer, widely regarded as the benchmark of brewing. The menu also includes dozens of beers from around the world, as well as special options such as non-alcoholic and limited releases. You can find almost anything here, but every label is carefully selected.— Gastronomic concept. Unlike typical pubs focused on snacks, Lambic offers a full restaurant kitchen. The menu is designed so that dishes pair perfectly with the drinks. Experienced staff are always ready to recommend the ideal pairing.— Atmosphere. Lambic interiors are inspired by classic European beer restaurants: high-quality wooden furniture, cozy sofas, and soft lighting. There’s no intrusive loud music, making it a perfect place for long conversations and a comfortable experience. But the best way is to come and see for yourself. We look forward to welcoming you to Lambic!
29 April 2026
Contents A look back in time Features of Irish beer culture Beer styles What to try at Lambic Irish beer is part of the nation’s identity. In a country where pubs are the center of social life and stout has long been a symbol, Ireland offers the world a unique beer culture. Let’s take a look at how it developed and what makes Irish beer special. A look back in time Beer has been brewed in Ireland for centuries. The first mentions of beer on the island date back to pre-Christian times. With the arrival of Christianity in the 5th century, monasteries became centers of brewing—monks produced ale both for themselves and for guests. In medieval Ireland, beer was an everyday drink consumed by all levels of society. For a long time, Irish beer was brewed without hops, using herbal mixtures instead. Hops began to arrive in Ireland from England in the 17th century, but initially met resistance. By the early 18th century, English brewers were already actively using hops, and Irish producers gradually adopted the practice. A turning point came in 1759, when Arthur Guinness signed the famous lease for a brewery at St. James’s Gate in Dublin. The lease was set for 9,000 years at an annual rent of £45. Guinness initially brewed ale, but in the 1770s switched to porter—a rich dark beer popular in London. Guinness’s key innovation was the use of unmalted roasted barley. This allowed brewers to avoid a tax (which applied only to malt) and gave the beer its signature roasted aroma and dry taste. By the early 20th century, the Guinness brewery had become the largest in the world, and Irish stout had become a global phenomenon. Today, there are around a dozen breweries in Ireland, but Guinness remains the most recognizable Irish brand. Features of Irish beer culture Irish beer culture is inseparable from pubs. Until the 1960s, many pubs functioned as «grocery-pub shops,» combining food and drink sales. Owners and patrons usually knew each other, tipping was uncommon, and many pubs were family businesses passed down through generations, often bearing the owner’s name. Traditional Irish music is an essential part of the atmosphere, while food historically played a secondary role. Until the 1970s, pubs rarely served hot meals, offering mainly chips and salted snacks. Since the 1990s, Irish pubs have spread rapidly around the world. Thanks to the Irish Pub Concept project, launched with support from Guinness, around 7,000 Irish-style establishments have opened globally. Beer styles Stout is the main Irish style. Its defining features include the use of roasted barley, which gives flavors of coffee and chocolate, and a full body despite relatively low alcohol content (classic Guinness Draught is 4.2% ABV). Another hallmark is the «nitro» head: the beer is infused with nitrogen when served, creating a dense, creamy foam. In addition to Guinness, Ireland produces stouts such as Murphy’s and Beamish, as well as craft versions from smaller breweries. Irish Red Ale is the second most important traditional style. It has a copper-red color thanks to caramel malt, a smooth malty flavor with light caramel notes, and low to moderate bitterness (20–40 IBU). Classic examples include Smithwick’s and Kilkenny. Lager appeared in Ireland later. Until the 1960s, lagers were imported from Europe. In 1960, Guinness launched its own Harp Lager, inviting a German brewer and converting a brewery in Dundalk. Today, Harp is one of the most popular lagers in Ireland. Since the 1990s, Ireland has seen rapid growth in the craft beer movement. Small breweries began producing experimental IPAs, dry stouts, and seasonal beers. One such brewery is Carlow Brewing Company, founded in 1996 and known for its O’Hara’s brand. What to try at Lambic The Lambic menu features excellent examples of Irish brewing. Here are three options worth ordering: — O’Hara’s Leann Follain from Carlow Brewing Company is considered a benchmark extra Irish stout. It has 6% ABV and 45 IBU. Its rich flavor features notes of dark chocolate and coffee, balanced by light hoppy spice. This stout pairs perfectly with aged cheeses, meat delicacies, and chocolate desserts. — O’Hara’s Irish Stout is a classic example of a dry Irish stout. Compared to Leann Follain, it is lighter (around 4.3% ABV), closer to a traditional session stout. The flavor is dominated by roasted malt, with notes of coffee and dark chocolate; the body is smooth and the finish dry. It’s an excellent introduction to the Irish style. — Black Marble Stout is a dark stout brewed using an authentic recipe with selected malt, hops, and pure Irish spring water. The flavor includes coffee notes, a light fruity acidity, and characteristic malt bitterness. This beer is especially appealing to those who enjoy rich, warming drinks. At Lambic, you can try not only Irish beers but also many other interesting varieties—from Belgium and beyond. We look forward to welcoming you to our beer restaurants!
29 April 2026