In recent years, the number of breweries, specialty stores, and beer restaurants has increased dramatically, and so many people think that beer is a symbol of modernity. Although in fact beer is considered the most ancient alcoholic drink in the world - the first traces of its production were found in a cave in Israel, and they are at least 13 thousand years old. There is a whole theory that man began to grow crops not for the production of bread, but for beer. Whether this is true or not is impossible to prove, but it is far from being the only interesting fact in the rich history of beer.
It is believed that the first industrial production of beer started as early as VII millennium B.C.! This is confirmed by clay tablets found in ancient Mesopotamia, which depict a brewing vat and masters engaged in making the drink. Of course, at that time beer was not brewed according to modern recipes: spelt and barley, as well as various spices were used for it.
In the history of ancient Babylon, beer can be found in the laws, and quite severe ones at that - for example, the producer could be punished by death for a bad quality of the drink. In ancient Egypt, beer was also very popular - about 20 different recipes were used there.
The ancient Romans, on the other hand, considered beer a "barbarian drink" because it was used by Celts, Germans and other European tribes who were at war with the legions.
In the Middle Ages the center of beer production was the lands of Germany and Flanders. Drinks were usually brewed in monasteries, and some recipes have survived to this day, such as the famous Trappist beer, which is considered one of the symbols of modern Belgium. In those days, even children drank beer because the area was unhygienic, the quality of water was poor, and substitutes like milk deteriorated quickly.
In Russia, beer has also been appreciated since ancient times. For example, in ancient Russia it was often found at princes' feasts. It was brewed from wild honey, which was considered a rather scarce commodity, and to make it cheaper, hops began to be added to it over time. Among the Russian tsars, Peter I was especially fond of beer, and other rulers followed him - for example, under Catherine II the first brewery in the country was built.
Today in Russia and all over the world there are hundreds of such enterprises - from huge companies to tiny craft breweries. But one thing is unchanged: beer is still at the peak of popularity, and first of all - and we are only talking about quality beverages - because of its excellent taste. Come to Lambic and taste it for yourself!
When the thermometer is high, nothing is as refreshing as a cold beer. Especially if it’s lambics — a traditional Belgian sour beer with natural juice, which not only gives a pleasant coolness, but also pleases with deep flavor. Why fruit beer saves you in the heat Light sourness, sparkling «character» and juicy fruit notes make lambics an ideal drink for summer. Unlike heavy ales or bitter IPAs, fruit beers are easy to drink, almost like lemonade, but with a distinctive beer depth. It stimulates the appetite, quenches thirst and gives a feeling of freshness thanks to the natural juices in the composition — cherry, raspberry, peach or other fruits and berries. What to choose The best option for hot weather — sour lambics, which do not leave an unpleasant feeling of lusciousness, like a sweeter beer or soda. For example, the classic cherry Kriek MAX. The bright flavor of ripe berries and pleasant sourness make it perfect for a hot day. «Kriek» is not too sweet, with a slight tartness and a long aftertaste. If you like softer, sweeter options, Lindemans Pecheresse is your choice. This peach lambic has a honeyed and fruity bouquet, a light sparkle and velvety texture, and a slight acidity and refreshing note in the finish. A variant for cider lovers, but it’s still a lambic — Lindemans Apple. The drink has a bright rich taste, which perfectly balances the sweetness of red and sourness of green apples, pleasant aroma and refreshing aftertaste. Perfect for a hot day! How to drink lambics in the heat For a beer to be truly refreshing, proper serving is important. Lambics should be: — Cool down to 6-8°C — this will reveal all the nuances of flavor, but will not lose the freshness.— Serve in tall glasses — the flavor will «play». If desired, you can add ice to the drink, but do not get carried away — there is a chance to «dilute» the deep flavor of Lambic. And it is better to just have to go to Lambic! In our beer restaurants — a large selection of varieties from Belgium and other countries of the world. Proper serving of drinks, delicious food, cozy atmosphere and excellent service are guaranteed!
21 June 2025
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy Belgian beer. But what to pair it with? When it’s hot outside, you want something light, fresh, yet rich. And that’s where seafood, cheeses, fruits and desserts come in, which perfectly complement the rich flavors of Belgian brews. Seafood In summer, chilled shrimp with lemon and garlic sauce are especially good — they set off the malty sweetness of pale ales and wheat beers. But other seafood can pair well with Belgian beers, too. Here are some ready-made tips: — Blanche de Bruxelles or Hoegaarden — whizbiers with citrus notes — can be served with mussels and low-fat sauces. — Saison Voisin, a farmhouse ale with a spicy hop bitterness, will accentuate the flavor of grilled oysters or calamari. Cheeses The Belgians know a lot about cheese, and their beers harmonize well with different varieties: — Sharp aged cheeses (such as gorgonzola) are a great pairing for a strong Tripel Karmeliet.— Delicate goat cheeses with honey go perfectly with fruity lambics like Lindemans Kriek. Fruit salads and berries In the heat of the day, it’s especially nice to snack on fresh fruit — it enhances the fruity notes in the drink itself: — Cherries, strawberries, peaches — a win-win for Kriek or Framboise.— A fruit salad with citrus and mint is a refreshing pairing for a blanche, such as Corsendonk Blanche. Desserts If you want to end the evening on a sweet note, give these a try: — Waffles with berries and whipped cream — duo with St. Bernardus Abt 12 or Chimay Blue.— Lemon tart — will emphasize the citrus tones of the vitbiers or lambics.— Chocolate desserts — the perfect accompaniment for Kasteel Rouge, Petrus Aged Red and Delirium RED, as well as all chocolate and coffee varieties. And remember: summer appetizers should be light and should accentuate, not overpower, the flavor of the beer. It is best to serve them chilled to keep the balance and enjoy every sip. Come to Lambic — in our beer restaurants you will find the best beer from all over the world and the perfect accompaniment to it. We look forward to seeing you!
21 June 2025