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!
Japanese beer Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager
It is tacitly believed that the best beer is brewed in Europe — Belgium, Germany and the Czech Republic. However, there are other countries which produce high-quality foam, it is just that it is not so popular in Russia. For example, Japan. Connoisseurs will confirm: it is almost impossible to find tasteless beer in the land of the rising sun. On the shelves of Japanese stores there are both classic varieties and unusual labels. A bright representative of the latter is Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager. Let’s find out what exactly it is good for. Freshness and harmony The original Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager is brewed on the basis of Hitachino Nest Lager light lager, but with a secret ingredient. Yuzu juice, or Japanese citron, is added to the drink. Thanks to this fruit, the taste and aroma of the beer acquires characteristic citrus notes, refreshing sourness and piquant bitterness. In addition to yuzu itself, the flavor of Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager has notes of tangerine, grapefruit, malt and hops. And in addition to the citrus sourness, the full-bodied flavor also shows light malt notes. Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager is so refreshing and drinkable that it is often consumed without gastronomic accompaniment, as an aperitif. It is the perfect drink for hot weather or to quench thirst. This beer can also be served with light appetizers, salads and seafood. A bit of history If you want to delve more into Japanese beer culture, it’s also worth learning more about the maker of Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager. This is a Kiuchi company founded by Kiuchi Nihei in the city of Naka in 1823. Initially, the company only produced sake, and later switched to other alcohols such as wine, liqueurs, and beer. In 1996, Kiuchi put beer production on stream by opening its own mini-brewery, Hitachino Nest. Hitachino is the old name of the province, which in ancient times was known for its fertile soils and abundant crops of grains from which excellent beer was brewed. Kiuchi products have repeatedly received prestigious awards at beer competitions and festivals, not only in Japan, but also abroad. The beer is appreciated for its excellent taste and quality, and the company itself is appreciated for its loyalty to tradition: since its foundation, for almost two centuries, it has been owned by the same family. Looking for a place to try Japanese beer in Moscow? Come to any Lambic beer restaurant. We have many interesting varieties that will pleasantly surprise you!
24 March 2025
Summer lambics: refresh yourself with a fruity beer from Belgium
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