Lambic
Belgian Lambic Beers: Fruity and Sweet with a Special Kick
If there is one country that knows and makes their beers by heart, it is none other than Belgium. Known for the wide variety of world favorite beers that they offer and create, this country considers beer-making an important part of their history and culture. One of the most popular beers in Belgium is the Lambic beer. It is a type of liquor that is mainly brewed in the country’s Pajottenland region and is most popular for its cidery, vinous, and dry aftertaste. Though there are breweries that choose to keep its original recipe, there are also others who decided to tweak its brewing procedures a little to make its taste more likable to other beer lovers.
Different types of Lambic Belgian Beers
At present, Belgian Lambic beer is subjected to re-fermentation which gave birth to varieties like Kriek and Gueuze. Many modern beers are fermented by using strains of brewer’s yeasts which were carefully cultivated. The fermentation of Lambic beer, however, is done by exposing it to bacteria and wild yeasts. After exposure, the beer is left to age for three to six months or two to three years.
Belgian Lambic beer is divided into 4 different varieties:
1.) Pure lambic beer is characterized as uncarbonated and is cloudy in appearance. These are the type of lambics which are aged for three or more years.
2.) Gueuze lambic beer on the other hand, are lambic beers that are a result of the mixture of one year old young beer and two or three year old beer. This kind undergoes secondary fermentation to produce carbon dioxide since the young beer in the mixture is not fully fermented.
Traditional wooden lambic barrels
3.) Kriek lambic beer involves adding sour morello cherries and leaving it to have a secondary fermentation in the bottle. It is popular for its dry and sour taste.
4.) Faro lambic beer – Those who prefer a much lighter taste, moreover, can try the Faro variety. It is a low-alcohol and sweetened liquor created by blending lambic with a light brew called meertsbier. This kind is an affordable daily drink because of the use of substandard lambic and lighter beer.
Aluminum Industrial barrels of Lambic Beer
One known brand of lambic beer is the Lindemans Framboise. This drink can be easily considered as a best friend of the ladies with its pretty pink froth and fruity sweet taste. It has a strong raspberry flavor which is surprisingly not too strong to the palate and leaves a perfect candy sweetness on the mouth. It is best complimented by foods like chocolate and other types of dessert.
Cantillon Saint Lamvinus, on the other hand, is a much stronger drink than the Lindemans brand. It has an appealing dark cranberry and purple color which looks refreshing and most appealing when poured in flute, tulip, or snifter beer glasses. Its taste is strong and tart with hints of green apple and grape. Its flavors and overall taste is described as thick and lush and it is also praised for its perfect carbonation. Just like Lindemans Framboise, it is best taken with sweet treats like salads, chocolates, and other dessert varieties.
