The Belgians once wisely noticed that a wine lover talks to a glass, and a beer lover talks to a neighbor. It is beer in Belgium that has been the national drink for many years. Any acquaintance with the country and its capital will certainly end with a tasting of the branded lambic, the history of which is lost in the Middle Ages.
Statistics know everything
Know-it-all statistics argue that it is the Belgians who are the healthiest nation in at least Europe, and the consumption of high-quality beer plays an important role in this sense:
- There are at least 130 breweries in the country, despite the fact that in terms of area, Belgium occupies only 136 line in the list of world powers.
- The Guild of Brussels Brewers was formed in the 13th century, and by the 16th century it had become the most powerful workshop in Flanders.
- The Board of the Belgian Brewers Corporation is located in a mansion on the Grand Plac. The organization is called "Golden Tree". Here you can also visit the Beer Museum and taste many national varieties.
- The legendary Stella Artois was first born 600 years ago in the Leuven brewery. Its creators were monks, and the "surname" was given to Stella in honor of the master Sebastian Artois, who led the process of its creation several centuries later.
About lambic and other goodies
Brewing beer in Belgium is an honorable and respected job. The most popular type of foamy drink is called Lambic. It is made from wheat and barley by spontaneous fermentation in wooden barrels.
There are many varieties of lambic, but the Belgians consider the following to be the most beloved:
- Faro, obtained with the addition of burnt sugar to the beer wort. Differs in rich color.
- Fruit varieties - peach pesch, ramboise framboise, cherry shout and currant casi.
- Brussels champagne or gueuze, made by mixing different types of lambic beer.
From year to year, beer in Belgium is gaining its popularity. An increasing number of tourists come to the country who dream of tasting the Brussels lambic.
Monastic footprint
The Trappist is considered by connoisseurs to be the king of Belgian beer. This variety is distinguished by top fermentation, high strength and repeated fermentation process after bottling. The recipe for the royal drink was created by Trappist monks, and its worldwide popularity ensures high prices and difficulties in acquiring even at home - a quality Trappist is always in short supply.
