Difference between revisions of "Drink Lambic Beer"
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| − | + | Lambic beer is a unique, archaic form of beer that is quite different than modern, commonplace ales and lagers. Authentic lambics are only produced in the Senne River Valley region of Belgium near Brussels. They are unusual because, like beers brewed in ancient times, they are spontaneously fermented with wild, naturally occurring yeast and bacteria. The yeast and bacteria reside in the air as well as in brewery equipment and entire brewery structures such as decrepit roofs. The specific, ideal microbial profile that exist in the Senne Valley enables the creation of true lambic beer that cannot be reproduced elsewhere. The brewery equipment that harbors and nurtures various kinds of yeast and bacteria is never fully cleaned and sanitized. The decaying, seasoned structures of breweries are maintained as such so that important microbial flora are not lost. This is in sharp contrast to modern ale and lager breweries that use pure, laboratory-raised strains of brewing yeast and constantly work to ensure that the beer is not contaminated with microbes other than their pure strain of brewing yeast. Brown, oxidized hops that have been aged for three or more years are also used to make lambics. Unlike the green, unoxidized hops that are used to make conventional beer, the oxidized hops do not contribute much or any bitterness or hop character. They are used primarily for their natural preservative properties. The wild, unconventional nature of lambic beer makes for a complex beverage that is best experienced when served at the appropriate temperature and in suitable glassware. | |
| − | [[Category: Beer and Cider]] | + | [[Category:Beer and Cider]] |
| − | [[Category: Belgian Cuisine]] | + | [[Category:Belgian Cuisine]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
#'''Find an authentic lambic beer'''. Authentic lambic beer must be from Belgium, and the label of true lambic beer should display the word “lambic” (or "lambiek"). Beer that is spontaneously fermented but is not from Belgium cannot be true lambic beer. Lambics are typically aged for six months to three years, and young and old lambics are traditionally blended. Lambics should be made from natural ingredients and not artificially flavored or colored. Lambics by Lindeman's, for example, are usually artificially sweetened. If the ingredients are listed on the bottle, look for malted barley, unmalted wheat, and hops. Fresh, whole fruit is also frequently an ingredient, and is added to the base lambic beer. The fruit is then fermented in the beer, as it is rich in fermentable sugars. Pits and other unfermentable material are removed before bottling. Look for beer that is packaged in 375 mL and 750 mL champagne bottles. Bottles of lambic are corked like wine and champagne, but some will have bottle caps that have been capped over corks. The cork will not be visible until the cap is removed from the bottle. | #'''Find an authentic lambic beer'''. Authentic lambic beer must be from Belgium, and the label of true lambic beer should display the word “lambic” (or "lambiek"). Beer that is spontaneously fermented but is not from Belgium cannot be true lambic beer. Lambics are typically aged for six months to three years, and young and old lambics are traditionally blended. Lambics should be made from natural ingredients and not artificially flavored or colored. Lambics by Lindeman's, for example, are usually artificially sweetened. If the ingredients are listed on the bottle, look for malted barley, unmalted wheat, and hops. Fresh, whole fruit is also frequently an ingredient, and is added to the base lambic beer. The fruit is then fermented in the beer, as it is rich in fermentable sugars. Pits and other unfermentable material are removed before bottling. Look for beer that is packaged in 375 mL and 750 mL champagne bottles. Bottles of lambic are corked like wine and champagne, but some will have bottle caps that have been capped over corks. The cork will not be visible until the cap is removed from the bottle. | ||
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#'''Smell and taste the lambic'''. Expected aromas are typically described as fruity, citric, horsey, barnyard, goaty, sweaty, hay, horse blanket, earthy, and acidic. Lambics can taste quite sour and tart, and can be reminiscent of sherry or cider. Tannic astringency can also be present, and the oak that the lambic may have been aged in can be detectable. Hop bitterness should be low or absent. Undesirable aromas and overall flavors may be described as cigar-like, smoky, enteric, and cheesy. Very sweet fruit lambics may have added sugar primarily for the American market, but authentic, artisanal fruit lambics such as those brewed by Cantillon or Hanssens should only impart sweetness that is from fresh fruit and fruit juice. The flavor and color of the type of fruit that was used to make a fruit lambic should be apparent. | #'''Smell and taste the lambic'''. Expected aromas are typically described as fruity, citric, horsey, barnyard, goaty, sweaty, hay, horse blanket, earthy, and acidic. Lambics can taste quite sour and tart, and can be reminiscent of sherry or cider. Tannic astringency can also be present, and the oak that the lambic may have been aged in can be detectable. Hop bitterness should be low or absent. Undesirable aromas and overall flavors may be described as cigar-like, smoky, enteric, and cheesy. Very sweet fruit lambics may have added sugar primarily for the American market, but authentic, artisanal fruit lambics such as those brewed by Cantillon or Hanssens should only impart sweetness that is from fresh fruit and fruit juice. The flavor and color of the type of fruit that was used to make a fruit lambic should be apparent. | ||
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| − | The following video elaborates on the history of Lambic Beer, informs on various types of it, shows a few beer tastings, explains how to drink and taste it, and a few more Lambic tips. | + | The following video elaborates on the history of Lambic Beer, informs on various types of it, shows a few beer tastings, explains how to drink and taste it, and a few more Lambic tips. |
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
