Draft beer and its peculiarities: what you need to know not to lose in taste
Every day beer is becoming more and more popular in our country, and this cannot but affect the supply. Whereas previously you could only buy beer in bottles, and a single variety was poured into mugs, today, with the advent of numerous bars and craft breweries, the selection of beers on tap has become much greater. And sometimes it is as large as, or even larger than, the bottled menu. Does this way of serving beer have any peculiarities?
Myths and Truth
Many uninformed beer drinkers are convinced that even if you take the same beer, draft beer will taste different from bottled beer. Some people think that bottled beer is better, others - on the contrary, because in bars and restaurants it is allegedly diluted, but the essence does not change. In fact, both are wrong: there is no difference in taste. It is the same drink, packaged in different containers - a bottle, can or keg.
Taste can be affected by the unscrupulousness of the seller - if the beer is bottled or stored improperly, it can affect the product. For example, the bottling structure is not clean enough, beer is not stored in a specially equipped room, but under the bar, and so on. Also, the taste can be affected by low traffic in the bar - beer that stays on tap for weeks can lose its flavor qualities. Therefore, it is important to choose a proven beer restaurant - and then the draft beer will definitely not differ in taste from the bottled beer.
Another myth associated with draft beer is that it is fresher than bottled beer. We're used to the idea that draft and bottled beer is always better than boxed and bottled beer. But this is also a misconception: beer in kegs has a shelf life of its own. For example, Belgian draft beer usually "lives" from 6 months to a year. Truly fresh can be called only that drink, which hit the table a few days after production. All other variants in terms of freshness will not differ from the product in bottles.
If you are visiting a beer restaurant for the first time, it is better not to take the risk - order light varieties that are not distinguished by a complex rich taste. Bottled beer is more difficult to "spoil," so it is better to choose it for tasting exquisite drinks. On the contrary, if a place inspires confidence, like the Lambic brasserie chain, you can experiment. The advantage of draught beer is that you can order any portion, even a set of the smallest volume glasses, and get acquainted with a large number of varieties in one visit.
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