Top 10 beers most frequently ordered at Lambic
Compiling a beer chart is no easy task, as everyone has different tastes. But statistics are stubborn things. We analyzed actual orders at Lambic beer restaurants and prepared an honest rating of the most popular beer brands for you. For convenience, we divided it into two categories: bottled and draft. So, here are the best Belgian (and other) beers according to our guests!
Top 10 bottled beers
Bottles allow brewers to create ideal conditions for maturation and preserve complex flavors. These varieties are favorites among those who appreciate authenticity and depth.
1. Riegele Feines Urhell
— An exemplary German lager. Golden, crystal clear, with a pronounced hop bitterness that is perfectly balanced with malt sweetness. The taste is fresh, with light herbal notes.
— Alcohol content: 4.7%
— Suitable for connoisseurs of classic and pure flavors. An excellent choice for those who are tired of watery mass-produced lagers and are looking for the gold standard.
— What to order with it: pretzels, grilled sausages, potato salad, burgers.
Bartender's comment: “Often ordered by guests who want a ‘good light beer’. Perfect for the first glass."
2. Eggenberg, Freibier
— Non-alcoholic lager with the classic taste of Austrian beer. It has a fresh taste with a delicate bitterness. The aftertaste is long and pleasant.
— Alcohol content: 0.5%.
— Suitable for those who want to enjoy an evening without alcohol.
— What to order with it: seafood.
3. Barbe Ruby
— A genuine cherry lambic from Belgium. It has a bright, berry flavor with a pleasant natural tartness and a refreshing aftertaste.
— Alcohol content: 7%.
— Suitable for lovers of fruit varieties and those who are just discovering the world of Belgian lambics. Often enjoyed by those who usually drink wine or cider.
— What to order with it: light salads, meat dishes, desserts.
Bartender's comment: “Very often ordered for women's groups or as a dessert beer."
4. Schnitzlbaumer Weisse Alkoholfrei
— Non-alcoholic fruity and tart wheat beer. It has a light refreshing taste with a delicate hop bitterness in the aftertaste.
— Alcohol content – 0.4%.
— Suitable for drivers, athletes, pregnant women, or simply those who don't want alcohol today but crave the taste of real beer.
— What to order with it: light salads, soups, grilled vegetables, cheeses. Very refreshing on its own.
Guest comment: “I'm driving, but I don't want to drink juice with my friends at the bar. This beer is just what I need. It feels like I'm drinking real wheat beer, but I'm not getting drunk.”
5. Delirium Red
— Dessert beer with cherries and elderberry juice. The taste is very juicy, berry-like, sweetish, with a slight sourness in the finish.
— Alcohol content: 8.0%.
— Suitable for those who like sweet and fruity varieties. Ideal as a digestif.
— What to order with it: berry cheesecakes, chocolate fondant, sweet waffles, nuts, fruit.
6. Cider Rebel Apple Nympho
— Non-alcoholic apple cider, balanced and moderately sweet.
— Alcohol content: 0%.
— Suitable for cider lovers who, for whatever reason, cannot order alcoholic options.
— What to order with it: light snacks, pastries, desserts.
Guest comment: “Great as an aperitif and, overall, a very decent non-alcoholic cider.”
7. Pauwel Kwak
— A legendary Belgian strong amber ale. It has a rich, caramel-sweet taste with malty notes. It is famous for being served in a unique glass mug on a wooden coaster.
— Alcohol content: 8.4%
— Suitable for lovers of history and rich malty flavors. A beer that turns drinking into a ritual.
— What to order with it: roast duck or beef, aged cheeses.
8. Kasteel Rouge
— A powerful, dessert cherry ale based on strong dark Kasteel beer. The taste is like cherry jam, liqueur, and dark chocolate in one glass. Velvety, sweet, with an almost imperceptible sourness.
— Alcohol content: 8.0%
— Suitable for those with a sweet tooth and those looking for a substitute for dessert wine or liqueur. Best enjoyed in small portions.
— What to order with it: meat dishes, barbecue, dark rice, dark chocolate, coffee tiramisu, nut tartlets.
Bartender's comment: “It is most often ordered at the end of dinner. One glass per group to try. A great way to end the evening.”
9. Corsendonk Blanche
— A benchmark Belgian witbier. Cloudy, golden in color, with a refreshing taste of coriander, orange zest, and a slight spicy kick. Incredibly aromatic.
— Alcohol content: 4.3%.
— Suitable for lovers of light, summery, aromatic varieties. An ideal aperitif.
— What to order with it: seafood salad, mussels in white wine, goat cheese.
10. Tripel Karmeliet
— The pinnacle of Belgian brewing. Brewed according to the original recipe from 1679. The taste combines notes of hops, herbs, citrus, banana, pear, and flowers. Despite its strength, it is incredibly drinkable.
— Alcohol content: 8.4%.
— Suitable for absolutely everyone. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned connoisseurs.
— What to order with it: low-fat cheeses, fried shrimp, dishes with lemon sauce.
Bartender's comment: “Our absolute bestseller. When guests ask us to ‘recommend something cool,’ we often suggest Karmeliet. No one has ever regretted it. A legendary beer.”
Top 10 draft beers
Freshness is the main advantage of draft beer. It is served at the perfect temperature, with the right head, and has that unique “freshly poured” taste.
1. Schnitzlbaumer Lagerbier Hell
— A high-quality, pure German lager. It has a pleasant malty base, a light bread-like sweetness, and a soft, noble bitterness. Very smooth and balanced.
— Alcohol content: 4.9%.
— Suitable for those who want to drink fresh, light, high-quality beer glass after glass. A reliable and win-win option.
— What to order with it: pizza, burgers, French fries, any classic bar snacks.
2. Bourgogne des Flandres
— A legendary Flemish brown ale. It has a smooth, sweet taste with hints of cherry, caramel, vanilla, and malt. Incredibly refreshing and complex.
— Alcohol content: 5.0%
— Suitable for gourmets and those who want to try “sour beer” in its most accessible and delicious form.
— What to order with it: tuna steak, dishes with cheese sauce, duck.
Guest comment: “I tried it for the first time on the bartender's recommendation. I really liked it! Now it's my must-have when I come to Lambic.”
3. Gordon Five
— An exquisite premium lager. Dry, refreshing, with a slight sourness and bitterness in the taste.
— Alcohol content: 5%.
— Suitable for fans of light and fresh beer. An excellent choice for an evening with friends.
— What to order with it: cheese platter, fried chicken wings, salmon steak.
4. Eggenberg Helle Weisse
— Austrian unfiltered wheat beer. It has a rich flavor with notes of banana, bubble gum, honey, and white pepper, and a bitter aftertaste.
— Alcohol content: 5%.
— Suitable for wheat beer lovers. Refreshing, aromatic, ideal for warm weather.
— What to order with it: pretzels, white sausages, vegetable salads.
Bartender's comment: “We recommend this variety when guests ask for ‘something light and aromatic’. The perfect balance of banana and spices — a benchmark wheat beer.”
5. St. Feuillien Grisette Blanche
— Belgian witbier with a smooth, soft, creamy taste, notes of banana, citrus, spices, and minimal bitterness. Very refreshing.
— Alcohol content: 5.5%.
— Suitable for those looking for a light but interesting beer.
— What to order with it: seafood salads, light pasta dishes, goat cheese.
6. Sater Premium Lager
— A clean, classic, well-fermented lager. It has a slight hop bitterness, which is balanced by malt sweetness. The taste has notes of toast, biscuit, nuts, caramel, and honey.
— Alcohol content: 4.8%.
— Suitable for those who appreciate the classic beer taste and for those who want to “refresh” themselves after stronger varieties.
— What to order with it: any grilled dishes, fish with fried potatoes, sandwiches.
Guest comment: “I don't like experiments, I just want a simple, good beer. Sater is just that: a clean taste, a pleasant bitterness, no unnecessary sweetness.”
7. Palm
— The most popular Belgian beer in the “special ale” category. Honey-amber in color, with light caramel, bread tones, and a mild bitterness. Incredibly drinkable and versatile.
— Alcohol content: 5.2%.
— Suitable for any occasion. A Belgian classic that you can drink by the liter without getting tired of the taste.
— What to order with it: mussels, carbonara, burgers, grilled sausages.
8. Timmermans Kriek Lambicus
— An authentic cherry lambic. Bright, sour cherry flavor with a characteristic “wild” aftertaste from barrel aging. Fresh and sparkling.
— Alcohol content: 4.0%.
— Suitable for connoisseurs of traditional lambic and those who love fruity sourness.
— What to order with it: waffles, light desserts, salads with berries.
Bartender's comment: “When you pour it, the cherry aroma spreads throughout the bar. Often people at the next table turn around and ask, ‘What's that?’ It sells itself.”
9. Petrus Aged Red
— A Flemish red ale aged in oak barrels. When bottled, its complex sweet and sour profile with cherry and malt notes becomes even more pronounced.
— Alcohol content: 8.5%.
— Suitable for lovers of fruity varieties.
— What to order with it: meat, smoked meats, aged cheeses, desserts.
10. Affligem Blonde
— A light Belgian abbey ale with notes of malt, tropical fruits, citrus, vanilla, and honey.
— Alcohol content: 6.7%.
— Suitable for those who love Belgian classics.
— What to order with it: grilled chicken wings, seafood pasta, fish, spicy appetizers.
As you can see, our beer rating includes classic lagers, complex Belgian ales, and refreshing wheat beers. The main thing is quality, taste, and proper serving. Choose from our proven top varieties or trust the advice of the bartenders at Lambic. They will help you choose the perfect variety for your mood and dish. Come and try it!
Brugse Zot Dubbel Beer: “The Fool from Bruges” with Belgian Character
Contents Back to the past: legend and revival Tasting characteristics Food pairings: what to serve it with Come and try it at Lambic Brugse Zot Dubbel is a unique Belgian beer, interesting not only for its taste but also for its history. Its name translates as «The Fool from Bruges», but behind the playful name lies a serious beer with a unique character — complex, rich and perfectly balanced. Let’s take a closer look at what makes it unique, how it came about and what it should be served with. Back to the past: legend and revival The history of Brugse Zot Dubbel goes back to an old city legend. In 1488, the people of Bruges rebelled against the strict rule of Emperor Maximilian of Austria and even took him prisoner. After his release, the emperor retaliated by banning city celebrations and fairs. But the locals did not give up: they organised a grand parade in honour of the monarch and asked him to allow the fairs to return, while also asking him to build a new madhouse for the city. The emperor replied with a phrase that would become legendary: «Close all the gates of Bruges, and you will have a madhouse!». Since then, the people of Bruges have been nicknamed «Brugse Zotten» — fools, or jesters from Bruges. Five centuries later, the De Halve Maan brewery, which has been run by six generations of the Maes family since 1856, decided to remind the townspeople of their history. In 2005, the brewery’s owner completed a major renovation of the brewery in the centre of Bruges and brewed a beer that became a symbol of its revival. Brugse Zot Dubbel beer quickly became a hit — first locally and then internationally. The beer received numerous prestigious awards, including gold at the Australian International Beer Awards 2013. Tasting characteristics Brugse Zot Dubbel is a dark Belgian top-fermented ale with an ABV of 7.5%. It has a beautiful hazy reddish-brown colour with a dense head. The main feature of the beer is that six special varieties of malt are used in its production, creating a unique and rich aroma. It also contains the famous Saaz hops from Žatec, which add a slightly bitter, spicy note to the beer. The flavour of the beer is complex and multilayered. You can detect notes of apple, cherry, caramel, raisins, molasses, earth, toast, nuts, pepper, clove, yeast and spices. Towards the finish, a soft but distinct hop bitterness appears, which does not overpower the palate but pleasantly completes the flavour. The aftertaste is long and warming, with nuances of liquorice and a subtle coffee note. Food pairings: what to serve it with Brugse Zot Dubbel is a complex and rich beer that requires the right food pairing. It works particularly well with: — Cheese. The beer pairs well with buttery and aged varieties such as Brie, Gouda and Swiss cheese. Those who like to experiment can try Gorgonzola. — Meat. Meat dishes, especially beef, complement the beer’s malty sweetness. — Chocolate. Dark chocolate desserts create an interesting contrast, perfectly balancing sweetness and bitterness. Come and try it at Lambic The best way to experience the uniqueness of Brugse Zot Dubbel is to try it for yourself. Visit any beer restaurant at Lambic — we will serve this beer according to all the proper traditions and recommend suitable snacks to accompany it. And if you feel like trying something else — we will suggest other interesting pairings. We look forward to welcoming you!
14 September 2026
Beer and Mussels: Which Styles Best Bring Out the Flavour of Seafood
Contents Why Mussels Pair Well with Beer Light Beers for the Delicate Flavour of Mussels Sour and Fruity Styles for Seafood What to Choose for Mussels in Sauce Mussels with Beer: Common Mistakes Come to Lambic Mussels are a versatile product. They are served with white wine, cider, and even dry vermouth, but few people know that mussels are also an excellent beer snack. Light beer such as witbier is the best way to highlight their delicate flavour, but you can also experiment by choosing fruity beers or sour lambics as an accompaniment. Below, we will take a closer look at each option and discuss the common mistakes you should avoid. Why Mussels Pair Well with Beer Mussels have a soft, delicate flavour with a slight sweetness and distinctive sea notes. Beer performs several functions here: — The bitterness of hops cleanses the palate and balances the saltiness and richness of the dish. — Carbonation (the bubbles in beer) also helps cleanse the palate and refresh the perception of flavour. — The malty base of beer, with its caramel and bready notes, enhances the natural sweetness of mussels, making it more pronounced and rounded. — Beer does not overpower the flavour of mussels, as can often happen with acidic wines or strong spirits, but gently accompanies it, prolonging the aftertaste. Light Beers for the Delicate Flavour of Mussels For classic recipes where mussels are simply stewed with onion, garlic, and herbs, light beer styles are ideal. Pilsner or light lager is a safe choice. They do not overpower the delicate flavour of the seafood, only subtly complementing it with bready notes. If you are preparing Belgian-style mussels, stewed in beer or white wine, witbier is best served as an accompaniment. Thanks to its notes of coriander and orange zest, this style adds extra character to the dish and perfectly refreshes the palate after every bite. Sour and Fruity Styles for Seafood Light beer is clear enough, but what else can you drink with mussels? Those who enjoy unconventional combinations should pay attention to sour and fruity beer styles. Lambic is a spontaneously fermented beer with a naturally pronounced tartness. It works with mussels on the same principle as lemon juice, which is often squeezed over seafood: it accentuates and highlights their natural sweetness, making the flavour brighter and cleaner. In addition, the slight tartness of lambic neutralises the saltiness of the dish. Fruit kriek is a type of lambic made with cherries, raspberries, peaches, and other fruits and berries. The beer’s berry freshness and the slightly sweet flavour of the seafood complement each other, while the overall acidity of the drink prevents the flavour from becoming cloying. Fruit krieks work especially well with raw or lightly marinated mussels — just as oysters harmonise with champagne or acidic white wine. What to Choose for Mussels in Sauce The choice of beer depends directly on the sauce in which the mussels are served: — Mussels in Roquefort sauce. Blue cheese gives the dish a rich, salty, and piquant flavour. This calls for a sufficiently full-bodied, complex beer that will not be lost against the cheese. An excellent choice is a tripel, Trappist, or abbey-style beer. — Mussels in tomato sauce. The acidity of tomatoes and the spiciness of garlic pair well with light wheat beer. If the sauce is spicy, it is better to choose a blonde ale. — Mussels in truffle and mushroom sauce. Truffle oil and cream create a rich flavour that calls for a beer without aggressive bitterness. The best choice is a light Belgian ale or abbey beer. Mussels with Beer: Common Mistakes The main mistake is serving beer that is too full-bodied with mussels, such as a rich stout or an extremely hop-forward double IPA. The high body and bitterness of these styles can overpower the delicate flavour of the seafood. If beer is used for cooking, it is best to avoid bitter styles so that the broth does not become unpleasantly astringent. It is also not recommended to serve beer too cold with a hot dish — a low temperature will make the flavour and aroma less perceptible. Come to Lambic Want to try the most interesting beer and mussel pairings? Come to any Lambic beer restaurant — our menu features both quality seafood and beers from around the world! We will help you find a harmonious pairing and do everything we can to make your gastronomic journey a memorable one. See you soon!
14 September 2026