Lambic beers are one of the most famous and unique styles of beer that are specific to the Brussels area. These beers represent one of the world's oldest styles of beer making, dating back several centuries. The fame of lambic beers stems from their distinct taste and brewing process.
What sets lambic beers apart is their tartness, which is achieved through the use of a high proportion of raw wheat in the brewing process. While most beers are brewed primarily with malted barley, lambic beers contain at least thirty percent raw wheat, giving them their characteristic sour flavor profile.
The brewing process of lambic beers is also quite different from other styles. Unlike most beers that are fermented with carefully selected strains of brewer's yeast, lambic beers undergo spontaneous fermentation. This means that the wort (unfermented beer) is exposed to the wild yeasts and bacteria present in the air of the Brussels region. These wild yeasts and bacteria give lambic beers their unique flavors and aromas.
To achieve spontaneous fermentation, lambic brewers expose the wort to the open air in large shallow vessels called coolships. The wort is then transferred to oak barrels for aging, where it continues to ferment and develop its characteristic sourness over a period of months or even years. This aging process imparts complex flavors and aromas to the finished beer, making each batch of lambic truly unique.
There are two main types of lambic beers that are famous in Brussels: Cantillon Lambik and Lindemans Lambik. Cantillon is one of the most renowned lambic breweries in the world, known for its traditional brewing methods and exceptional quality. Their Lambik beer has a crisp tartness and complex funkiness that is highly sought after by beer enthusiasts.
Lindemans is another well-known lambic brewery in Brussels, and their Lambik beer is more accessible and approachable to a wider audience. It has a slightly sweeter and less intense sourness compared to Cantillon Lambik, making it a great introduction to the world of lambic beers for those who are new to the style.
Having personally tasted both Cantillon and Lindemans lambic beers, I can attest to their exceptional quality and unique flavors. Each sip of these beers is a journey of complex flavors, with notes of tart fruits, earthiness, and a pleasant acidity that lingers on the palate.
Lambic beers, particularly Cantillon Lambik and Lindemans Lambik, are famous in Brussels for their tartness and unique brewing process. These beers represent a rich brewing tradition that dates back centuries and continue to be celebrated by beer lovers around the world. Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or just starting to explore different beer styles, lambic beers are definitely worth a try for their distinct flavors and the history they carry.