Best Places To Buy Lambic Beer

Lambic beer, a sour beer with a whimsical flavour, is a famous ale from Belgium. It is unique because it is left to ferment spontaneously in open vats, giving it a mild carbonation and cloudy appearance. It is brewed with malted barley, unmalted wheat, old hops, and fermented in old oak barrels. While it is originally a regional beer from the Senne Valley, where Brussels is located, it is now also brewed by some breweries outside this region. If you're looking to buy lambic beer, you can find it at online retailers such as BelgianMart.com, Belgian-Style Ales, Drizly, and Total Wine & More.

Online beer retailers

There are several online beer retailers that sell lambic beer. Here are some options:

BelgianMart.com

BelgianMart.com offers a wide range of Belgian lambic beers available for purchase online. The website provides detailed descriptions of each product, including the ABV, bottle size, and price. The selection includes lambic beers from various breweries, such as Cantillon, Mort Subite, and Belle-Vue.

BeerMerchants.com

BeerMerchants.com is another online retailer that offers a diverse selection of lambic beers. They provide information about the brewing process and the unique characteristics of lambic beers. The website also mentions the availability of sour beers and IPA options for those who enjoy exploring different beer styles.

BelgianShop.com

BelgianShop.com specialises in Belgian Gueuze lambic fruit beers, offering a range of options for worldwide delivery. They provide detailed descriptions of their products, including the ABV, flavour profiles, and customer ratings. The website also mentions a discount on shipping costs.

BeerShopHQ.uk

BeerShopHQ.uk offers a collection of sour, wild, and lambic beers available for delivery across the UK. They provide free shipping for orders over £65 and have a range of options from different breweries. The website also offers the convenience of ordering online and collecting from their physical shops.

Geuzeshop.com

Geuzeshop.com is a Belgian e-commerce company dedicated to lambic and Geuze beers. They aim to offer a comprehensive range of products to cater to different preferences. The website provides clear presentation of their product range, allowing customers to browse by blender, brewer, or specific bottling dates using their Geuze Filter. They also offer promotional deals and introductory packages.

HuisvandeGeuze.be

HuisvandeGeuze.be offers a vast selection of Oude Gueuze, lambic, and Kriek beers at competitive prices. The website features a user-friendly interface, allowing customers to easily browse through their extensive collection. They offer a variety of lambic beers from different breweries, including 3 Fonteinen, Odilon, and Van Aert.

Specialist beer shops

Online beer shops, such as BelgianMart.com, Belgian-Style Ales, and Drizly, offer a convenient way to purchase Lambic beer. These websites provide detailed descriptions of the beers they sell, including information on flavour profiles, ingredients, and alcohol content. Some sites even offer guidance on pairing Lambic beers with food, suggesting that they be treated like champagne when it comes to flavour and serving suggestions. Online shops often stock a wide range of Lambic beers, including fruit Lambics, which are made with whole fruit or fruit syrup added during the brewing process, and Gueuze Lambics, a blend of young and old Lambic beers.

For those who prefer to shop in person, specialist beer stores are a great option. Total Wine & More, for example, offers a range of Belgian-style ales, including fruit Lambics such as Lindeman's Framboise and Kriek. These stores often have knowledgeable staff who can guide customers towards the best Lambic beers to suit their tastes and provide information on the unique characteristics of this style of beer.

Liquor stores

If you're looking to buy lambic beer, your best bet is to check specialty beer and liquor stores, either in-person or online. These stores often have a wider selection of craft and imported beers, including lambic varieties.

When visiting a well-stocked liquor store, look beyond the typical beer section. Lambic beers are unique and often housed in a separate area dedicated to specialty and craft offerings. These beers are known for their distinct wild yeast fermentation, giving them a dry, cider-like quality with a fruity edge.

Ask the store staff for guidance. They are usually knowledgeable about their inventory and can direct you to the lambic options available. If you're seeking a specific brand or style, such as a kriek lambic with its characteristic sour cherry twist, inquiring with the staff is your best course of action.

Some liquor stores have online counterparts, making it convenient to browse their selection from the comfort of your home. You can often find detailed descriptions of the beers they offer, including style, tasting notes, and even food pairing suggestions. This can be especially helpful when exploring the diverse and complex world of lambic beers.

When visiting or browsing liquor stores, keep an eye out for Belgian beer sections or specialty fridges. Lambic beers, with their Belgian roots, are often nestled among other Belgian beer styles, such as tripels or saisons. These sections are worth exploring to discover the unique flavors of lambic beers.

Breweries

Lambic beer is a famous ale from Belgium, specifically the Senne Valley, where Brussels is located. It is produced by spontaneous fermentation, where the wort is brewed as usual but instead of adding yeast, the liquid is poured into giant, open-topped vats and exposed to wild yeasts in the air. After 24 hours, the liquid is transferred to barrels to age for up to three years. This process results in a sour wild ale with mild carbonation and a cloudy appearance.

While lambic beer originated in the Senne Valley, it is now also brewed by some breweries outside this region. Here is a list of breweries that produce lambic beer:

• Boon: Produces Kriek (Cherry) Lambic, Kriek Mariage Parfait, and Oude Geuze Lambic.
• Hanssens: Offers Oudbeitje Lambic, Oude Gueuze, and Oude Kriek (Cherry) Lambic.
• Lambiek Fabriek: Known for their Brett-Elle Oude Geuze, Jart-Elle Oude Kriek, and Muscar-Elle Juicy & Wild.
• Lindemans: Features Apple (Pomme) Lambic, Cassis (Blackcurrant) Lambic, Cuvee Renee Oude Kriek, Framboise (Raspberry) Lambic, Kriek (Cherry) Lambic, and Peche (Peach) Lambic. They also have a Faro Lambic and Ginger Gueuze.
• 3 Fonteinen: Creates Oude Geuze and Pruim Brusselse Datjes.
• Cantillon: Known for their Gueuze, Rose de Gambrinus, Grand Cru Bruocsella, Sang Bleu, and Kriek.
• Mort Subite: Offers Kriek Lambic, Kriek Tradition, and Oude Kriek Lambic.
• Belle-Vue: Produces Kriek Classic and Geuze Lambic.
• St Louis: Known for their Premium Framboise.
• Liefmans: Offers Kriek Brut.
• Bourgogne des Flandres: Produces Flemish Red Ale.
• Timmermans: Features Oude Kriek Lambicus.
• Bzart: Known for their Lambiek.
• Cuvee Rene: Produces Gueuze Lambic.
• Van Honsebruck: No specific lambic beers listed, but mentioned as a source for lambic beer.

These breweries showcase the variety of lambic beers available, with some breweries specialising in fruit lambics, while others offer a range of different styles.

Bars and restaurants

Lambic beer is a unique, sour beer from Belgium, brewed with malted barley, unmalted wheat, and lots of old hops. It is fermented spontaneously in open vats, which gives it a distinctive dry, sour, wild flavour.

If you're looking to try this beer at a bar or restaurant, there are a few options to consider:

Specialist Beer Bars

Some bars specialise in craft beer and often have an extensive selection of unique beers, including Lambic. These bars often have knowledgeable staff who can guide you through their offerings and help you choose the perfect beer. Specialist beer bars may also offer tasting flights or sample sizes, allowing you to try a variety of Lambic beers.

Belgian Bars and Restaurants

Given that Lambic is a traditional Belgian beer, bars and restaurants specialising in Belgian cuisine are likely to have it on their drinks menu. These establishments may also offer food pairings that complement the unique flavour of Lambic, such as rich desserts, shellfish, or soft cheeses.

Breweries

Visiting a brewery that produces Lambic beer can be a great way to try the beer fresh from the source. Many breweries have taprooms or offer tours that include beer tastings. This option allows you to learn about the brewing process and often provides a more immersive experience.

Beer Festivals and Events

Attending beer festivals or events can be a fun way to discover new beers and try different styles. Keep an eye out for festivals that focus on Belgian beers or sour ales, as Lambic is likely to make an appearance at these events. Festivals offer the chance to sample a wide variety of beers in one place.

While the above options provide a starting point for finding Lambic beer at bars and restaurants, it's always worth checking the drinks menus of your local establishments as well. Some bars and restaurants may have a rotating selection of craft beers, which could include Lambic at certain times. Additionally, don't be afraid to ask the staff about their beer selections and whether they plan to stock Lambic in the future.

Frequently asked questions