An Ode to Lambic Brewing
The world of beer brewing has seen numerous practices evolve and various trends come and go. But amidst the shifting sands of brewing styles, the traditional Belgian brewing technique known as Lambic brewing has remained a timeless artifact. Its signature coolship method, a unique open fermentation process, carries an aura of romance and intrigue that has enchanted beer lovers across the world.
The Coolship and Its Appeal
At the heart of Lambic’s distinctive brewing process lies the coolship, an easy-to-miss but crucial part of the entire brewing endeavor. The coolship, a large, shallow pan often located in the attic of the brewery, is where the wort (unfermented beer) cools overnight, catching wild yeast and bacteria from the air. This ‘innocent’ exposure gives the resulting Lambic brew a taste and aroma uniquely shaped by the ecosystem of the brewery’s surroundings.
The magic of the coolship process has a certain undeniable charm that has caught the eye of filmmakers, resulting in a well-crafted exploration of the art and science behind Lambic brewing. Let’s delve deeper into how the cinematic artform has managed to elevate this ancient brewing method.
The Romance of Lambic Caught on Film
Brewing is often seen as a scientific process, one governed by precise measures and strict timing. However, the filming of the Lambic brewing process has gracefully captured the passion, dedication, and dreamy romanticism behind the liquid alchemy that is beer brewing.
Set Against a Belgian Backdrop
The Lambic brewing film immerses the viewer in the idyllic Belgian countryside, where traditional breweries have imparted a centuries-old brewing secret to generations of beer enthusiasts. Brewery chimneys stand tall against a backdrop of cobblestone streets, charming houses, and verdant farmlands, encapsulating a slice of Belgium’s rich brewing heritage.
Highlighting The Process And The People
Apart from showcasing the stunning Belgian landscape, the film spotlights the hardworking brewers. Their efforts, filled with painstaking attention to detail, echo the weight of the inheritance they uphold. They aren’t merely brewing beer; they’re narrating a tale passed down through generations. This tale, captured through the lens, speaks volumes about their commitment to the craft.
The Impact of The Film
The film on Lambic brewing has made significant waves in both the brewing and the cinematic community, revealing the poetic union between art and science. It has heightened global interest in the traditional brewing process, sparking conversations, encouraging a deeper appreciation of the art, and indirectly promoting craft beers around the world.
Encouraging a Craft Beer Revival
The influence of the film isn’t just limited to beer enthusiasts or cinephiles. It has encouraged the proliferation of craft beers and motivated a new generation of brewers to experiment with the charming art of Lambic brewing, drawing more people into the fold and boosting local breweries globally.
Blurring the Line Between Art and Science
By capturing the magic of Lambic brewing, the film underscores the brewing process’s intricacy and technical depth while romanticizing its artistic side. It shows that brewing isn’t just a strict scientific pursuit, it’s also a form of art, one that embraces the beer’s flavor, smell, appearance and even the love and dedication that goes into its making.
Final Thoughts
The marriage of the film and Lambic brewing has given the beer brewing industry a fresh outlook while breathing new life into a centuries-old tradition. It has elevated the art of beer brewing, telling a tale that not only embodies the romance of Lambic but also the spirit of craftsmanship and dedication to the brew. In this grander scheme, the coolship isn’t just a brewing apparatus, it’s a vessel of history, culture, and tradition that, like the film, continues to enchant us.
