Belle-Vue Kriek has been brewed in Brussels since 1913 by a process that is best described as strange, producing a drink best described as heaven. Belle-Vue is a typical Wallonian style Lambiek. Served cold, it is ruby red with a flavor that is very strong, but fruity and sweet. As with other Lambic, this beer begins with spontaneous fermentation (using airborne yeast spores), before having fresh cherries (80 kilos worth for a 650 liter oak cask) and elderberry (for the color) added prior to being aged in oak casks for up to 3 years.

Belle-Vue Kriek has a distinct aroma, the product not only of the unique ingredients but also the aging process. At Zig Zag we serve Kriek in balloon shaped glasses specifically imported from Belgium for this one beer. The flavor of the macerated cherries adds a sour-sweet taste, and there is also a hint of oak in the nose. Although it is good with fruits, it is perfect with meats such as smoked ham.

The kegs are 10 liters in volume and once tapped, need to be sold within about 36-40 hours before the taste begins to deteriorate. Zig Zag is the cheapest place in Japan where you can buy Belle-Vue Kriek on tap. Except for busy periods it is not common for us to have both Hoegaarden White and Belle-Vue Kriek on tap at the same time - we usually alternate the two. Bottled Belle-Vue is available (at lower prices) whenever it is unavailable on tap. At this stage Belle-Vue Kriek is not available except in bottled form in other pubs in Okazaki City. The Belgian Beer Cafe in Tokyo has Belle-Vue Kriek on tap for 1200 yen (250ml/25cl glass).

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