Rise of the machines: can artificial intelligence replace tastemakers
No one disputes that neural networks are taking over the world. But many people still believe that in some professions, humans are irreplaceable — for example, in creativity, where it is not the quality of the work that is valued above all, but the emotions that the creator has put into it. And what about tasters, particularly of alcoholic beverages — can artificial intelligence fully replace them? Let’s get to the bottom of it.
Pros and cons
Machines have been used in the production of alcoholic beverages for a long time — for example, technology monitors the temperature of fermentation and many other processes. But the final decision — whether to release the product into the world or not — is still made by a human being. It is professional tasters who taste the finished drinks and give a verdict on how well they are made.
It is known that there have been many attempts to create an artificial «nose» that would capture and recognize the aroma of drinks. But as experiments have shown, it is too early for it to compete with humans — humans are capable of capturing up to a trillion flavors. In addition, experienced tasters can make predictions on the smell, how the drink will evolve with longer aging, and this artificial intelligence is all the more beyond the control.
As experts themselves say, they have been learning the art of tasting for dozens of years. And it is simply impossible to put so much experience into a program so that it could evaluate a product in the same way as a human being. In addition, everyone evaluates drinks differently, focusing on their individual preferences, sensitivity, approach. Trying to systematize this is like having only one critic evaluate art, books, or movies. Neural networks can derive the perfect formula for drinks, but are hardly able to properly evaluate the diversity from different angles, as humans can.
It is also important to remember that the sense of taste is made up of many elements. Among them are sight, smell, touch and even individual associations. In addition, it takes a very extensive vocabulary to not just recognize but also describe a flavor correctly.
Professional tasters are very careful with their «working tools» — the taste buds. For example, they do not use perfume during tastings, do not work with colds, and the process itself usually takes place in the morning, because at this time the receptors are most sensitive. This is why experienced professionals are so valued around the world. And this once again proves that so far artificial intelligence can’t even come close to competing with them.
And all amateur tasters are invited to the beer restaurants of the Lambic chain, Hundreds of the best beers from all over the world are waiting for you to try them!
Summer lambics: refresh yourself with a fruity beer from Belgium
When the thermometer is high, nothing is as refreshing as a cold beer. Especially if it’s lambics — a traditional Belgian sour beer with natural juice, which not only gives a pleasant coolness, but also pleases with deep flavor. Why fruit beer saves you in the heat Light sourness, sparkling «character» and juicy fruit notes make lambics an ideal drink for summer. Unlike heavy ales or bitter IPAs, fruit beers are easy to drink, almost like lemonade, but with a distinctive beer depth. It stimulates the appetite, quenches thirst and gives a feeling of freshness thanks to the natural juices in the composition — cherry, raspberry, peach or other fruits and berries. What to choose The best option for hot weather — sour lambics, which do not leave an unpleasant feeling of lusciousness, like a sweeter beer or soda. For example, the classic cherry Kriek MAX. The bright flavor of ripe berries and pleasant sourness make it perfect for a hot day. «Kriek» is not too sweet, with a slight tartness and a long aftertaste. If you like softer, sweeter options, Lindemans Pecheresse is your choice. This peach lambic has a honeyed and fruity bouquet, a light sparkle and velvety texture, and a slight acidity and refreshing note in the finish. A variant for cider lovers, but it’s still a lambic — Lindemans Apple. The drink has a bright rich taste, which perfectly balances the sweetness of red and sourness of green apples, pleasant aroma and refreshing aftertaste. Perfect for a hot day! How to drink lambics in the heat For a beer to be truly refreshing, proper serving is important. Lambics should be: — Cool down to 6-8°C — this will reveal all the nuances of flavor, but will not lose the freshness.— Serve in tall glasses — the flavor will «play». If desired, you can add ice to the drink, but do not get carried away — there is a chance to «dilute» the deep flavor of Lambic. And it is better to just have to go to Lambic! In our beer restaurants — a large selection of varieties from Belgium and other countries of the world. Proper serving of drinks, delicious food, cozy atmosphere and excellent service are guaranteed!
21 June 2025
Summer appetizers for Belgian beer: from seafood to desserts
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy Belgian beer. But what to pair it with? When it’s hot outside, you want something light, fresh, yet rich. And that’s where seafood, cheeses, fruits and desserts come in, which perfectly complement the rich flavors of Belgian brews. Seafood In summer, chilled shrimp with lemon and garlic sauce are especially good — they set off the malty sweetness of pale ales and wheat beers. But other seafood can pair well with Belgian beers, too. Here are some ready-made tips: — Blanche de Bruxelles or Hoegaarden — whizbiers with citrus notes — can be served with mussels and low-fat sauces. — Saison Voisin, a farmhouse ale with a spicy hop bitterness, will accentuate the flavor of grilled oysters or calamari. Cheeses The Belgians know a lot about cheese, and their beers harmonize well with different varieties: — Sharp aged cheeses (such as gorgonzola) are a great pairing for a strong Tripel Karmeliet.— Delicate goat cheeses with honey go perfectly with fruity lambics like Lindemans Kriek. Fruit salads and berries In the heat of the day, it’s especially nice to snack on fresh fruit — it enhances the fruity notes in the drink itself: — Cherries, strawberries, peaches — a win-win for Kriek or Framboise.— A fruit salad with citrus and mint is a refreshing pairing for a blanche, such as Corsendonk Blanche. Desserts If you want to end the evening on a sweet note, give these a try: — Waffles with berries and whipped cream — duo with St. Bernardus Abt 12 or Chimay Blue.— Lemon tart — will emphasize the citrus tones of the vitbiers or lambics.— Chocolate desserts — the perfect accompaniment for Kasteel Rouge, Petrus Aged Red and Delirium RED, as well as all chocolate and coffee varieties. And remember: summer appetizers should be light and should accentuate, not overpower, the flavor of the beer. It is best to serve them chilled to keep the balance and enjoy every sip. Come to Lambic — in our beer restaurants you will find the best beer from all over the world and the perfect accompaniment to it. We look forward to seeing you!
21 June 2025