Lord Chambray’s Flagship Beers (Part 1)

OK, here’s a first… bajtra’s initial beer review. I’ve got so much to say about the Lord Chambray beers, each and every brew in their repertoire is packed with unique flavour, recognisable beer style characteristics and so much attitude (in the best way possible). 

For the past three or so years, my drink-appreciation-focus has been primarily set to wines of our islands; understanding the terroir, recognising key distinct features of the local grape varieties and international vines that flourish in dedicated vineyards while attempting to build some sort of directory of flavour related to both aroma and tasting notes. 

But disregarding beer, as a general term, in regards to food pairings is quite a silly stance to take. Unlike wine, beer is relatable; it’s easily understood and it’s super casual. But the key to unlocking the beauty of flavour, in every aspect, is being open to trying something new. Beer pairings should be more of a thing. 

So from the perspective of a food critic, not a beer expert, under the guidance of Head Brewer Winnie Hsu; Blue Lagoon, Grand Harbour and Coral Cave will be our first glance at the fabulously delicious world of beer. 

These three flagship brews that we will discuss below have been the go-tos for our summer (along with a few others we will tap into quite soon). 

Lord Chambray's Blue Lagoon

Style: Witbier | Alcohol: 5.1% | pale, light, sweet

Colour	pale straw with light haze and cloudiness
Aroma	caramel, yeast, hoppy, sweet, fruity (pear), spice (coriander)
Body	smooth body with a creamy mouthfeel
Bitterness	bright acidity with crisp edge and low, mild bitterness (17 IBU)
Taste	biscuit, yeast, sharp, citrus (orange peel), coriander

Scarily delicious, Blue Lagoon carries the energy and presence of a very good Witbier with notes of coriander that once you catch on to, will bring so much life to your palate. Fragrant and clean, this Belgian-style beer, true to its nature, brings notes of orange peel and coriander that when paired with a fried fish dish, such as Tmun’s Panko Tempura Monkfish, a whole new world envelopes. 

Paul Buttigieg’s lightly fried dish brings a crisp panko exterior paired with a delicately light monkfish (petrica) flesh. It’s not oily or heavy, but for a wine to pair perfectly, you’d need to go extra sweet to cut the ‘fattiness’ of the golden bites. With this Witbier; you get a delicious balance of aroma on the nose, with a contrasting sweetness on the palate. The citrus finish, coupled with the coriander notes also work wonderfully with the aromatics used in this particular dish. 

Lord Chambray's Grand Harbour

Style: Session IPA | Alcohol: 3.9% | pale, bitter, light

Colour	clear, bright golden amber (low turbidity), frothy head
Aroma	fruit punch (tropical: passionfruit), sweet (bubblegum), clean and crisp
Body	light, crisp and dry mouthfeel (not watery)
Bitterness	assertive yet moderate bitterness with clean and sharp mouthfeel (35 IBU)
Taste	sweet, hazy and biscuit/cereal start to floral finish (grapefruit peel and melon)

For a light bite and a beer with attitude, your next Lord Chambray experience takes shape in Valletta; specifically Ġugar, an ultra casual hangout that stocks beers ‘colder than your ex’s heart’ — really, it’s stamped on their façade. 

The beer in question: Grand Harbour. The light bite: the Egg Curried-Mayo Ftira.

Their range of ftajjar and local beers goes beyond these noteworthy mentions. Grand Harbour offers a fruity nose that gives a sort of bubblegum-to-fruit-punch energy, transforming to a hazy floral palate that pairs nicely with the spiciness and tang of the curried egg sandwich. The bread and the beer give you a spicy-sweet combo that will give you the boost that everybody needs after a morning of wandering the capital.

Lord Chambray's Coral Cave

Colour	light straw, thin head, carbonation
Aroma	sweet grain (yeast, hops, hay), fresh (citrus bordering minty)
Body	vibrant and refreshing, ‘smashing’ (light and crisp) texture with light-to-medium body, slightly dry and fizzy
Bitterness	mild and soft bitterness, tart note, light salt (19 IBU)
Taste	bready, toffee (or honey), umami (light mushroom), sweet and fresh

Style: Craft Lager | Alcohol: 4.9% | pale, sweet, light

Easy to drink; Coral Cave can quickly become your favourite. This beer, along with a few other flagship brews, are also often adopted by clever restaurateurs and converted into a branded beer with the same quality, flavour and tasting profile… just with a fancier label to make you feel more part of their journey. 

Singita’s Here & Now is a prime example where Coral Cave wears a magical cape of wonder; same great level of deliciousness; just a different label; paired with the soothing setting of Għajn Tuffieħa and the vibes that come with it. There’s a light mushroom-umami note in the craft lager that I find works well with the Crispy Tuna dish; where a limey fried mashed potato base is topped with tuna tartare, pickles and a wholegrain mustard mayo; the sound of the waves adding a salty air to the entire experience.

Finding your favourite Lord Chambray craft beer and its ideal pairing is such a personal decision. You might even have your own go-to spots for your favourite combos; and across the islands (yes, even Comino) you can rest assured that a damn fine beer is well in your reach.