Lindemans Releases Two New Lambics in US Markets

09 Feb 2016 --- Chicagoland beer distributor Louis Glunz Beer, Inc. and specialty beer importer Merchant du Vin announce the arrival of two new brews from Belgium-based Lindemans Brewery—SpontanBasil, a lambic fermented with fresh basil in collaboration with Mikkeller, and Oude Kriek Cuvée René, a lambic made with whole cherries.

Available in limited quantity in the U.S. for the first time, these special-release 750-mL beers make their brief stint at Chicago-area retailers this week.

SpontanBasil:

Brewed with fresh, whole basil leaves, this experimental brew from Mikkeller and Lindemans is oak-aged with distinct herbal aromas. SpontanBasil pours golden with sour tartness complementing the basil in each sip. This 6% ABV authentic oude gueuze beer is light-bodied with a refreshing finish. SpontanBasil is bottle-conditioned for a natural, soft carbonation, and is best paired with Italian dishes made with pesto, basil and tomatoes, goat cheeses, and rich, creamy soups. SpontanBasil can be enjoyed as an aperitif or accompanied by a fresh, flavorful meal.

The collaboration stems from a relationship between Lindemans and Mikkeller, the acclaimed Danish gypsy brewer. SpontanBasil has been recognized as the Best Sour Beer Label at the 2015 World Beer Awards.

Oude Kriek Cuvee Rene:

Lindemans ferments whole cherries in lambic that is at least six months old in 10,000-liter oak foudres to create this traditional kriek before it’s bottle-conditioned. Brewers blend each batch by hand, experimenting with Brett-defined barnyard funk and cherry sweetness.

This award-winning beer earns its name Cuvée René, or “The Pride of the Brewery,” from family patriarch René Lindemans.

Oude Kriek Cuvée René is best enjoyed with Thai red curry-roasted duck, venison with sour cherry-port sauce, and Belgian waffles. At 7% ABV, Oude Kriek Cuvée René pours hazy ruby red with a subtle pink head.

A medley of flavors unfold with each sip, including tart sourness, lemon peel, anise, and sherry, marked by a cherry blossom finish.

The beer was awarded World’s Best Sour Beer at the 2013 World Beer Awards.