First Listermann wines, pulque ready

Listermann Fermatorium will release its first two wines and a Mexican drink, pulque, next week.

A new part of Listermann Brewing Company focused on meads, wines and ciders, the Listermann Fermatorium opened in early September. It has already produced three different kinds of ciders.

Two wines, a chardonnay and pinot noir branded "Schloss Listermann," will be released at 5 p.m. Wednesday. ("Schloss" is a German castle or manor; the name reflects the owner's German heritage and Listermann's own castle-like building, according to Listermann's Jason Brewer.) About 40 bottles of each will be available.

“I’m really excited about the experience we can now offer our customers,” Brewer said. “We have always been about unique experiences, and this really rises us to the next level. A couple can come in where one person hates beer and still have a fantastic experience. It’s different from just serving wine. It’s all hand crafted by your neighbor for you.”

Also being released Wednesday: Pulque, a Mexican drink made from 100 percent agave nectar that is fermented.

“It almost tastes like a tart lemon-lime sports drink," said Danny Spears, who's behind Listermann's fermented beverages.

Brewer and Spears will be on hand answer questions and taste the beverages with customers from 5–8 p.m. Wednesday at Listermann, 1621 Dana Ave. in Evanston.

More wines, including a malbec and a sangiovese, are currently fermenting and will be available soon.