CHICAGO – Chicagoland beer distributor Louis Glunz Beer, Inc. and specialty beer importer Merchant du Vin announce today 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.

About Lindemans Brewery:

Established in 1822, Lindemans Brewery has a long history of brewing lambic beer, Belgium’s historical ales brewed from barley, wheat, and fermented with wild airborne yeasts. Today Lindemans is operated by its founding family in the heart of Belgium’s Lambic region. Lindemans lambics are made available to Chicagoans through Louis Glunz Beer, Inc. and Merchant du Vin.

About Louis Glunz Beer, Inc:

Founded in 1888 by Louis Glunz I in Chicago, Louis Glunz Beer, Inc. is among the oldest beer distributors in the United States, proudly offering Chicagoland the most comprehensive selection of craft, specialty, and import beers representing more than 190 breweries around the globe. The 128-year-old company continually receives recognition for its innovative, family-owned business, including Beverage Industry’s 2013 Wholesaler of the Year, the National Beer Wholesalers Association 2013 Public Affairs Award, and the 2013 Loyola Illinois Family Business of the Year Award. Heading the company is President Jack Glunz, the grandson of the founder, with day-to-day operations led by five of his seven children as members of the fourth generation and with members of the fifth generation also on staff. Louis Glunz Beer, Inc. is dedicated to quality service and beer education