In origin, this sweet-acid drink was obtained by adding fresh black cherries to a barrel Lambic of 6 months young. The addition of fruits provokes a new fermentation in the oak barrels. After another 8 to 12 months, only peels and stones left and the Kriek-Lambic is ready to be filtered and bottled. The residual sugar can be adjusted with straight-on fruit juice to give a refermentation in the bottle. This traditional type of fruit beer is more acid and less fruity.
Because of the limited availability of the “Schaerbeekse Cherries”, just as to brew a less sour and fruitier Lambic beer, Lindemans farm brewery developed an unique alternative natural method using pure cherry juice from unfrozen cherries. This straight cherry juice is blended with selected Lambic of different ages. Kriek has a pink-red colour and a delicious taste of sparkling cherry champagne.
Lindeman's Kriek –
I discovered this fruit beer ( for myself ) about 5 years ago, although it can be hard to find in regular beer shops it’s well worth searching out. Lovely flavourful cherry beer with just the right amount of bitterness. I personally drink it as a shandy and enjoy it enormously.
Gareth Roberts –
Absolutely stunning beer, couldn’t read the label or bothered to read what it was on here, so got a shock when I poured it its like a sherbet dab and probably the finest drink i’ve ever had.
Ben L –
Such a delicious beer. Strong with cherry, keeping a great balance between sour and sweet. Easy to drink because of the juiciness so be careful! Discovered this beer style in Brussels in 2015 and I’m so glad that I did!