The Beer

Wilderen Kriek is based on lambiek from the Omer Vander Ghinste Brewery and was launched in 2012. Omer Vander Ghinste is one of only two breweries that produce lambiek outside the valley of the Zenne in the Brussels area.

The kriek is deep red in colour and contains 25% krieken (sweet cherry) juice. Thus it contains natural aromas and presents a very fruity character. Original copper cauldrons are also used in its brewing process.

The old brewery tower with open cooling basin is used in the lambiek’s spontaneous fermentation. In the foederzaal, where the wooden barrels are stored, the lambiek will ferment for at least one and a half years in vertically placed barrels.

Wilderen Kriek is the lightest sibling of the Wilderen beer family, which makes it the perfect summery thirst-quencher. Like the Wilderen Goud and Tripel Kanunnik, this is a product of artisanal quality which demonstrates its craftsmanship and has no need to resort to extremes.

Alcohol

3.5% ABV

Fermentation

The use of lambiek matured in oak barrels leads to spontaneous fermentation. The beer will undergo a second fermentation in the bottle.

Ingredients

Wilderen Kriek is obtained by soaking 100% old lambic in fresh krieken (sweet cherries) and their juices, followed by in-bottle fermentation.

Colour & Transparency

Beautiful, natural, deeply red colour; slightly hazy to clear beer.

Serving Temperature

5 – 6 °C / 41 ° F – 42 °F

Serving Glass

In common with all beers from Brouwerij Wilderen this beer has had a glass especially designed for it. All glasses can be purchased from the brewery. An original, artisanal Kriek such as this one from Wilderen deserves to be served in its own glass.

Character, Tastes & Aromas

Sweet at first, with a slightly sour after taste. Moderate carbonisation with a creamy and very pink collar. You cannot fail to notice the use of a high proportion of sweet cherries.

Culinary

In view of its sweet and sour character, Wilderen Kriek is eminently suitable as a degustation beer to accompany a range of desserts, but can also be used in the preparation of, for example, a sabayon (zabaglione) with fresh summer fruits.

Keeping and Storage

Wilderen Kriek is a low-alcohol beer, which should be consumed young. Definitely does not improve with storage.

Availability

Bottle ✔       On Tap ✔

Wilderen Kriek is available throughout the whole year at the brewery as well as via resellers or at some supermarkets.

It is also available at some of the better specialised bars and cafés and of course (online) beer shops.

Other Brouwerij & Alcoholstokerij Wilderen Beers