Ridgefield based Latis Imports has added another Belgian beer to its portfolio, bringing to the U.S. the spontaneously fermented lambic brews of Frank Boon.
“Frank Boon is one of the most respected and well known lambic brewers,” said David van Wees, CEO of Latis. “He is an icon in the Belgian beer industry and we could not be more pleased to bring his beloved lambic beers to the U.S. These beers are made with spontaneous fermentation: They open the window, turn on the fan and let nature do its work.”
Van Wees said the Boon collection includes Kriek, Framboise and Geuze brews. The beers join the Latis ranks of Belgiun beer including Palm, Rodenbach and Steenbrugge. He said Boon is well known for his strict adherence to traditional lambic brewing methods.
“Frank is a true artisan brewer and it shows in his lambics,” said van Wees. “Boon’s beers are all 100 percent lambic based, no sugars, syrups, or concentrate fruit juice added. His fruit beers have only quality fresh fruit and the air in Lembeek makes them unique.”
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Latis will begin importing in the beginning of October. The brews will be sold in bottles and as draft and will be available in beer markets in the Northeast from Rhode Island to Washington, D.C., as well as on the West Coast from San Diego to L.A.
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“It’s very comforting to know my lambics are in the hands of such knowledgeable beer professionals,” said Boon. “David van Wees and Anthony Giardina have shown a keen interest in all of the traditional brewing details of Brouwerij Boon (Boon Brewery) and that will be very helpful to pass along to the U.S. consumer.”
Van Wess said Boon joined forces with Jan Toye and his Palm Breweries in 1989, with the current marketing push following the Palm sales map in the Northeast and on the West Coast. Toye, known for his philanthropy and interest in preserving Belgian traditions, took on Boon as a “cultural project.”
According to van Wees, Latis now has the advantage of having an all-Belgium portfolio that can ship from one location.
Van Wees said to expect to see the Latis portfolio continue to grow in the near future with the company currently involved in discussions with other breweries.
