The names Don Feinberg and Wendy Littlefield might not sound familiar. But serious beer drinkers may recognize the names Duvel (which the couple imported to the States in 1982) and Brewery Ommegang (which they founded in 1997).
They're also the first Americans to have been inducted into the Belgian Brewers' Guild. But why do you care? Because Feinberg and Littlefield moved to Chicago in August, and are busy plotting ways to up the city's Belgian brew savvy.
The best-known beer in their portfolio is Saison Dupont, a citrusy, hoppy, golden farmhouse beer. Brasserie Dupont's herb-infused Foret, Belgian's first 100 percent organic beer, has also gotten some menu play (find it at Hopleaf, The Publican and The Bluebird).
The other 17 Belgian and Flanders brews range in style from the light and floral Biere de Miel--an organic Acacia honey ale (available at Hopleaf and The Globe Pub)--to the raisiny, yeasty Witkap Pater Abbey Ale.
Check their website for local outlets that carry the goods. Or taste them (and meet the duo) at Dutch Bike Co. (on Saturday, 10/24 from 6 to 9 p.m.), at tastings at Binny's in Lakeview (10/30, 10/31, 11/13 and 11/14) and at the Sint Niklaas Beer Dinner they're organizing at The Publican on 12/13 (call the restaurant for reservations).
