This is a great plant for the reasons you mentioned.
I also like to use it in gardens for appearance, as edging or the like. To do that, though, keep it trimmed because it does get quite large.
Basils of all flavors interest me, just wish it was perennial.
Enjoy your new discovery.

When do you recommend planting this? I am zone 8 b (ish) so our temps are pretty mild for most of the year.

Are there any basils that grow well indoors in the winter?

I've never had a problem growing basils indoors. If you are going to you can start them at anytime indoors. I would suggest that you put them in the pot you are going to grow them in because it takes them a fair amount of time to begin growing again after they are transplanted.