Flanders Oud Bruin
A Belgian-beer version of the Old Ale style, Flanders Oud Bruin (“Old Brown”) generally shows a darker hue than the Flanders Red style.
Oud Bruin emerged from East Flanders and differs largely with the use of darker specialty malts and even a dash of roasted malt. The resulting brew has a maltier character than Flanders Red, with toffee, caramel or chocolate notes on the nose and palate. Dark, malty fruit notes like fig, raisin, date and prune, along with a milder sourness, further distinguish Oud Bruin from Red Ale and combine to deliver a sweet-and-sour profile.
Some refer to Oud Bruin as the “sherry of beer.” It is aged warm in stainless steel vessels (versus oak for Flanders Red). Longer-aged examples generally show a more prominent sour-beer character and complexity, and are considered superior to younger, milder versions.
Characteristics: Complex, malty, dark fruits, sour, medium-bodied
ABV range: 5-8.5% IBU: 20-25
Popular Flanders Oud Bruin-style beers: Liefmans Goudenband, Petrus Oud Bruin, Petrus Aged Pale, Monk’s Café Flemish Sour
Serving Temperature: Cellar, 55-57
Cheese Pairing Ideas: Blue, Camembert, Cheddar, Fontina, Mimolette
Food Pairing Ideas: Tomato salad with vinaigrette, grilled beef
