Oud bruin
| Oud Bruin | |
|---|---|
 Liefman's oud bruin | |
| Country of origin | Belgium |
| Yeast type | Top-fermenting |
| Alcohol by volume | 4 - 8% |
| Color (SRM) | 15 - 22 |
| Bitterness (IBU) | 15 - 25 |
| Original gravity | 1.043 - 1.077 |
| Final gravity | 1.012 - 1.016 |
| Malt percentage | 90% - 100% |
Oud Bruin (Old Brown), also known as Flanders Brown, is a style of beer originating from the Flemish region of Belgium. The Dutch name refers to the long aging process, up to a year. It undergoes a secondary fermentation, which takes several weeks to a month, and is followed by bottle aging for several more months. The extended aging allows residual yeast and bacteria to develop a sour flavor characteristic for this style.[1] Usually, cultured yeast and bacteria are used, as stainless steel equipment does not harbor wild organisms as wood does.[2]
History
These beers were kept as so called provision beers, to be stored and allow the flavour to develop. Liefmans Brewery has been brewing the style since the 17th century.[2] Historical examples tended to be more sour than modern commercial products. Brouwerij De Brabandere in Bavikhove still produces a traditionally barrel-aged oud bruin under the Petrus brand.[3]
Characteristics
This style of beer is medium bodied, reddish-brown, and has a gentle malty flavor and no hop bitterness. Commercial versions may mix aged beer with younger, sweeter beer to temper the acidity and allow for further fermentation.[4]
Because of the reddish-brown colour, the Flanders red ale could be confused with Flanders browns, but the differences include different brewing techniques and aging processes resulting in different taste characteristics.
Examples
- 't Verzet Oud Bruin (Anzegem, Belgium)
- Ichtegem Oud Bruin (Ichtegem, Belgium)
- Liefmans Goudenband (Oudenaarde, Belgium)
- Petrus Oud Bruin (Bavikhove, Belgium)
- Queue de charreu brune (Comines-Warneton, Belgium)
References
- ^ Rajotte, Pierre (1992). Belgian Ale. Boulder, Co: Brewers Publications. p. 14. ISBN 9780937381311.
- ^ a b "Flanders Brown / Oud Bruin". Beer Connoisseur. 2 September 2009. Archived from the original on 8 April 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
- ^ Petrusbeer.com. Petrus sour beers. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
- ^ Michael Jackson "The Great Beers of Belgium"
External links
Media related to Flanders brown ale at Wikimedia Commons
