The Petrus line of beers was created by the De Brabandere Brouwerij (Formerly Bavik Brewery) in the mid-1980’s to celebrate their 100 year anniversary in 1984. To this day, De Brabandere is a family owned brewery and because of their success, one of the largest independent breweries in Belgium. This line includes the Oud Bruin, a Wood-Aged Pale Ale, Tripel, a Winter Ale, and a Belgian Speciale. De Brabandere also brews Bavik, a pilsner, and Wittekerke, a Belgian wit. Their US importer, Global Beers, has a solid translation of their materials at their website.
Like Flemish Reds, Flemish Oud Bruins are a blend of old wood-aged beer and young beer, which is added to help balance the sourness and flavor. While the beer styles are similar, they aren’t the same. The Reds have a much more intense brettanomyces character and are a bit lighter in color. The bruins are darker with more caramel like flavors and lack the barnyard character that is typical of brett.
Appearance: Brown with ruby highlights. Tan head with solid retention.
Aroma: Bing cherries, plums, prunes, brown sugar with light notes of toffee.
Taste: Dried dark fruits with just a hint of roasted grains or coffee. A nice, but light bit of tartness and a really velvety mouthfeel.
Overall Impression: This is a very enjoyable beer, especially at the friendly price point. It’s a very nice example of a Flemish Oud Bruin. If you get a chance, open it side by side with a bottle of Rodenbach Original so you can truly test the differences between the Red and the Bruin.
Availability: Nationally at shops that carry good Belgian beers. Imported by Global Beer.
5.5% ABV
Note: Updated 11/27/2016 with new Label
8 thoughts on “Petrus Oud Bruin”
I made a blog post about the Petrus Aged Ale during the summer which was a sour beer (not typically a favorite) but it was quite refreshing on a hot day. I like the description of “velvety mouthfeel” 🙂
Who doesn’t love a well crafted Oud Bruin? I know I do! It has made the “beers to buy” list cause it just sounds delicious.
It’s really nice, especially for the price. Let me know what you think.
Will do! 🙂
I just had this on friday. It was a very pleasing beer all be it just a little to mild for my liking.
They’re not many Flemish Brown ales left in world. I think that overall they tend to be bit milder than most reds.