Beer ReviewsBelgiumFlemish Reds/BrownsSour

Petrus Oud Bruin

petrus-oud-bruin-new-label
Petrus Oud Bruin with New US Label

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.

Petrus Oud Bruin
Petrus Oud Bruin with Old Label

5.5% ABV

Note: Updated 11/27/2016 with new Label

8 thoughts on “Petrus Oud Bruin

  1. 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” 🙂

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