Oud Bruin Kriek

Oud Bruin and Flanders Red are known as the Burgundies of Belgium. These styles of beer once ruled Flanders, and are brewed using large amounts of Munich and caramel malts with traditional brewing methods. The beer is then aged in large wooden barrels, vats, and Foudres, and inoculated with wild yeast and lactic acid-producing bacteria. Over the course of it’s aging, which can last as long as two years, the beer takes on its characteristic acidity, along with oak flavor and color. Sherry and passion fruit notes develop and deepen as oxygen slowly seeps in through the wood. The individual barrels are blended together. The resulting blends are light-bodied and zesty, with complex fruity and earthy aromatics, malt caramel and sweetness balanced with refreshing acidity. The result is a wonderful blend of sweet and sour flavors. Oud Bruins are full, rich, complex, jammy, and yet light on the tongue. This East Flanders inspired beer is slightly stronger and more robust than its West Flanders neighbor; Flanders Red.

pFriem Oud Bruin Kriek begins with our version of the storied style. True to form, it was aged in French Oak Foudres (originally used for aging Bordeaux in France) for two years. Next, we filled two-turn Pinot Noir barrels from our friends at Domaine Serene in the Willamette Valley, and allowed the beer to age for yet another year. When the cherries ripened last Spring, we removed the beer from barrels and introduced 4 lbs. of Van, Bing and Royal Anne’s per gallon. This kicked off a new fermentation which reached dryness six months later. Finally, we removed the fruit and sparked a final fermentation with champagne yeast in the package. The result is the rich, bold, elegant beverage before you.