pFriem’s latest barrel-aged beer is an homage to Belgium’s East Flanders Oud Bruin style. This is part of their white label barrel-aged series. Oud Bruins, like Flemish Reds, involved mixed fermentation involving standard yeast and a cocktail of wild yeast and bacteria. Typically, they can be aged in stainless steel tanks and feature darker. pFriem’s, however, does see a nice chuck of time in oak barrels.
Appearance: Hazy brown with amber highlights, tan head, good retention.
Aroma: Chocolate, nutty, cherries, plums, vanilla, wood notes.
Taste: Chocolate, cherry, vanilla, dark fruit, woody.
Overall Impression: The dark malt flavors are very nicely integrated with a soft tartness and the associated barrel/fermentation flavors. It’s softer than their Flanders Red Ale, but a more intense tartness would be inappropriate in this instance and would throw the balance out of whack. This is yet another excellent barrel-aged interpretation of a Belgian-style beer from the folks at pFriem Family Brewers.
Availability: Seasonally limited in the Pacific Northwest.
8.7% ABV
You can read more of my pFriem beer reviews here.
The pFriem white label series
