VanderGhinste Oud Bruin

The beer pours a nice, clear, dark copper-red hue, and has a khaki-colored, long-lasting head. The aroma is great. There is some stone fruit, mostly cherry for me, and you can pick up some soft caramel malt. I know the guidelines say the beer shouldn't be acidic or vinegar-like in the nose, but I honestly have not had a good Flanders-style red or brown that doesn't have a very light malt vinegar aroma, which this one does. It's not strong or overpowering, but the sour tang is noticable in the aroma. In the flavor, the sourness is very pleasant and balances well with the sweet caramel malt and stone fruit flavor. There are some signs of mild oxidation, but that is acceptable for this beer. The bitterness is a bit higher than what I would like, but it's not overpowering or out of style, just a bit high for the beer in this case. The finish is slightly sour and dry, the body is medium and the carbonation is in the low range, which is OK. There is a sweet creaminess to the beer that is very enjoyable. Overall, this is an outstanding Oud Bruin in my opinion. It's a bit sweet, it's a bit sour, and it's extremely well-balanced. Aside from the (just-a-hair) too high hop bitterness for my expectations, this beer is a killer. If you can find this one (and you like Flanders-style sours) get this beer today.