Living Proof: Oud Bruin
Country Boy Brewing

 

Sampled at SAVOR 2017. This brew was richer and smoother than Olly. It was very tart, but not acidic. It could use a bit more depth, but it was otherwise fantastic.

 

 

Country Boy goes all country man as they open their package facility and roll out a flanders style old brown ale in high commemoration for the occasion. One taste won't just take you to their Bluegrass taprooms, but rather all the way to Belgium.

The Oud Bruin brand in their Living Proof series of sour ale pours the rusty, hazy, bark-like brown color that's common to the style while a frothy ecru head builds above. Woodsy, spicy and sour aromatic build while nuanced red wine, peppercorn and toasty malt sweetness tease the nose a caress the early palate.

As the ale sets in on the tastebuds, its Belgian-esque fruit and spice medley pull forward, ahead of the fledgling malt sweetness and their toasty, creamy counterparts. Peppercorn, charred toast, pecan and oak carry a robust taste while a backbone sourness of cider, grape and vinous wines play a tart and moderately sour tone.

Medium bodied for sour ale, the beer's woodsy character is highlighted by the wild yeast that provide its peppercorn, pineapple and musty cellar-like funk that emerges in the retro olfactory senses after the tartness and toastiness subsides. A trail of wine and toast linger in a medium length aftertaste that's more assertive than typical brown ale, but not as adventurous as Flemish red ale. -just where the ale should be.