Vintage Régalade
Brasserie La Débauche

Pours a slightly cloudy, brownish amber coloration with a medium, quickly dissipating, fluffy head. Smells of slightly toasted, bready malt, tart/sweet red/dark fruit and quite a strong woody aroma, as well as hints of tannins, balsamic vinegar and funk. Taste is dominated by a very woody, earthy character balsamic vinegar, tart red berries: cherry, redcurrant, as well as ligher notes of slightly toasted, bready malt, sweet dark fruit: fig, plum and and oaky tannins, with just a hint of a certain herbal presence, estery spice (clove), toffee and very light, musty funk. Finishes with a medium tartness and strong acidity, with some red berries and balsamic vinegar lingering in the aftertaste. Smooth mouthfeel with a medium body and light carbonation.

This is a very nice Oud Bruin that's heavy on the woody, tannic and tart and fruity red berry notes, although there also is a rather strong balsamic vinegar note that is a little much, with a strong acidity in the aftertaste. It's still an interesting and quite complex brew, but could be a little better balanced. Mouthfeel also feels a little thin and flat. Improves significantly as it warms, the balsamic vinegar fading somewhat and the other flavors deepening.