Oude Vieux Lambiek
Brouwerij Oud Beersel

this is now listed here on BA as distinct from beersel oude lambic, different ABV too, so even though i think they have been sold as the same thing at different times in the states, they may in fact be distinct blends. this is really mellow, way less sour than other lambics from these guys have been, including the beer that i reviewed as oude lambic from these guys. the funk is there, but there is a lot of malt to this, some sweetness, and enough oak to soften any sharp corners for sure. its fizzy and active from the tap, loaded with old world funk, medicinal iodine weirdness, and earthy wet musty oak. its mature without being too puckery, and next to the 137 years gueuze blend that i had just a day apart from this, it seems somewhat simplistic, not a bad thing, but definitely not as complex. some stone fruit character to this, dried apricot specifically, maybe a little red apple as well in here, white wine springy character, some light oxidation in here, and a bit of sugar from the malt through the whole thing, but still also kind of raw and wheaty on the grain side. very mild acidity, lots of well established brett and wild character, tea and dried flowers at the end, the aged hops coming through here, and the oak. this is subtle and great, it warms up well, and is a nice score on tap here in idaho. i hope more from these guys comes around, and if anyone has more info on the distinction between this and what is also listed here as oude lambic, id love to learn, they seem like totally different beers in my experience with them...

 

 

Poured still from the cellared bottle. Opaque pale golden body, no head save a white ring. Aromas of barnyard funk, sour big citrus, hay, and hints dry grains and leather. Taste starts with the sour citrus, peach, and hay, then a huge wave of barnyard and cheesecloth funk cuts beautifully across the palate, some oxidation and oak remain. Feel is funky and musty yet sour and smooth, really expressive feel, makes you think it is delicate before the rustic and funky textures come in.

 

Crowler from Novare

 

Draft sample at the brewery, and now a 3.1L bag-in-box.
Served from a stoneware pitcher into a tumbler glass.

Hazy burnished orange color, loose bubbles from the gravity pour.
Lemony citrus, dusty oak, old saddle leather in the aroma.
Tart lemon, sour orange, grapefruit, and a Bretty cheese rind finish.
Dry and oaky, lighter bodied with substance to it. Supple feel.
It has a nice balance to it, and plenty of citrus and oak presence.
Very quenching and flavorful, lively with assertive character.
Overall this is really nice lambic, and pairs well with cheese and charcuterie.

2021: Bought a box in the US with a vertical white label, and it was less complex with a muddy brown orange color. Seemed oxidized, and tasted bland like apple juice. It had been sitting in a fridge for a few months before tapping. BBD: end of 2021

 

Beer-in-a-box.

Murky orangey light amber, no carbonation.

Drive-by aroma is citric, closer inspection adds leather and freshly cut grass in the finale.

Taste is clean and concentrated, quite soft but not boring tartness followed by a citric pleasant bitterness and a long, elegant aftertaste that becomes creamy during its long tail.

Very drinkable and smooth, and a tantalizing puzzle what comes to imagining the difference to the oude gueuze.