For the Love of Oud Bruin: A Beer Lover's Guide to Brewing Excellence


With its intricate taste profile and complex brewing process, Low Land Oud Bruin beer is truly a beer lover's delight. At Our Brewery, we are dedicated to creating beers that offer a memorable sensory experience, blending the brewer's skill with our customers' discerning taste. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through the fascinating world of Oud Bruin brewing, sharing insights into our brewing philosophy, ingredient selection, barrel ageing techniques, and innovative finishing touches that make our Low Land Oud Bruin beer truly exceptional.

The Enchanting World of Oud Bruin

Diving into the realm of Oud Bruin is akin to stepping into a rich tapestry of brewing history and artistry. Known affectionately as Flanders Brown Ale, this Belgian speciality is a testament to the intricate dance between tradition and innovation in the world of beer. Oud Bruin captivates with its deep mahogany hue, weaving together a symphony of sweet and sour notes that tantalise the palate. Its unique flavour profile, a harmonious blend of malt-driven sweetness undercut by a refined tartness, showcases the meticulous craftsmanship required in its creation. The journey of Oud Bruin begins with a careful selection of malts and a deliberate, patient fermentation process. The magic, however, truly unfolds during its maturation in oak barrels, where the beer embarks on a transformative journey, acquiring layers of complexity and a nuanced and profound character. This ageing process, often spanning months or even years, imbues Oud Bruin with an unparalleled depth of flavour, making each sip a discovery of its rich heritage and the meticulous care poured into its brewing. Engaging with Oud Bruin is more than just enjoying a beer; it's an experience that bridges centuries of brewing excellence, inviting connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike to explore its enchanting world.

Crafting the Perfect Balance: Our Brewing Philosophy

The philosophy guiding us in the skilful creation of our Low Land Oud Bruin beer is meticulous balance and precision. We believe brewing is not just a process but an art form that demands a deep understanding of the intricate relationship between each ingredient and technique. It's about more than just mixing components; it's about harmonising them to craft a beer that resonates with depth, complexity, and character.

Our approach is rooted in a dedication to craftsmanship. Every decision, from the selection of malt to the specific yeast strain, is made with the final taste profile in mind. We take pride in pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing while honouring the rich heritage that defines the Oud Bruin style. Our commitment to innovation is matched by our reverence for the time-honoured methods that have stood the test.

The journey to perfect balance in our Low Land Oud Bruin involves a continuous exploration of flavours, unyielding patience during the fermentation and ageing processes, and a keen eye for detail. By embracing both the science and art of brewing, we strive to produce a beer that exemplifies the brewer's skill and offers a nuanced and rewarding experience for the connoisseur. This philosophy shapes our brewing practice, guiding us as we craft each batch of Oud Bruin, intending to achieve a harmonious balance that delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression.


The Art of Selection: Ingredients and Wood Policy

In creating our Oud Bruin, meticulous attention is paid to selecting ingredients. Each malt, hop, and yeast is chosen for its ability to contribute a unique note to the symphony of flavours we aim to create. Our pursuit for quality extends to the barrels we use to age our beer. Aligned with a thoughtful wood policy, we collaborate with esteemed experts to handpick barrels that complement and elevate the beer’s character. The choice of ex-red Bordeaux barrels, sourced with the assistance of our friend Jean-Paul, a connoisseur in the realm of barrels, underscores our commitment to excellence. Having previously nurtured fine wine, these barrels offer a sublime layer of complexity to the beer, imparting nuances of fruit, tannin, and a whisper of vinous elegance. This harmonious union between the choicest ingredients and the distinguished pedigree of our barrels is a testament to our dedication to crafting a beer that stands as a paragon of quality and complexity. Through this rigorous selection process, we ensure that every sip of our Oud bruin offers a journey into the depths of flavour, meticulously curated for the discerning palate.

Embracing Complexity: Ageing and the Role of Barrels

Ageing our Low Land Oud Bruin in oak barrels is a testament to our commitment to depth and complexity. This delicate process, guided by expert hands, marries the robust flavours of the brew with the subtle nuances introduced by the wood. Each barrel, having previously cradled fine red Bordeaux, brings its own story, adding layers of fruit, spice, and a gentle tannic structure that intertwines with the beer's natural profile. As the beer rests within these wooden vessels, it transforms remarkably. The interplay between the beer and the barrel encourages the development of a rich tapestry of flavours – from hints of vanilla and oak to deeper notes of dark fruits and a whisper of earthiness. This ageing phase is a step in the brewing process and a pivotal chapter where the Oud bruin acquires its soul. The barrels do more than house the beer; they breathe life into it, allowing it to evolve and emerge as a symphony of complexity that promises an unrivalled tasting experience.

Innovative Finishing Touches: Brett Conditioning

In our quest to elevate the complexity of our Oud Bruin beer, we've embraced an avant-garde approach by integrating Brett conditioning into the process. Utilising the pioneering BR-8 product from Fermentis, this innovative step involves the addition of Brettanomyces yeast directly into the bottle, setting the stage for a remarkable transformation. The introduction of Brettanomyces is far from conventional; it’s a bold move that promises to infuse our beer with an eclectic mix of flavours that range from the pleasantly funky to the delicately fruity, with subtle earthy undertones. This process is not just about adding complexity; crafting an experience that evolves with time, promising an ever-changing sensory journey with every sip. As the beer matures, the Brettanomyces yeast works its subtle magic, weaving a tapestry of unexpected and enchanting taste. This choice to condition with Brett reflects our commitment to pushing boundaries and crafting a beer that not only stands out but also stands the test of time, offering a nuanced and deeply satisfying experience.

The Final Step: Patience in Conditioning

The journey of crafting our Low Land Oud Bruin reaches a pivotal moment during the conditioning phase, a testament to the age-old adage that some things improve with time. This final leg, lasting six months, is where the magic of maturation unfolds in the heart of a temperature-controlled sanctuary. Here, the innovative addition of Brettanomyces yeast begins to truly make its mark, weaving its intricate spell over the brew. The importance of this period cannot be overstated; it's a slow, meticulous transformation that invites the complex interplay of flavours and aromas to deepen and mature.

This stage is less about intervention and more about allowing nature and science to dance together, guided by the steady hand of time. It's a process that echoes the belief that excellence cannot be rushed, and perfection arrives to those who wait. The beer evolves as the Brettanomyces works its subtle alchemy, developing a richer, more layered character that promises a sensory delight.

Embracing patience at this juncture is not merely a part of the process; it's a commitment to excellence and a pledge to deliver an Oud bruin that transcends the ordinary. With each passing day, the anticipation builds, culminating in a brew embodying the essence of craftsmanship and the joy of creation.

Sharing the Experience: Enjoying Oud Bruin

The culmination of our journey with Oud Bruin arrives not in the brewery but in the moments it is shared amongst enthusiasts and friends. Encased in exquisite champagne bottles, our Oud bruin invites us to indulge in a tapestry of flavours, each sip unfolding layers of complexity honed over months of patient crafting and conditioning. This beer is more than a beverage; it's a medium through which stories are told and memories forged. As you gather, let the nuanced interplay of sour and sweet, enriched by the oak’s embrace and Brett's subtle intricacies, spark conversations and draw you closer. Whether it accompanies a hearty meal or stands alone, it promises to be a centrepiece, igniting the palate and enriching the moment. Embrace this opportunity to create shared experiences that linger, much like the beer's enduring finish. Here’s to moments that become memories, savoured one sip at a time.

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Low Land - Oud Bruin

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