The Bruery Oude Tart Beer Review

So I've had a lot of luck in procuring some great beer as of late and the beer I'm reviewing today is no exception: The Bruery's Oude Tart. This will be my first time trying it but my love of The Bruery and my increasing interest in sour beer coupled with this beer's superb reputation tell me that I am going to love this beer. For more information on The Bruery itself, please see my review of their White Oak beer. I want to thank Jungle Jim's for procuring this beer and a great deal of that thanks must go to our representative from Cavalier Distributing for choosing to sell the case to us. Thanks Jeff!

Oude Tart falls into a style of sour ale known as Flanders Red. Originating in West Flanders in the northwest corner of Belgium along the French border, this style has come to represent the region. I've even heard the style called the "Burgundy of Belgium" for its distinct wine-like qualities. Indeed, this style will more closely resemble a red wine than any other beer style. Consequently, I can thoroughly recommend the style to any wine drinkers looking for something new. Perhaps the best known example is the venerable Rodenbach, though I prefer Rodenbach Grand Cru. The style will typically be burgundy to reddish brown in color with a very pale or even white head. The body will be medium with low to medium carbonation. The style owes its sour characteristics to fermentation by wild yeasts and bacteria including Pediococcus and the related Lactobacillus. The beer is also frequently aged in oak barrels, as is the case with Oude Tart, and will also benefit from a blending of old and young beer to make the final product. The flavor and aroma should feature plenty of fruit and oak as well as a tannin-like acidity and a long, dry, complex finish with plenty of tart qualities.The Bruery is remarkably tight-lipped with their production methods on this particular beer. They only advertise that they age the beer in oak (presumably virgin French Oak). Specifics as to blending techniques, maturation periods, and the yeast/bacteria used is all unknown. Oude Tart's reputation suggests that the beer is a faithful interpretation of the style so I suspect that all the techniques I discussed are employed here. I just wish I knew specifics.

The beer is presented in The Bruery's typical 750 ml bottle with their trademark label adorning the front. I wish they used a cork on their beers because a cork would be better for aging and it adds to the presentation, but this is nitpicking. A strong pour into my tulip reveals a ruddy brownish beer with amber and caramel highlights when held to the light. A half inch of ivory-colored head quickly recedes to a quarter-inch ring with plenty of wisps floating on the surface. While the head is meager, it seems to be holding steady. Clarity is moderate. Appearance: 14/15

This beer smells fantastic. I get orange, peach, wood, some dark fruit. Maybe currants or red grapes. All of this rests on a solid oak backbone that pervades the nose but never gets too pushy. That familiar tannin acidity slaps my nostrils a bit, but in a nice way, adding yet another layer of complexity. I can actually smell how tart and funky this beer is, so much so that tasting it seems a foregone conclusion. Nose: 25/25

Oh wow this beer is tasting great. Oak and tannins greet me up front and round out to a smoothly sweet, almost vanilla like character on the back end that somehow transitions to a dry finish that lingers on my tongue for a few minutes.Upon further tastes, the mid-palate sandwiches in flavors of peach, green apple, and grape between the oak and tannins and the vanilla. A gentle smack of tartness and acidity smack the top of my mouth and almost makes me pucker but all the sweet and fruit flavors help keep things in check. Remarkably well balanced flavor profile. Overall taste impression is tart acidity backed by fruit and vanilla that turns into a very long, dry, and satisfyingly complex finish. Palate: 50/50

The mouthfeel is excellent. Medium bodied. The carbonation, while moderate at best, is prickly and almost seltzer like. The carbonation does a remarkable job asserting itself given that it isn't some carbonated monster like Duvel. The carbonation enhances the flavors and complements the beer itself. Mouthfeel is no afterthought with this beer. Bravo. Mouthfeel: 10/10

OVERALL: 99/100

If my glowing review weren't enough of an indication, suffice it to say that The Bruery hit one out of the park with this beer. I'd love to snag another bottle if I can and cellar it a couple years. I tend to believe this guy will age beautifully. This beer earns my highest and most thorough recommendation. Moreover, this beer would be more than at home paired with cheeses, desserts, artisanal breads, fish, and salads. I can imagine it being especially successful with a chocolate tort. Truly this is the Burgundy of Belgium and Oude Tart earns the lofty comparison to Burgundy wines any day. Please, make an effort to seek out this beer. Cheers!