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Dirty “Old” Helen Sour Brown

Belgian-Style Flanders Brown Ale/Oud Bruin

Jun 232013

Alcohol by Volume (ABV): Unknown%
Brewed By Barley Island Brewing Company
639 Conner St
Noblesville
Indiana
USA
North America
(317) 770-5280
http://barleyisland.com

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Belgian-Style Flanders Brown Ale/Oud Bruin Traits

Click the below buttons for a more detailed description of Belgian-Style Flanders Brown Ale/Oud Bruin style traits

Beer Style Description

This light- to medium-bodied deep copper to brown ale is characterized by a slight to strong lactic sourness. Brettanomyces produced flavors and aromas are not part of character. A fruity-estery character which is often cherry-like is apparent with no hop flavor or aroma. Low to medium bitterness and a cocoa-like character from roast malt. Roasted malt character in aroma and flavor is acceptable at low levels. A very low degree of malt sweetness may be present and in balance with the acidity produced by lactobacillus activity. Oak-like or woody characters may be pleasantly integrated into overall palate. Chill haze is acceptable at low serving temperatures. Some versions may be more highly carbonated and, when bottle conditioned, may appear cloudy (yeast) when served. These final beers are often blended old with new before packaging in order to create the brewer’s intended balance of characters.

Alcohol By Volume Range

4-8

IBU's Range

15-25

Aroma

Complex combination of fruity esters and rich malt character. Esters commonly reminiscent of raisins, plums, figs, dates, black cherries or prunes. A malt character of caramel, toffee, orange, treacle or chocolate is also common. Spicy phenols can be present in low amounts for complexity. A sherry-like character may be present and generally denotes an aged example. A low sour aroma may be present, and can modestly increase with age but should not grow to a noticeable acetic/vinegary character. Hop aroma absent. Diacetyl is perceived only in very minor quantities, if at all, as a complementary aroma.

Appearance

Dark reddish-brown to brown in color. Good clarity. Average to good head retention. Ivory to light tan head color.

Flavor

Malty with fruity complexity and some caramelization character. Fruitiness commonly includes dark fruits such as raisins, plums, figs, dates, black cherries or prunes. A malt character of caramel, toffee, orange, treacle or chocolate is also common. Spicy phenols can be present in low amounts for complexity. A slight sourness often becomes more pronounced in well-aged examples, along with some sherry-like character, producing a “sweet-and-sour” profile. The sourness should not grow to a notable acetic/vinegary character. Hop flavor absent. Restrained hop bitterness. Low oxidation is appropriate as a point of complexity. Diacetyl is perceived only in very minor quantities, if at all, as a complementary flavor.

Mouthfeel

Medium to medium-full body. Low to moderate carbonation. No astringency with a sweet and tart finish.