Sour beer alert!!
Vichtenaar is an Oud Bruin style ale that is brewed by the same Flemish family brewery that produces the somewhat more well-known Duchesse de Bourgogne.
One of the last old-Flemish sour red/brown ales matured in oak casks (for a least 8 months), Vichtenaar has been in production for many decades while the Duchesse has only been brewed since the 1990’s. Vichtenaar is an unblended cask aged beer, whereas Duchesse is 2+ year old barrels blended with 8 month old barrels.
Vichtenaar pours a deep rich ruby red bordering on bronze. It has a strong oak and red wine vinegar nose. Medium bodied and quite acidic, there is some sweetness up front, vanilla, oak, balsamic vinegar and sour cherries; it has a nice tart finish.
An excellent example of a rare yet increasingly popular style of beer, this little beauty is sure to be very popular with our fans of sour beer!