Brunetta is a Belgian-style Oud Bruin brewed by Brewery Ommegang, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a tulip glass from a bottle.
Appearance
The ale pours deep reddish brown whose clarity shows copper highlights at the edges. It’s topped by a finger-thick cap of creamy tan-colored foam that shows fair retention. A few droplets of residue cling to the glass.
Aroma
The aroma is mostly sweet with a scent of dark fruits like raisin and prune; toffee and a bit of chocolate. There’s also a hint of musty sour funk in the background.
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Flavor
The palate is a balanced blend of sweet and sour flavors. Tart cherry transitions to sweet caramel and sharpens with a clean, lactic sourness of cherry, apple, and red wine vinegar. Hints of toffee, plum, and nut are picked up in the swallow.
Mouthfeel
Its feel has a smooth draw that becomes lightly prickly on the backend. Medium body and moderately-high carbonation. It finishes dryly with a puckering acidity.
Overall
Its appearance could show a little better head retention but is otherwise fine. The aroma lacks persistence but its otherwise pleasant and enticing. Its feel is a little sharp for the style but its effervescence does nicely complement the dry sourness. But most importantly, its palate is simply superb. The complex blend of sweet and sour is an absolute delight. It’s so refreshing, easy to tilt back, and has a low ABV that makes this brew sessionable. Brunetta is simply a wonderful beer.
Recommended Pairings
Ommegang recommends the following food pairings with their Brunetta Oud Bruin: duck confit, chicken liver pâté, mild cheeses, New York-style cheesecakes, and other mildly sweet desserts.
