Flanders Red Ale

Flanders Red Ale is an Belgian and French Ale beer style. Brewers Association category: Belgian-Style Flanders Oud Bruin or Oud Red Ale. It typically presents as copper to very dark. SRM/EBC color values can be misleading because the red spectrum of color is not accurately assessed by these measurement systems..

Notes: These beers showcase a pleasant, complex, vinous character and refreshing acidity. Oaky or woody flavors may be pleasantly integrated. Flavors of wine or distilled spirits associated with used barrels should not be present. These beers are often a blend of old and young beer to create the brewer’s intended flavor balance.

ABV: 4.8%-6.6%
IBU: 5-18
OG: 1.044-1.056
FG: 1.008-1.016

Alcohol & Bitterness

ABV:4.8%-6.6%

ABW:3.8%-5.2%

IBU:5-18

Perceived Bitterness:

Very low to medium-low, though acidity and wood-aging (if used) may mask higher bitterness levels.

Color & Appearance

Color:

Copper to very dark. SRM/EBC color values can be misleading because the red spectrum of color is not accurately assessed by these measurement systems.

Clarity:

Chill haze is acceptable at low temperatures. Bottle conditioned versions may appear cloudy when served.

Gravity & Body

Original Gravity:1.044-1.056

Original Gravity °P:11-13.8

Final Gravity:1.008-1.016

Final Gravity °P:2.1-4.1

Body:

Low to medium-low with a refreshing mouthfeel

Flavor Profiles

Malt Profile:

Roasted malt aromas and flavors including cocoa are acceptable at low levels. Biscuit and light caramel aromas and flavors are typical. A low to medium level of malt sweetness is often present and should be balanced by acidity from Lactobacillus.

Hop Profile:

Not present

Fermentation Character:

Brettanomycesproduced aromas and flavors should be present in Oud Reds and may be present in Oud Bruins. Fruity esters expressed as cherry or green apple attributes are apparent. Very slight levels of ethyl acetate (red apple) may be present. Overall flavor of Oud Bruin is fundamentally characterized by medium low to high lactic sourness. Many versions express very low to medium acetic sourness and aroma; acetic sourness may also be absent.

2026 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines used with permission of Brewers Association .

No beers have been reviewed in this style.