Year of New(ish) Beer: Oud Bruin, Country Boy Brewing (Lexington)

Written By: Dion on 02/08/2017

A lot of things happened five years ago. Prince William married Kate. Oprah called it quits. The last Harry Potter movie was released! A lot of businesses opened. A lot of businesses failed. Many have survived their growing pains. This weekend, one that didn't fail, Country Boy Brewing, will be celebrating its 5th Anniversarywith a weekend full of special events. To commemorate, the boys will release bottles of their Oud Bruin, a blend of sour brown ales aged in oak barrels. I thought it fitting to drive to Georgetown and enjoy this beer in the soon-to-open Georgetown taproom, which can be described as no less than the American dream. This multi-million dollar facility just has to be seen to be believed. So come visit! On to the beer. Sharp, vinous berries hit the nose, acidic with just a touch of red wine vinegar. As the glass warms, traces of caramel, leather, and dusty oak begin to fill the snifter, offering a layered aromatic experience. The tongue gets equal enjoyment, as flavors akin to sour cherry and tart grapes lead the way, with woody notes joining subtle oaked vanilla and fleetingly sweet malts. Very tart and drying on the finish. I'm pretty confident that if you had asked them on day one what their special 5th Anniversary beer might be, this wouldn't have been in the discussion. But I'm so glad this is where they've ended up. Or should I say, where they're beginning. I really and truly believe that Country Boy is about to kick it into another gear, and beer fans are going to like it. This bottle will release in the original Lexington taproom on Friday at 5pm. Check out lexbeerscene.com for the full slate of activities planned for the 5th birthday weekend.