(Press Release)
FORT COLLINS, CO—Funkwerks, the award-winning Saison-focused brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado, has released its first barrel-aged sour, Oud Bruin. Oud Bruin is the product of Funkwerks’ sour program which launched in early 2012. The base for Oud Bruin sat in oak whiskey barrels and oak red wine barrels for more than twelve months.
“When we founded Funkwerks, one goal was to some day brew sour beers,” said Gordon Schuck, Funkwerks Co-Founder/Owner and Head Brewer. “Oud Bruin represents the start of sour beer releases.”
Funkwerks aged the Oud Bruin base for one year then carefully selected and blended the twelve best barrels for the final product. Aroma of dark malts and black cherry compliment the notes of dark fruit in the flavor. A blend of Brettanomyces with Lactobacillus along with other sour cultures contribute the characteristic sour flavor profile of this style. Old Bruin pours a deep auburn color and has a dry tart finish. ABV is 7.5%.
“We are excited to bring our Oud Bruin to market. It was a couple years in the making! I think this beer really came together well,” added Brad Lincoln, Funkwerks Co-Founder/Owner.
Oud Bruin pairs exceptionally well with Carbonades Flamandes, a hearty Flemish beef and beer stew. Since it’s barrel-aged, Oud Bruin will be available in limited quantities for bars, restaurants and liquor stores across Colorado, Nebraska, and Arizona. Oud Bruin is now being poured on draft and is available in bottles at the Funkwerks taproom.
Oud Bruin (old brown) is a style of beer originating from the Flemish region of Belgium. The Dutch name refers to the long aging process, up to a year. It undergoes a secondary fermentation, which takes several weeks to a month, and is followed by bottle aging for several more months. The extended aging allows residual yeast and bacteria to develop a sour flavor characteristic for this style.
For more information on upcoming events, tastings, beers, recipes and more, visit Funkwerks’ website, follow the company on Facebook, Twitter, and enjoy the blog.
The Funkwerks Story:
In 2007 Gordon Schuck’s recipe design and brewing skills resulted in a gold medal-winning Saison at the National Homebrew Competition. Brad Lincoln first experienced craft beer while working as an accountant in Portland, OR. The two met during the winter of 2009 while attending the Siebel Institute and studying brewing science. After being immersed in beer for the better part of five months, the two graduated and shared a desire to open a brewery. This resulted in the Saison-focused brewery that is now Funkwerks, opening December 9, 2010. Funkwerks’ two flagship beers, Saison and Tropic King, are produced year round. Also brewed annually are four seasonals, a number of small experimental batches, and select barrel-aged releases. Funkwerks flagship Saison was awarded a gold medal at the 2012 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) and a silver medal in 2011. Deceit, a Belgian-Style golden strong ale, was also awarded a gold medal at the GABF in 2012. In addition to receiving two gold medals in 2012, the GABF named Funkwerks the 2012 Small Brewing Company of the Year. Funkwerks is located at 1900 East Lincoln Avenue in Fort Collins, Colorado. The tasting room- complete with an indoor bar, retail area and spacious outdoor, dog-friendly patio- is open 7 days a week: Sunday through Thursday from 12pm-8pm; Friday and Saturday from 12pm-9pm. Brewery tours are given Saturdays at 2pm. Funkwerks is currently distributed in Colorado by American Eagle Distributing and C.R. Goodman, in Nebraska by Quality Brands of Omaha and Double Eagle Beverage, and in Arizona by the Hensley Beverage Company.