Belgian Brewery launches mix-your-own beer in UK

Belgian Brewery De Brabandere has launched three beers onto the UK market that can be mixed to create original blends.

The range, which is available exclusively from specialist beer importer James Clay, comprises three beers – Petrus Aged Pale, a traditional sour Flemish red beer, Pertrus Oud Bruin and Petrus Aged Red, a sweet and sour beer that is a blend of the Petrus Aged Pale and a brown beer which is infused with cherries.

A fourth beer, the Petrus 50/50 – a blend of Petrus Aged Pale and Petrus Aged Red – is also available as part of a ‘Petrus Sour Power Pack’ multi-pack. This comprises three Aged Pale Aless, along with one each of the Oud Brui, Aged Red and the Petrus 50/50 blend (RRP: £11.69 per pack).

The Belgian Sours uses a blond beer base, which is aged for 24 months in 220 HL French oak foeders or barrels, whose size limits the oakiness imparted into the beer, to give a fresh, slightly sour taste. The Petrus Aged Pale which this method produces was traditionally made to be used as a blending beer, and the first bottles only available in the 1990, around 100 years after the brewery was founded.

Retail manager Albert De Brabandere said the fifth generation business did not compromise on the quality or ingredients of the beers. “Their distinctive flavour has garnered a storng international following and we’re looking forward to hearing about he unique blends created by British beer lovers,” he said.

The brewery is working with London management agency Boutique Bar Brands to bring the wines to the UK.