Petrus Aged Red is one of the easiest ways into the world of Belgian sour beer. Brewed by De Brabandere, it is a Flanders-style red ale matured in oak foudres, giving it a sharp cherry-and-vinegar tang balanced by a rich, fruity sweetness. It is tart but not brutal, which makes it a great first sour for anyone curious about the style. Here is how it tastes and where it lands.
Petrus Aged Red at a glance
| Style | Flanders red sour ale |
| ABV | 8.5% |
| Calories | Around 220 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | Around 20g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Brouwerij De Brabandere, Bavikhove, Belgium |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, hops, yeast and lactic cultures (oak-aged) |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it contains barley |
| Typical price | Around $8 to $13 for a 750ml bottle in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Petrus Aged Red is a sour built for balance. The tartness sits high but a fruity sweetness keeps pace, and the oak ageing adds a woody depth that rounds the whole thing off.
The full review
It pours a deep, glowing ruby-red with a light pink-tinged head. The aroma is inviting: sour cherry and red berry, a balsamic-vinegar tang, sweet oak and a little vanilla from the barrel ageing. It smells like a cross between a sour beer and a fruity red wine.
The palate opens tart, with sharp cherry and berry acidity, then a fruity sweetness rises to balance it, and the oak brings a rounded, woody depth. The 8.5% is well hidden, and the finish is tangy but not searing, which is what makes it so approachable.
That balance is the whole appeal. Where some Flanders reds and gueuzes can be aggressively sour, Petrus Aged Red keeps things in check, so it works as an aperitif, with food, or simply as an introduction to what Belgian sours can do.
It is not the deepest or most complex sour on the shelf, and the balancing sweetness means the purists may want something sharper, but as a gateway sour it is very well judged and very easy to enjoy.
The Belgian sour to hand someone who thinks they hate sour beer.
- Tart but balanced and approachable
- Lovely sour-cherry and oak character
- A great first Belgian sour
- Works as an aperitif and with food
- The balancing sweetness will not suit purists
- Less complex than a traditional gueuze
- At 8.5% it is stronger than it tastes
Who it is for
Anyone curious about Belgian sours who wants an easy start. If you like it, a traditional gueuze like Lindemans Cuvee Rene is the sharper, funkier next step.
Petrus Aged Red FAQs
What does Petrus Aged Red taste like?
Tart sour cherry and red berry with a balsamic tang, balanced by a fruity sweetness and rounded off by sweet oak and vanilla from barrel ageing.
What is a Flanders red ale?
A Belgian sour style from West Flanders, aged in oak, known for its deep red colour and its tart, fruity, wine-like character. It is sometimes called the burgundy of Belgium.
Is Petrus Aged Red very sour?
It is tart but balanced, not aggressively sour, which makes it one of the more approachable Belgian sours and a good first one to try.
How strong is Petrus Aged Red?
It is 8.5% ABV, stronger than it tastes, so drink it accordingly.
How many calories are in Petrus Aged Red?
Around 220 per 12 fl oz. The brewery does not publish an exact figure, but that is typical for an 8.5% sour ale.
What food goes with Petrus Aged Red?
It pairs well with duck, pork, rich stews, charcuterie and hard cheeses, and its acidity cuts through fatty dishes.
Is Petrus Aged Red vegan?
Yes. It is brewed from water, barley malt, hops, yeast and lactic cultures with no animal products.
Where is Petrus Aged Red brewed?
In Bavikhove, Belgium, by Brouwerij De Brabandere.
Where to buy Petrus Aged Red
Petrus Aged Red is stocked by good beer shops across the US and Europe, usually as a 750ml bottle. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Petrus Aged Red is a beautifully judged introduction to Belgian sour beer. The oak-aged cherry and balsamic character is delicious, and the balancing sweetness keeps the tartness friendly rather than fierce. Purists may want something sharper, but as a gateway sour it is hard to beat. A solid four out of five. See how it ranks in our best Belgian beer guide.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Petrus Aged Red?
Petrus Aged Red is a Flanders red sour ale, at 8.5% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Petrus Aged Red?
Petrus Aged Red has an ABV of 8.5%.
How many calories are in Petrus Aged Red?
Petrus Aged Red has Around 220 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Petrus Aged Red gluten free?
Petrus Aged Red: No, it contains barley.
Does Petrus Aged Red have carbs?
Yes, Petrus Aged Red has Around 20g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Petrus Aged Red taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
How much does Petrus Aged Red cost?
Petrus Aged Red typically runs Around $8 to $13 for a 750ml bottle in the US. Check the button for live pricing. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Petrus Aged Red without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Petrus Aged Red?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Flanders red sour ale like Petrus Aged Red. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
