hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Bersalis Barrel Reserve

Tap to rate

Funky and sour: this barrel-aged beer gets its wild side from a second, spontaneous fermentation on wooden barrels, driven mainly by Pediococcus and Brettanomyces. The base is Bersalis Tripel, fermented once in stainless steel, then matured for at least 18 months on small and large barrels and blended to the brewmaster's taste. Dark golden, 10 % ABV, the base for Bersalis Tripel Oak Aged, in 3.1 L and 20 L formats.

ABV
10%
Bitterness
Mild
SRM
golden5
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
funkysouroak
funky
sour
oak
yeasty
tart
Aroma
The nose leads with earthy, funky notes from wild yeast fermentation, layered with subtle oak influence and hints of vanilla from extended barrel aging.
not found:hoppy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Bersalis Barrel Reserve

◎ Appearance

Dark golden hue with excellent clarity and bright, luminous character. The head forms with fine, persistent lacing that clings to the glass walls throughout the drinking experience. Carbonation is moderate, releasing gentle bubbles that sustain the foam structure.

dark goldenclearpersistent lacingmoderate carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with earthy, funky notes from wild yeast fermentation, layered with subtle oak influence and hints of vanilla from extended barrel aging. Underneath lie delicate fruity esters—dried apricot and white wine—combined with a gentle sourness that invites the next approach. The character is complex and evolving, revealing spice and leather notes as the beer warms.

funky, wild yeastoak, vanilladried fruit esterscomplex, evolving

◐ Taste

Entry is crisp and tart, with Pediococcus and Brettanomyces driving a pleasant sourness balanced by the underlying Tripel's malty sweetness. The mid-palate is full-bodied and vinous, with oak tannins, leather, and subtle pepper providing structure and depth. The 10% ABV sits comfortably beneath the complexity, adding warmth without harshness, while the low bitterness allows the wild fermentation character to dominate.

tart, funkyoak tanninsvinous bodywild fermentation

◑ Finish

The finish is long and dry, with lingering sourness and a slight astringency from barrel contact. A refreshing quality emerges as residual carbonation clears, leaving the palate cleansed yet engaged with subtle yeasty undertones.

long, drytart finishrefreshing
88
hopIQ score
Aroma
89
Taste
90
Appearance
85
Finish
85
Serve at 6–9°C

Serve at 6–9°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with Bersalis Barrel Reserve

More from Oud Beersel

Avocado Leaf Infused Lambic
Barbera Grape
Barbera Grape
Fruit Lambic
9.5%·Mild
Find matches →
Barbera Grape Lambic
Bee Pollen Infused Lambic
Bersalis Blond
Bersalis Blond
Belgian Blonde Ale
6.2%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Bersalis Kadet
Bersalis Kadet
Belgian Blonde Ale
4.5%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Bersalis Kadet Oak Aged
Bersalis Tripel
Bersalis Tripel
Tripel
9.5%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →

About Sour Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Sour Ale?

Sour Ale is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.

Finding a similar Sour Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same funky, sour, oak character as Bersalis Barrel Reserve will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all Sour Ale beers in hopIQ →Browse Belgium beers →