This brouwerij and restaurant has a prime location above the Oudegracht and seems to attract more of a professional clientele. There were lots of suits and loosened ties while I was there. The beer is similar: clean, smooth, doesn’t take chances. So it’s a great place to unwind after a busy day at the office. I stayed at the bar, which is the way to go — the bar staff were pretty cool.

Oudaen had five taps going: three year-round beers, one seasonal, and the fifth was Gemeente Pils, which was tap water — a brewery with a sense of humor — always a good thing.

Oudaen sampler — Utrecht, Netherlands

Rob’s Picks
• Lentebock – seasonal – 6.8% – Quite nice for a bock. Not the usual malty sweetness. Caramel and alcohol flavors. Like a light tripel. Better after it warms up a little.
• Linteloo Gold – 5% – Brisk little lager. Light, maybe a touch watery, but with a slight bitter floral edge. Hoppiest of the three regulars. Good summer beer.

The Rest
• Jonge Daen – 5% – Kristal/Weizen – Also light, but with a citrus-y edge. Good summer beer.
• Ouwe Daen – 5% – Wheat – Very light. I think I sense a pattern here. Not very bready, but with a slight honey taste. This is their most popular selection. Good summer beer.

I have to say, it’s kind of nice to visit breweries that only make a few beers. Makes it a lot easier to get through a sampler set.