 Mes_and_Sim (4476), Highgate, Greater London, England
Oct 17, 2007 Updated: Mar 4, 2008
A Mes rate: 33cl bottle all to my lucky self at the Struise Farm.
This is like a little patch of heaven for me. For those who don’t know, Carlo and Urbain from Struise are amazing gents, both of them. Strangely enough so are the guys from Mikkeller (guess I must include Jeppe in there too) it just so happens that they are my two favourite brewers right now also. This is a total no brainer. The work of both sets of people are clearly evident and perfectly harmoniuos. It’s like a symphony where one side plays the driving subtle parts and the other plays the top end finesse. Then somewhere they swap and you don’t notice it happen but know that it has. It’s a marriage of world class artisans and, quite simply, excellent. Proper rate to follow, just got so excited at the farm I forgot to make notes so I will attempt to do it more justice next time I have it.
Ok, re-rate time. I thought this was amazing first time I had it. Second time around I upped the score even more. I just couldn’t get enough of it. Such a big shame I can’t get this regularly. Cloudy amber brown with a superb white head and lace. Hoppy, grassy aroma with lots of lychee and a slight caramel sweetness that really makes it. Possibly the best Belgian yesty notes I have experienced. Side by side with the double IPA like hops it is just a stunning smell. Flavour follows on perfectly. Sooooo F**KING good. Well rounded and almost soft for the style. Stunning alcohol notes, the grassy hops are sublime. Mouthfeel is outstanding. Absolute perfection. Spice and bitter hops for the finish are just an incredible encapsulation of a simply awesome beer.
southamptonsam (51), New York, USA
Oct 5, 2008 It is an interesting mix of a Belgian head with an American/Norwegian body. Pleasant enough but the lack of clear identity was a negative for me.
shadey (1343), Rochester, New York, USA
Oct 5, 2008 11.2oz bottle purchased at Belmont Station in Portland Oregon. Pour is golden with a beautiful head of clinging lace that coats the glass and lays in a fluffy layer across the tops of the beer. Aroma is yeasty and alcoholic. There is also some rustic citric aroma and grassy hop notes. The flavors are much the same. The yeast and alcohol are very present, but not offensive, which is tricky to do. The citrus notes are there as well, but muted and blended with the hops in a way that make neither clear. A very interesting beer and more than worthy of being in Ratebeer’s Masters series.
Oakes (6979), Miami Beach, Florida, USA
Oct 4, 2008 Opaque tan with a rocky head. Herbal, minty hop nose with citrus rind and chewy malts. A sweet and spicy brew, with citrusy overtones, a chewy caramel middle, and a woody, alcoholic finish. That bit of unbalanced booziness and a general lack of brightness holds this one down.
ScoWRee (222), Phila, Pennsylvania, USA
Oct 4, 2008 Pours a very merky orange, with floaters, and a thick fluffy white head. Aroma of hops and citrus. Even a little caramel. Taste of citrus and hops. Very grassey, piney. Nice carbonation
Very nice lacing on the glass.
A sold brew.
Beershine (1440), Miami Beach, Florida, USA
Oct 3, 2008 Bottle. Bright orange with haze, a beige head, and lots of carbonation. Aroma of caramelized malts, burnt sugar, freshly stewed fruit compote, sapote, incense, perfume, and natural soaps. Not at all like an IPA so far but plenty fine. Solid palate, slightly sticky. A tad oxidized. Sweeter than expected, more like a Belgian blonde or tripel in character than an IPA but does have a lingering finish with hops, plantains, and honey.
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