Struise Pannepot

Brewed by De Struise Brouwers
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Oostvleteren, Belgium

2007 bottle. I absolutely love this stuff, and I usually don’t like belgians because of the acidity. This one doesn’t have the acidity and I love it. Dark in color, almost black, nice stiff head that lasts. Aroma of malts, belgian spice, dark fruits, just awesome. Flavor is spectacular and has all the same flavors as in the aroma plus some hints of chocolate. Squeaky clean palate, zero bitterness. Awesome!

Bottle into Duvel tulip; purchased at Discount in Milwaukee. 2007 vintage. This will be about my fifth bottle of Pannepot. Pours with a huge foamy dark beige head that dissipates somewhat rockily. Head is firm (reminds me a bit of the High Desert stout at GABF 2004) and leaves a sudsy lace that doesn’t really stick often. Smell is an enigma: lots of CO2 from the released carbonation (giving it a spritzy feel) and a bit of Orval-ish sourness with a definite malt presence in a sugary caramel undertone and occasional rootsy chocolate. Honestly, I can’t remember a beer right now with better mouthfeel; the texture is constantly changing, but it’s exactly what it should be at any moment: first it’s sharp and a bit fizzy, but in the back; then it gets soft and foamy; right before settling into the deep, silky smooth finish; which later transitions to driness, somehow. I can’t even really begin to describe all the things in the flavor. It’s like the layering of Celebrator with the unpredictability of Orval, mixed together. Luxurious; malty; slightly sour; sweet throughout; some overripe fruits underneath all; it almost gets dry, after being so juicy in the beginning; never gives the impression of being roasty or bitter, but it’s there late in the finish; on some sips, boozy; on some sips, chocolatey; on other sips, jammy like a port; sometimes in the finish there’s a distinct raspberry note that reminds me of Clare’s Thirsty; after half a glass, figgy pomegranate jam is permanently slathered on the back of the tongue as a canvas over which all the other fleeting flavors flit. Really, Pannepot defies my attempts at rating (at least, without devolving into flowery diction and unnecessary aliteration). This is one of those beers that transcends dopeness, that lives in the uber-dope ether.

A: A deep dark brown hue with brillant red highlights showing thru. The head is average and retention is good. Spotty lace noted from top to bottom. S: Complex aroma. Lots of dark fruits noted. Figs, raisins, and plums mostly. A touch of spice can be detected along with yeast and roasted malt. T: Wow, this one is big thick and chewy. Huge blast of dark fruits just sit on the tongue and linger. Nice roasty malt and fruits come thru. There is a touch of spice and a splash of booze make this one extra complex. M: Full in body thich and creamy. Wonderful carbonation makes this one very inviting. D: Not one you would drink several of, but at this ABV there are very few that you would. It is a nice filling beverage that is to be sipped and enjoyed.

What a delicious beer. Fragrant, fruity, spicy with a perfect level of sweetness. This is the most interesting quad around. Doesn’t feel like 10% but one drinks this beer for the incredible depth of flavor.

Pour is quite dark with a head that is absolutely beautiful. It is mid tan and so thick it juggles when the glass is moved. Aroma is yeast and fruit with some spice. Flavor is delicious and grows more so as the beer warms. It begins with yeast leading the way but soon fruit moves up. Alcohol is quite noticeable. This was amazingly smooth throughout. A fantastic beer!

This is my x-th Pannepot 2006 I drink and the first I rate. One difference with the previous ones. This one I got from regular trade just recently for 3.59 euros. What I dont know about this beers history is a vast part of its past. This beer is back from 2006, so it is aged you might say. I just recently purchased this example. Need I say more. I will rate one of my own stack soon and rerate the Struise Pannepot 2006, also soon ! And for its taste... a bit cherry sour with dark sweets. Hops are mildly present just behind sour and sweet. It makes both just mentioned flavours play second fiddle in a complex way. Very balanced. I hope my stack is even better.

2007 bottle...pours a deep and murky brown with a huge, foamy light mocha colored head...great retention! aroma is very malty with some fruity notes, some funk, faint sourness, leather, and a touch of spice. flavor is complex! very spicy with some malty roastiness, leather, a bit of funk, and some candy sugar, maybe a hint of pepper?...lots more going on but my palate isn’t quite that refined! mouthfeel is silky and heavy with a long spicy and dry finish. very nice stron ale!

Pours a dirty brown color with a medium sized tan head. Big nose of fruity malts, yeast esters and some subtle Belgian spice characteristics. Big bold flavors swim harmoniously in the mouth creating a very smooth flavor profile and body. Malt is obviously dominant, the way the fruitiness carries over from the nose is very impressive and well executed. Medium bodied and incredibly (insanely) drinkable. One of my favorite quads of all time, highly recommended.