Struise Pannepøt

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

11.2 oz bottle

This is the only release of the Pannepot series that I have yet to try excepting the recent Grand Reserva (which I will have to track down when it hits the states). Of the three I found this the best by the slimmest of margins. Whereas the others are definite 3.9s this one is more like a 3.95. Hopefully I’ll be able to find another bottle to restock the cellar for a special occasion.

Aroma / Appearance - A one finger dirty white head rests on top of a sticky chocolate brown body. There is evidence of carbonation but it is not very lively. The smell of gingersnap cookies, caramel and molasses filled the area around my glass. The difference between this and regular Pannepot seems to be the slightly more sweet character.

Flavor / Palate - A creamy coffeelike mouthfeel coats the tongue with chocolate and maple syrup. Next comes molasses and cherry liquor on a wave of woodiness. The alcohol is evident in a way that compliments everything. The warming slightly sweet finish makes this an excellent release.

Bottle. Aromas of citrus, caramel and dark fruits. Very dark brown color with a tan head that rapidly ringed. Near medium body with very mild carbonation. Almost a cola flavor, with dark fruits and bread. It’s mildly sweet and extremely flavorful. The finish is lightly spiced with caramel and complex flavors. Quite unusual and extremely pleasant to drink.

2006 Bottle. Pours a nice amber brown with a small soapy head. Aroma of Citrus, Caramel, Malt, figs, Sour Apple. Very well balanced taste with hints of Brown Sugar, Malt, Cloves, Bread.......there’s all sorts of taste in this one...too much to pick out. This is a surprisingly complex and smooth brew and you can in no way tell that this weighs in at a whopping 10%abv. Very well done Struise, very well done indeed.

Tasted directly after a regular Pannepot, it was hard not to draw comparisons between the two beers instead of describing this beer for what it is. Just that the regular Pannepot is so amazing probably pulled this score back a little too. Clear amber brown with a nice lacy tan head. The aroma came across as quite mild in body, but higher in spices.. with lots of vanilla, honey, citrus and caramel. Body is a touch drier and lighter than Pannepot, I think this brings the spices through a little more, and perhaps reveals a touch of astringency in the finish. I loved this beer, but not as much as pannepot.

1/18/08: Bottle.
Mahogany colored body. Nose of raisin, brown sugar and alcohol. Sweet and sour flavor – fruit, sour apple, white grape, sugary malt and alcohol. Long, tart finish. #800

Thanks to miketd. Dark reddish brown color. Smell of malt, brown sugar, pepper, clove, caramel, hops, dark fruit, bread dough, alcohol and cola soda. Taste of malt, brown sugar, pepper, clove, caramel, hops, dark fruit, bread dough, alcohol and cola soda. Excellent brew!

2006 bottle. Sweet tobacco fermented aroma. Mahagony red body with decent head. Sweet red fruits, chewy licorice, molases, cough syrup quite a mix of flavors that actuall all blend together decently. Dry sweetness lingers for aftertaste. Good night cap.

Spectacular Christmas fruit cake aroma,with twinges of alcohol to tweak your nose,taste is a sublime fuity malty creaminess,with just the most satisfying aftertaste you can imagine, at least given that there is not much hop involved. As about a tantalizing of a beer ith any hint of fruit that I’ve had the pleasure to try, Thanks Kingpin