Struise Pannepøt

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

2006 bottling: Dark mahogany. Thin but creamy eggshell head persists nicely with each sip. Cola, licorice, coriander, rum-splashed raisins, and hints of caramelized fruitcake comprise the solid but uninteresting nose. Lots of fruity esters as well. Teasing scent of cinnamon and cocoa. Mild note of doughy yeast. Tight and soft carbonation. Well-rounded acidity is gently embraced by a woody bite of licorice, chewy cola- and rum-like sugars, and a surge of alcohol which provides immediate warmth. Understated dryish maltiness accentuates the earthy spices. Well-integrated flash of aniseed (ester or actual spice?) comes and goes as it’s soon engulfed by plump raisiny esters. Sufficient sweep of dryness pleasingly cleanses the palate, though the core is a bit hollow and primarily dominated by a flabby fruitiness which fails to get much assistance from the malt. A dab of caramelized malt is faintly perceptible, and does add some structure to the body, but a liberal dose of Pilsner malt would better balance and complement the sweetness. As a result, it comes off as being fairly shallow. That said, the spices and esters are very poignant and bright. Finishes juicily fruity and soft, with a dusting of caramelized and strawlike malt which lurk beneath notes of rum, raisins, and hints of Juicy Fruit gum. Some minor adjustments are all this needs in order to be superb.

Bottle. Pours with a dark brown color and a nice fluffy head. Aromas of molasses and bread, not much Belgian yeast character. Flavors of drak fruit, mulling spices and a bit of dark bread. Finishes with a farily strong alcohol bite. Different but good, very interesting.

Bottled, 2006. Very hazy maroon-coloured, brown lasting head. Malty nose, raisins, alcohol, liquorice and dark fruit. Sweet malty flavour, raisins again, some fruity notes as well. Alcohol remains relatively unnoticed (only in finish). Great mouthfeel, long-lasting finish. Definitely good, but imho less complex and much sweeter than the regular Pannepot. Could improve greatly with aging i think. I’m really curious what the oak aged reserva will taste like, too bad it’s so ridiculously expensive.

Shared at tasting with Fly, Dewbrewer, Humulone_Red and others. Thanks guys!
Rich colored dark maroon pour with slight transluscence to it. Bright fruity lemony richness on the nose. Taste was sweet and smooth with dark brown sugary character. Slightly drying at times, and a touch cloying at times as well. Nice flavor of raisins and the alcohol was hidden exceptionally well. Very enjoyable.

12/31/07 bottle bought several weeks prior. Dark amber, very little head. Rather vinous aroma, yet fairly soft. Raisiny. Sour. Taste: Very raisiny. Too sticky sweet. Alcohol is well hidden. 737315-3.5 7/15/09 bottle bought 20 months ago. Lots of raisin, white wine. It’s still a bit too sweet but I think it’s calmed down a little. Nice finish. 848315-3.8

Had at Ebenezer’s in Lovell, ME. I had this beer after the regular Pannepot. Very similar but seem to have a slightly more sour finish. Still a tremendous brew.

Pours bronze with a light tan soapy head. The aroma has lightly sharp caramel malt, anise, cream, pepper and a plasticy element. Medium body with nice semi-soft carbonation. The flavor starts with lots of the aroma traits and is a bit on the astringent sides, especially on the finish. As it warms the astringency goes way down and it gets much creamier and has a pleasant brown sugar taste. This is a good beer, but not at all up to the regular Pannepot.

Dark brown with no head formation. Aroma of brown sugar and some faint banana. Flavors of sweet fruit, vanilla, caramelized sugar, and raisins. A sweet, sticky finish taps this off. A very enjoyable beer.