t IJ Struis

Brewed by Brouwerij ’t IJ
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Amsterdam, Netherlands

This is an odd bird of a bird (pun intended) - cloudy burnt orange with an attractive, frothy, off-white head - interesting aroma of mustiness, tartness, yeast and some raisin and floral aspects - the flavor is an odd combination of saison-like qualities (earthiness, grass, straw, and a slight tartness) and some fruity vinous qualities (dark fruit, chocolate) - mild sweetness tries to tie the two flavor profiles together, and mostly succeeds - creamy mouthfeel - finishes with a slight bitterness - odd but quite good.

Bottled. Hazy dark brown colour, topped with a fluffy tan-coloured head. Yeasty and biscuity aroma with notes of black cherries, black currant, alcohol and caramel with a light sourish undertone. Quite dry flavour of yeast, cherry-skins, dried figs and oily hops. Long finish of orange-peels, yeast and cherry pastilles. A very interesting ale.

4/07 Re-rate: Numbers bumping up. This time the aromas and flavors came through better, more balanced: grapes and apples, coriander, significant floral touch, spicey, yeasty and dry, leathery (even a touch of that brett / burnt rubber taste I get in some gueuzes) finish. Original rating: Poured a reddish brown color with a large head that wouldn’t fit in one pour. In fact, this was one of those bottles that just exploded upon opening, making a big mess for the unsuspecting opener. Aroma was of caramel and spices. The flavor was caramel, toffee, brown sugar, and candied apples. Finishes with a light spicey bitter touch, keeping it from being too cloying or sugared. Reminded me of the N’Ice Chouffe I had: good, but nothing to long for. Mouthfeel was moderately bodied with significant carbonation.

This is a nice Belgian that is very sweet and syrupy. There are flavors of dark fruit and a spicy caramel that all linger on the tongue.

Bottle. Pours a hazy caramel with a full beautiful tan head. Nose is grassy and flowery hops with underlying sweetness. Flavor is complex and very nice. Starts with flowery hops, then to sweet dark fruits, then to a looonnngg lingering slightly bitter yeast finish. Very nice, smooth and enjoyable.

melow and smooth a bit of a slow gush. Minimal head thereafter. Shortbread and dark dried fruit compote. Ultra ballance and a luxurant mouthfeal that has a refreshing twinge of sour at the finish. Fluffy but small carbonation rounds out the brew.

a real nice powerfull dark beer. a strong, sligth sweet aroma. and lots of flavor.

Pours a hazy coppery orange color with an enormous solid orange/yellow head. Aroma of citrus, orange, a bit dusty, dark malt and alcohol. Wonderful bittersweet taste that starts off sweet with hints of peach, orange and citrus and then completely turns over into a dry bitter finish with malt notes and some hoppyness that lingers on and on. Also very well carbonated. Nice one.