t IJ Struis

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

This beer rocked my socks. As previously noted in many places, I am somewhat picky in liking Belgian strongs, so this was a nice surprise--and something I will be buying again. The aroma is candied oranges, molasses, rum, brown sugar, raisins, anise, wood, caramel, and some type of flower. Deep cloudy mahoghany topped with a diminishing offwhite head. Mouthfeel is moderately carbonated, thick, heavy, rish, coating, with a lasting maltiness on the swallow. Taste started sweet and syrupy, moved quickly to a spiced, fruity middle, and ended on a chocolate note. Excellent stuff.

Cloudy deep copper hue with good frothy off-white head and very good lace. The aroma has fruity notes of plum, strawberry, and currents. Additional dusty yeast esters, aromatic hops, cardamom, pipe tobacco and mocha malts. Wonderful nose indeed. The taste starts equally fruity and mildly tart, lots of yeast notes as well. Get some subdued bitterness, woody astringent qualities and flowery sublime notes. The mouthfeel is earthy soft and fruity twangy, dry and just a dose of alcohol noted. Of the three offerings I have had from tIJ, this is by far the best, highly recommended.

Pours a cloudy ruby with some off white head. Nose is musty in a way that reminds me of a traditional lambic. If I hadn’t opened it myself, I’d swear this had come from a bottle with a cork. Flavor is extremely unusual and unique. Man. Very faint sweet tone. I can say right away that it ends with a noticable perfume characteristic. Caramel is there too. Alcohol is noticable a bit too. This is one extremely complex BSDA. And add that it is Dutch too. Who would’ve thought. Feel is goog. Smooth with a nice bubble edge to it. Drinkable? Hell yes; but more for the experience. More of a sipper, but the unique qualities should keep a lover of the style coming back for another. You would never be able to tell what this might be from seeing it on the shelves. I mean a diamond label with an ostrich on it? Come on. Regardless. If you see it, buy it.

Pours 1 inch of sustaining tan head over a dark orange/amber body. Numerous flakes of sediment explore their new surroundings in my glass. Tight patterns of clumpy lace. Deliciously strong and sweet aromas of light and dark fruits mixed with barnyard funkiness. Similar flavors with additions of bubblegum, raisin, subtle coriander, and shoebox. Alcohol is present but well-balanced with a nice warming effect. Lively carbonation and medium/full body. Refreshing and well-balanced flavors. Great beer. So far, this brewery has yet to displease from their offerings.

Dark brown color. Roasted malts. Rochefort like brew, but, ofcourse, not many beers match the quality of Rochefort or Westvleteren.

Rating 1400. 11.2 oz bottle. Bought at State line in Md. Pours a deep amber/ light brown with a big fluffy cloudy light beige head and sticky cobweb-like lace. Aroma has some brett in it which is nice but isnt overly powerful initially. Lots of fruity esters like raisin and plum in the aroma, phenolic herbal and barnyard as well, and even a hint of cherry pie-like brett/pedio in there. Flavor has a sharp bite to it from the brett, lots of wild things going on- horseblanket, barnyard, clove, must, and a light tart acidity in the end. Some sweet caramel malts, some nuts, and a bit of hops in the finish. Brett produces some nice high carbonation but isnt too harsh and still goes down pretty easy. Nice aftertaste. This is a great belgian strong ale, that is enhanced by the brett, even though im not even sure there is supposed to be brett in here at all. I love brett, so this was kickass. I am wondering why no one else has noticed brett in this though.

Dry, chalky aroma with strong molasses notes. Served in a semi-transparent plastic cup. Opaque. Dark brown. Off-white head. Very good Belgian strong ale flavor. Wonderful, actually. Would buy again.

Habersham Beverage Warehouse, Savannah, Ga - 330 ml bottle. Pours a dark ruby red with a frothy, creamy mocha colored head. Clean, fruity aroma, some nectarines, citrus and brief floral notes with a back end of alcohol. Very full flavored, hints of chocolate, bubble gum, peaches, dates, and a touch of licorice and some prunes. Excellent flavor. Thick, creamy mouthfeel.