Pannepot - De Struise Brouwers

Dukeofearl

California

4.88/5  rDev +11.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

$4.99 at Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido, CA. in March 2007, tasted in March and again in May. Also, thoroughly enjoyed at Dickie's Bar in Brugge, Belgium in April, 2007.

Upon recommendation of The LongBeachBum, I was happy to find this one in Escondido recently. Without that suggestion, I would have walked right past, and my Total Life Enjoyment Score would have been reduced dramatically. Just to pound that fact into my head, a completely random meeting with Ratebeerian Joe at Erasmus in Brugge and a second somewhat less random meeting with him at Dickie's gave me a second recommendation and another chance to love this beer (thanks, Joe- I owe you one!).

OK, too much about how I found this beer and not enough about the beer itself.

I'm not going to do my standard appearance/ smell/ taste/ mouthfeel/ drinkability description- some beers transcend that analytical approach. This is one top-line, must-have incredible life enjoyment experiences. Beautiful black beer with lots of carbonation, rich full aroma and taste to match. Rich dark Mexican hot chocolate, coffee, vanilla bean, nutmeg, dark fruits (dates and candied cherries) rum-soaked cakes, port wine, on and on just meld together in incredible combinations. A different flavor experience in every mouthfull. And I am saddened by the 10% alcohol (hints certainly exist, but overall very well hidden), because it means I can't go drink more. But I sure want to!

An exceptional beer- don't pass it by.

Serving type: bottle

05-20-2007 03:25:11 | More by Dukeofearl

lordofthewiens

Maine

4.33/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Absolutely awesome beer. A 330ml bottle poured into a tulip glass. It was dark brown in color with a huge, airy tan head. The head retained quite well, so I waited a while to stick my nose in it. Spicy, dark fruit aroma. Nice fruity taste, not as spiced as I thought it would be, and a huge malt presence, both coffee and chocolate. Very smooth. I would consider this a sipping beer.
Thanks to Todd the beer guy at McKean and Charles for getting me to try this. I'll be having many more.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2007 13:42:38 | More by lordofthewiens

TurdFurgison

Ohio

4.15/5  rDev -5.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I bought a couple bottles of this several months ago (2006 edition), and just now remembered they existed. The price was around $6 per bottle I think.

I chose a Chimay chalice for this beer, and it looked really good, a perfect 5. The beer was dark brown with a massive tan head, very fine bubble consistency, lacing the glass as the head s-l-o-w-l-y dissipated. The aroma was really promising too, I could smell all kinds of dark fruits, some chocolate, and a hint of sour Flemish ale. I waited a long time for the foam to reach about 1/4 inch, then tasted it. Against all expectations the first flavor was coffee. Then came the dark fruit (something similar to plums, raisins, or figs) and a little burning alcohol at the end. The dinkability is maybe not too high, as I tended to take it slow with this beer.

Lots going on, this is definitely a slow-sipping beer or a dessert beer.

Serving type: bottle

05-18-2007 00:07:19 | More by TurdFurgison

oberon

North Carolina

4.38/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Poured into a large tulip glass a near pitch black with only a hint of ruby when held up to the light,a big blooming toasted almond colored head atop leaving globs of soapy-like lace behind as it settles very very slowly.Spiced aromas abound here notes of vanilla and clove really show up front lighter orange peel and pear appear as well,full near chewey mouthfeel almost makes it seem like dessert in a bottle for me.Complex flavors starting out with that vanilla mentioned before with a cola-like presence slightly clovey but not overly done with a brown sugar sweetness rounding out the finish.A very nice brew big on flavor just well crafted.

2006 bottle.

Serving type: bottle

05-16-2007 00:24:13 | More by oberon

mynie

Indiana

4.88/5  rDev +11.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

2006

Very dark, even for the style. Inky black with only the lighest hints of red and an absolutely marvelous soapy brown head.

Smells of--wow. Smells of very rich coffee and roasted malt nodes. Chocoalte malt, almost most. Very stouty, but there's also some mellowly alcoholic Belgian yeast and big giant nodes of juicy fruits.

Tastes fucking amazing! Big, huge juicy fruit beginning--pears, dark red apples, and raisins--moving into the same middle of a very sweet and smooth coffee stout with big nodes of chocolate malt and bitter grain. It ends with an absolutely perfect kick of red wine, alcoholic belgian yeast, and mellow, spicy European hops.

Where the hell did this come from and why is it not more revered. I bought it because i liked the bottle!

I'll put this one right up there with Westy 12 and Bernardus 12.

Serving type: bottle

05-11-2007 06:25:12 | More by mynie

fisherman34

Manitoba (Canada)

4.33/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Dark brown in colour with moderate to high carbonation. Aromas of brine, gingerbread, brandy, caramel, sweet fruits, and a touch of black pepper. An interesting combination of sweet caramel and juicy plums in the mouth which are balanced out by some herbal licorice and mild lightly roasted coffee notes. The roasted character seems more apparent as the beer warms. Long and complex finish. A sweet beer, but not cloying at all. It would definitely make for a great night cap. Wow.

Serving type: bottle

04-22-2007 15:40:52 | More by fisherman34

DrJay

Massachusetts

4.15/5  rDev -5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Very dark brown with a thick tan head composed of fine bubbles. Lacing was a combination of streaky and solid sheets. Spicy aroma, lots of ginger, anise, candied fruit, chocolate, and alcohol. The flavour starts out with dark chocolate, then gingerbread and licorice, yeast and fruit, then a warming finish. There was also a bit of acidity up front. Lots of carbonation with a creamy, almost fluffy texture. Quite tasty. Thanks for sharing this biegaman!

Serving type: bottle

04-05-2007 02:04:45 | More by DrJay

weeare138

Pennsylvania

4.1/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks to egajdzis for breaking this out to do a side-by-side tasting...
Appears a dark brown with a dark beige head that slowly fades out into a mild cap.
Smell is of anise up front, vanilla beans, cumin, basil, ginger, oregano notes, pine...overly spiced IMO. The saving grace is the mineral quality that comes from the water source. It seems similar to Westy with those minerals in mind.
Taste is of the mentioned aromas with the spices coming through to compliment the sugary base. Unfortunately, the spices seem to win out.
Mouthfeel is medium-full bodied, smooth, with spices clinging to the palate.

This one was knocked out by the Denmark version, Pannepøt, which didn’t have the over abundance of spice present.

Serving type: bottle

04-02-2007 17:24:33 | More by weeare138

Viggo

Ontario (Canada)

4.08/5  rDev -6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Thanks for sharing biegaman!

Pours a murky brown, gushes, nice lace spirals, thick brown head, great retention. Smell is crazy, sweet, brown sugar and molasses, toffee, chocolate, spices, yeast, bread, some ginger and vinegar. Taste almost knocked me on my ass, very intense, chocolate and gingerbread, yeast, toffee, crazy spices, nice acidic finish. Mouthfeel is medium to full bodied with high carbonation. Carbonation was too high for me, pretty crazy beer, would have again for sure. Thanks Jan!

Serving type: bottle

03-29-2007 03:05:33 | More by Viggo

grub

Ontario (Canada)

4.33/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

biegaman was nice enough to share this one. thanks jan!

2006 vintage, 11.2oz bottle.

pours slightly hazy brown with a big light brown head. drops slowly and leaves spotty lace.

aroma is very interesting. bit of sharpness to it. malt vinegar maybe? bit of barnyard. yeast. sourness. bit of lemon. milk chocolate. bit of alcohol. it's reminding me of a RR salvation i had recently.

taste is great. milk chocolate and gingerbread. light alcohol. bit of acidity and sharpness on the front of my tongue. bit of caramel. nice warmth on the way down, but otherwise not much noticeable alcohol.

mouthfeel is good. slightly sharp above average carbonation, but fairly dry with a nice light body.

drinkability is good. really interesting and enjoyable beer. well balanced and nice.

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2007 18:12:16 | More by grub

CharlesDarwin

Rhode Island

4.7/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

2006. Gushing. But it pushes forth a phenomenal aroma of incredible unique character. There’s a flow of steady north african spices, exotic asian fruits and nips of candied pipe tobacco smoke. A totally unique aroma, like nothing I’ve breathed before. Musky, yeasty, spicy rich and bold, with creamy black tea notes, faint black cardamom and rich swirls of smoked malt breadiness. Phenomenal. The perfect intensity, allowing all nuances of the aroma to expressive individually, before melding into a one perfumy bliss. Heat nor yeast nor hops dominate aroma. Pours an intimidating deep dark near black mahogany, with a sticky head of tea and milk foam. In the corner a cut of garnet, glowing strongly. On the tongue, a whole new array of flavors and complexity. This is ridiculous. First I grab a real bright passionfruit bubblegum yeast soap, which is actually this beer’s weakest point, but then it yields to a growing warmth in calvados and pear brandies. The residual sweetness slides into a terrific wallop of deep caramels and emaciated raisins, with a toothy bread climbing out of a pot of honey. Intense chewiness with a real backbone. Beer slides off the tongue gracefully, kissing the roof of the mouth with a refined hazlenut and almond bite. A wisp of danish pipe tobacco curls up through the humors. Spices provide a nice base and accentuate the yeast and malt characters. Hopping appears briefly as a sweet lemon rind note in the smack. There are some fantastic sweet fresh maple syrup notes and freshly cut tobacco wood touches that briefly alight out the backdoor. Somehow a little harsh to my nostils and tongue, and the sticky malt notes grow slightly cloying. But to experience such astounding new flavors and nuances, this beer is fantastic. I love the airy quality of quaffablity that comes from the yeast attenuation. Expertly crafted and above all others. The best part is that I keep finding new things in the beers as my palate adapts, now a growing sense of ground fresh ginger root and gentle alder smoke. One of the most intricate beers.

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2007 18:52:02 | More by CharlesDarwin

Bierguy5

Ohio

4.33/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

11.2 oz. bottle, 10% ABV, 2006 edition, Lot C7AA. Deep dark brown in color, almost black. There was a great deal of carbonation, as the cap practically exploded off the top. Huge thick tan creamy head. Very nice looking indeed. Head retention was great, and nice rings of lace were left on the glass. Earthy, spicy and yeasty notes, along with rum, chocolate, figs, dark fruits, and dark bread. Wow! What a nose. Very complex. Very sweet up front, like candy sugar. Chocolate flavor, black licorice, some lingering chocolate covered fruit flavors. Earthy bitterness balances the sweetness just right. Soft carbonation, seems almost frothy. A bit of warming from alcohol. Wow, there is a lot going on here. Very complex, and tasty. Great beer.

Serving type: bottle

03-09-2007 22:51:53 | More by Bierguy5

mentor

Colorado

4.97/5  rDev +13.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Bottle shared by crosling. Thanks for the opportunity. 2006 edition.

Wowzers! Holy Westy 8 Batman! This beer is absolutely stunning.

Light brown one finger head over a dark brown liquid. Smells chocolate. Springtime. Belgian candi-sugar. Pear and cinamon. Fig and other dark fruits. Incredibly complex and inviting.

Tastes chocolate, cherry, potent fruit and full of flavor. Incredible. This beer is wonderful. Raspberry, chocolate...toffee that is mostly chocolate. Chocolate chip. Cookie dough. Cinamon aftertaste. Drying finish cleans the mouth, leaving a hint of soured caramel aftertaste and dry chocolate as a memory.

Overall, light and dark fruits dancing on a complex malt placemat. Incredibly complex and amazingly well balanced. This beer passed into my belly way too quickly. Soon to be one of the most sought-after beers by traders on BA.

Mouthfeel is smooth and thick, yet the alcohol cleans things up. Amazingly well done. Carbonation is mild and a contributing factor to the whole experience. I feel so insufficient. This beer was way more than the words in my vocabulary can describe. If you see if, buy it.

Serving type: bottle

03-09-2007 07:14:37 | More by mentor

Metalmonk

North Carolina

4.72/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Gusher alert! This thing gushed and foamed and overflowed for a solid minute before calming. Luckily not much was lost, but it was a surprise. Served at cellar temp in a Moinette goblet, this beer was just dying to escape from its bottle-shaped prison.

Once everything calmed down, there was a sizzling, noisy brown head...probably the darkest head I've seen on a beer that is not a stout or porter. Color is a beautiful chocolately brown, with plenty of sediment collecting above the stem (which is welcome in this house).

Aroma is chocolate, raisins, plums, yeast, brown sugar. Not exactly exploding in the nose, more of a subtle and laid-back aroma.

A pungent, vinous, warming glow hits immediately when first sipping, and then comforting, assertive flavors of moist chocolate cake and juicy dark raisins greet the mouth and pretty much take over. Fresh-baked pumpernickel, all kinds of juicy fruits, caramel, cola, toffee, marzipan also...obviously a sweet and dessert-y beer, but everything is supremely well-balanced by a slight sourness and a mild yeasty funkiness, felt mostly in the finish. Even the 10% alcohol is well-hidden, performing its work in the background and letting the sweet flavors wow and amaze the tongue.

Mouthfeel is light and buoyant; incredibly smooth considering the healthy carbonation.

The flavor grows on you. What I initially gave a 4 for Taste, I gave a 4.5 after the third sip...now with about 2/3 of the beer in my very happy stomach, it's easily a 5. I have never tasted a better quadrupel or strong Belgian dark ale, except Gulden Draak. It also bears similarities to the mighty Trappistes Rochefort 10. Another Belgian work of art.

[thanks for Brian aka msubulldog25 for this amazing bottle!]

Serving type: bottle

02-28-2007 23:06:48 | More by Metalmonk

Phyl21ca

Quebec (Canada)

4.9/5  rDev +11.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Bottle (vintage 2005): Poured opaque dark brown ale with a super huge foamy dirty brown head with perfect retention. Aroma of liquorice and sweet malt is incredibly well balance. Taste is an almost perfect balance between strong sweet malt with caramel and liquorice with some candi sugar (I would say a bit too much though) with a slightly funky ending from the yeast. Body is full and alcohol is very well masked. This beer is almost like a sweeter version of Rochefort 10 and there is not much more praise I can give to this beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-26-2007 18:17:54 | More by Phyl21ca

mrasskicktastic

New Jersey

4.68/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A - Coffee colored brew with a yellow tint, medium head, very little lacing.

S - A wax caramel with a touch of cinnamon, slight carob and chicory. Quite good.

T - Slightly waxy, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamon, sweet caramel, cola and faint black pepper - almost leads to a bit of a Dr. Pepper taste.

M - Smooth, yet frothy, a faint cinnnamon burn, pretty refreshing.

D - Awesome. Pannepot lives up to the hype, worth seeking out.

Serving type: bottle

02-26-2007 02:03:59 | More by mrasskicktastic

farHillsBrewer

Maryland

4.55/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I splurged for a bottle at the Belgian Fest on the recommendation of a couple at the bar. It was well worth it.
The color was a dark amber when held up to the light, but almost black without the backlight.
The first impression of the aroma is spice and fruit and as it warmed(it was pulled from a fridge for serving), specific fruits, raisins, plums, and earthier aromas of caramel, chocolate, and roasted barley.
The first sip was an explosion of flavor, all kinds of malt, candy, spice and some fruit. While still cold, the sweetness was a bit much, but as it warmed, the rich earthly flavors of caramel and choclate emerged and delighted. I truly nursed this beer and made it last, and each sip was better than the last.
The was a presence of licorice, but I love licorice.
The mouthfeel was pleasant, and last over the 20 minutes it took to finish the glass.
As for drinkablility, it would be wrong to drink 2 back to back, as this is a special treat and not to be guzzled, but that's just me.
Overall, an amazing concoction.
It is called a Fisherman's ale. Those must have been some insane fishermen.

Serving type: bottle

02-17-2007 16:36:25 | More by farHillsBrewer

mcallister

Ohio

4.55/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

What a color on this beer. Not really what I was expecting. It resembles black because all light is totally engulfed by this elixer yer it seems more or a dark burnt caramel color. Hmm. Highly carbonated head of about 4 inches sticks a good inch out of the top of my GLBC Christmas ale oversized snifter, nearly tan but more of an off white.

Often enough I have trouble differentiating between various aromas and flavors but not nearly the case in appearance. Well there is a first for everything because this beers visuals have me confused.

Roasty chocolate aromas.The bottle is not lying saying brewed with spices. Full of cinnamon and hints of nutmeg. Fig as well as raisin, and hints of dried berries and nut also. Some bitter hop aroma shows through slightly on the end.

Absolutely delicious. Rich, and full with hermaphrodite type qualities. Highly feminine with a masculine backbone and punch. Again a chocolate slightly roasted, full of sweet caramel, cinnamon, fig, nuts, dried cranberry, thick malty goodness. Nice bittering hops help even out and add length to the long..long finish. Leathery with a big scoop of earth inside. Thanks gbVdave!!!

Alcohol is present and adds depth a little warming. Drinkablitity is above average but not perfect; this is one complex huge beast of a beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-14-2007 21:44:06 | More by mcallister

graywalker

Pennsylvania

4.72/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

This beer really lives up to the previous positive reviews.

Appearance is almost black, completely opaque. beautiful mocha colored, dense head that eventually diminishes to a creamy layer.

The aroma is wonderful - bananna, spice, malt, caramel, clove, and dry fruits. The alcohol defintiely comes forward. The taste starts off sweet, with chocolate, raisins, and pumpkin pie spice, then goes dry, and finishes slightly sweet, but not overly so. The flavor goes on forever. Mouthfeel is wonderful - there's a party going on in there!

I am so sorry to have reached the bottom of the glass. This little bottle was expensive - $8, but well worth it. I must have more! This is the best Quad I have had.

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2007 02:09:32 | More by graywalker

tyee

Illinois

4.58/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

I purchased this 2006 version from Liquid Solutions ($4.80/bottle) and have now seen it for sale in Chicago. It comes in a 11.2 oz bottle with an attractive fishing ship on the label.

The beer was much darker than I expected from a quad and poured with good carbonation and a tan colored head.

The smell was of spice, dark fruit and dates that improved as the beer warmed. The mouth feel was full and heavenly with a tingly carbonation. The taste was molasses, black licorice, coffee and bananas yet not overpowering. There was a slight alcohol presence.

This was a very drinkable beer and a very unique Belgian. It was full but not too full. Very enjoyable. I will be getting more of these and can't wait to try other beers from De Struise.

Serving type: bottle

01-31-2007 17:14:30 | More by tyee

poopchalupa

Pennsylvania

4.93/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I have been waiting a while for a brew to sweep me off my feet again. Pannepot has done just that. I'm usually not a huge fan of Quads, but this particular brew went down with the quickness.

The pour looked great, there was a nice fluffy tan head against a chocolate colored bubbly brew. I instantly noticed the sweet fruit notes and a hint of cinnamon spiciness. The smell alone made my mouth water. I let it breathe for a minute before I took the first mouthful.

It was love at first sip. This is truely a complex brew. There are a plethora of flavors that all marry so well. It's sweet, it's also roasty and not a far cry from an espresso flavor, it's even nutty at times. The fact that this quad is 10% alcohol is very well hidden as it goes down so easily.

Do yourself a favor and hunt this one down. You won't be disappointed.

Serving type: bottle

01-31-2007 15:58:30 | More by poopchalupa

emerge077

Illinois

4.35/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

11.2 oz. bottle, labeled "ale brewed with spices" vintage 2006.

Pours into a wide mouthed chalice with fluffy, dimpled foam. Body is a deep dark sienna brown, with tan foam. Looks like a trappist ale, mystical and enticing.

Fruity esters in the nose, banana, roasted malt, almond, a touch sweet.

Taste is a bold mix of motley flavors, but it starts out sweet and roasty. There is anise, banana, chocolate, and brown sugar. Roasted malt and a touch of hops linger in the finish. As it warms, there is an earthiness that seeps in. It begs a comparison to the character of a full bodied coffee, but without the intense bitterness, and a bit sweeter. Bold, complex, and satisfying are adjectives that come to mind.

Smooth mouthfeel, carbonation keeps a good head for the duration of the glass. Sweetness doesn't linger on the palate much, but it could hinder the drinkability if you don't like a slightly sweet dark Belgian. A sl-o-o-w sipper.

Serving type: bottle

01-30-2007 03:00:59 | More by emerge077

GbVDave

Illinois

4.65/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Poured from an 11.2oz bottle into a St. Bernardus chalice.

A: Opaque jet black in color. Beautiful looking khaki colored three finger head that was very fluffy and left massive chunky sheets of lace on the glass.

S: Big aromas of plums, rum soaked raisins, pumpkin pie, bananas, and clove, with a touch of alcohol.

T: Wow! What a wide range of flavors. Beginning is big and sweet featuring flavors of dark overripe fruit, brown sugar, coconut, bananas, and tropical fruit. The middle turns a little drier with flavors of banana nut bread, pumpkin pie spice, bitter sweet chocolate, roasted coffee, molassas, and fresh baked bread. The finish gradually appears with increasingly tart and dry flavors of cherries, mild hoppiness, more coffee, and something like a rye malt tang.

M: Unbelievably rich and creamy. The mouthfeel is huge when it needs to be and dry when it needs to be.

D: Unmatched drinkability! The alcohol is very well hidden even though your cheeks and ears will feel scorched by the time you finish this. Big and complex but not at all off-putting. This one is meant to be sipped, savored, and pondered about. Fantastically enjoyable from beginning to end.

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2007 00:14:58 | More by GbVDave

Erdinger2003

Iowa

4.35/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a great head that holds retention well with a beautiful dark amber color and a good lacing. The smell is very nice with the famous Belgian dry quality that has a great freshness. Straight from Denmark so it's great. The taste is very good, it has a slight sweetness to it that's coupled with some very complex flavors. The mouthfeel was very smooth and nice on the palate. Overall this was a great Belgian, probably because it was someone's trade.

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2007 03:01:29 | More by Erdinger2003

TheLongBeachBum

California

4.7/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Vintage 2006.

Labeled as brewed and bottled by De Struise Brouwers a beer marketing company that hire brewing capacity for their beer production. De Struise beers were previously brewed at Brasserie Caulier, but since February 2006, they have all been brewed on the Deca plant in the wonderful surroundings of Woesten-Vleteren.

Presentation: A typically European 11.2 fluid ounce (330ml) brown glass bottle sealed with a standard brass colored crown cap. Main label has a picture of a fishing vessel from De Panne known as a ‘Pannepot’.

Appearance: Utterly amazing pour, deep dark brown with some mahogany but the beer is opaque and the light only refracts at the edges of the glass where the path is of least resistance. Humungous fast rising dark Ovaltine colored head fills the upper parts of my tall Maredsous Goblet with a dark tanned foam plug. Lots of audible fizzing and popping as it slowly fizzles down to a more manageable ½” thick, leaving only a mild lacing as it drops. Carbonation on the pour is a little too high, finely dissolved and it swishes in the body of the brew like a chocolate milkshake. A short period of rest though and the dissolved carbonation is much lower. Looks incredibly sexy I have to say, naughty but nice.

Nose & Taste: It just gets better!! The nose is positively filled with dark delights, exotic treats, sinful surprises and a myriad of bewildering odors that seem strangely familiar. Liquorice sticks, brown sugar, caramel, candy sugar, molasses, alcoholic dark malts, figs, prunes, raisins, sour dark cherries, plums, coconut hair, spices and even herbs…..damn, the deeper you get into this brew the more complex it becomes….I can’t wait any longer I simply must taste this. Oh F*** What the Nose said!!! AND more…..how do they pack all those ingredients and experiences into this one brew. After my first sip I noticed a warming dark alcoholic vapor rise up my nose as I tasted this one, this just adds to the delight. The 10% ABV seems to fill the nose and palate at the same time. This feature of vaporizing beer during the tasting, lends another massive dimension to this offering. The tastes, high in alcohol, have a Brandy like nature, easing slowly and releasing the plethora of components in a relaxed manner. Brooding strength bolsters the flavors. Hints of Coca-Cola enter stage left, how amazing is that after the earlier darker fruits and berries. Some tame hints of Iodine, wood and a strange yet familiar spice pull this beer from the middle shelf to the top drawer in no time. The finish is very long, lingers a lot and tingles a tonne.

Mouthfeel: The alcohol feels a little “hot” at times, but the depth of the flavors and the strong malts can handle it, leaving just a peeping warmth to shadow box the gullet. The fast escaping carbonation helps to produce a feisty explosion of taste and texture at the beginning, whilst the high ABV certainly fills the back end with a thick feel that never wanes. Time may smooth this out a bit, then it would most certainly be a 5.0.

Drinkability: Inflection rules, the mighty 10% alcohol is far from hidden, but like a great 20 year Old Single Malt the strength is a part of the majesty. DANGEROUSLY drinkable, seriously dangerously drinkable, I’m hooked on a 10% beer that I could drink all night.

Overall: Sadly this lone bottle cost nearly $9, I figured there was a mistake when I picked it up, but at the checkout….nope, that’s the price, but it is an annual once a year release at 10%, and a true Vintage beer all said…..erm, decisions….head?heart?head?heart?...Heart!! Wallet? Liver!?! Oh go on then, I’ll take it.

Very expensive; but well worth trying, at least once. Incredible stuff! This is bottle-conditioned and would be a real treat to Cellar for a year or two. One to challenge the Brothers efforts up the road in Woesten-Vleteren for sure.

Serving type: bottle

12-14-2006 08:20:37 | More by TheLongBeachBum