Struise Mikkeller (Elliot Brew)

Bottle into Corsendonk tulip; purchased at Discount, Milwaukee. Pours with a fairly large off-white head over an opaque reddish-brown orange beer. Head leaves a nice frilly lacing and dissipates slowly. Smells more malty and cider-y than I expected; the citrus of the hops are there, but they are submersed below yeast, creamy malts, white pepper, and some other spiciness that I can’t identify. The alcohol comes through a little bit too. It’s probably the yeast, but this definitely smells Belgian. Smooth and full, wow; this is thick. Overall impression: like a heavily hopped Belgian Strong. The malts dominate, are fruitcake and spiced apricot, round and refreshing and slightly overripe. Finish starts peppery, then the IBUs emerge from the thick body and start to bitter it and dry it out. The hops add a tang on the end that I like, approaching the grapefruit citrus of a west coast IIPA. Ultimately: weird. I think Chouffe’s IPA Tripel might be a more successful blend of continents. The Belgian characteristics swamp the hoppy goodness that IIPAs usually front; maybe a casualty of its own ambition.

Bottle; poured a hazy orange color with a huge off white head with strong lasting power. Aroma of citrus, flowers, beligan yeast and fruit. Flavor was dominated by flowers and yeast; some fruit. A bit dry; lacking a whole lot of sweetness. Some fruit and citrus as well. Easy drinking for the style, but not quite as flavorful.

33cl Bottle found at Beer Paradise in Holstebro. Hazy amber color with a rich and thick off whiote head that lasts. Lots of hops in tha aroma with citric fruit touches. The flavor is malty with fruit notes. Very nice

33cl bottle: poured dark orange with a very large off white head. Yeasty, fruity aroma. Mild citrus,Juicy Fruit gum. Unmistakeably Belgian. Dry flavor with big fruit notes, bitter hops, prickly carbonation. Bitter fnish. Not an American IIPA. Very little sweetness. Great lasting head and lacing all the way down. Very good.

Aroma:very fruity,mixe of tropical fruti and dark fruit... Appearance:Hazy opaque brown-amber,huge head... Flavor:caramel fruity,mixe of dark and tropical fruit..