Struise Pannepot Reserva 2005

Part of our hotel room tasting, GABF 2007. Thanks to whoever brought it (awaisanen? kp? don’t remember). Big, creamy, eggy head. Smell is absolutely decadent in the oakiness and alcohol, swaddled in caramel and brown-sugar malts that occasionally remind of unsweet chocolate. Nice body, has a rich feel like Westy 12. Lots of different flavors packed in this mostly sweet concoction of malts: figs at first, some bright peaches later, some prickly raisin riding the carbonation, definitely some brown sugar around the figs and peaches, and running counter to it the whole time is an oakey oiliness. Very, very tasty. Since this tasting, I’ve had regular Pannepot a couple of times, and like it better, but it’s pretty damn close. Struise, I love you.

Black colored with medium sized light brown head. Vinous aroma with bubblegum, licorice and raspberry-caramelly notes, weird one. Not too much oak here in flavor, vanilla makes nice combination with some spices. Aftertaste is sweet still with berries, licorice and some sourness.

Bottle.33cl. It has a beautiful, lasting, foamy, beige head. The aroma is so very complex. It has all kind of notes, several dark fruits, like dates and prunes.

Thanks Carlos for cracking open this beautiful 750 for our tasting! Red wine, spice and raisins in the aroma. Complex taste. Raisins, grapes, wine and brown sugar play together. Woody and slightly vinous. Lots of spice character. High carbonation yet quite rich - but not thick nor cloying in any way. Brown sugar spice on the finish. Very nice beer. Side by side with the regular Pannepot, this beer is just not quite as good. Is this a great beer? Yes. But, the oak aging seems to take a little away from the base beer while making the flavors conflict ever so slightly - although, this beer is also slightly more complex than the base beer as well. Quite simply, I’ll take regular Pannepot over this just barely (it has taken me a long time to come around to this conclusion - used to be that I couldn’t stand the spices in regular Pannepot!), but would jump at the chance to drink either one!

750ml bottle shared, thanks to Papsoe. This poured dark brown with a tan head which produced great lacing. Nose was of dark fruit, brown sugar, oak and spices. Taste was of pepper and spices with vinous fruit. Very complex. Mouthfeel was medium with a dry finish and some alcohol noticeable. Incredible stuff!