Struise Pannepot

Brewed by De Struise Brouwers
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Oostvleteren, Belgium

Serve in Trappist glass, Tulip, Tumbler

33cl bottle. Deep brown pour with beige head. Good god, this is good. Had it a year or so ago and forgot how good. Fig and raisin heavy on the nose, along with brown sugar and lots of spices which are so well-blended that I can’t quite pick out any single one... coriander? cinnamon? Similar on the tongue, with some cocoa and some smoky notes coming out. A little soy and licorice as well. Perfect palate: fizzy and light despite the sweetness and high alcohol.

Hazy deep brown colored with light brown head. Aroma is very intense and complex: chocolate, prunes, cherries, strawberries, liquor, spicy. Taste is also complex, with a intense malty sweetness and sherry aftertaste, light bitterness, long mouthfeel. Full body. Rather near to perfection for my mouth. More drinkable than most of his counteparts in this style.

I grew up on the Indian River and a 10 minute walk from the ocean. Both were my playground, fishing is a lifelong passion of mine, and Hemingway an inspiration. Therefore, to partake of a fine old ale in the style and tradition of the fisherman of yore is a special treat for me. My heart definitely lies with the ocean and my body rests contentedly amidst her watery embrace.
My Struise Pannepot poured a solid black into my glass while leaving no room for the light of day anywhere within her depths. A fat thick cappuccino tinged head rises and fades into a foamy blanket on top. From the first to the last quaff, that blanket rests on top of her body as if to protect her from the elements. A sweet nip in the nose is quickly overwhelmed by winter spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, roasted chestnuts, and hints of fresh rhubarb pie. Wow. All that in just a few whiffs of the nose. Impressive and tantalizing all at the same time. Not one to keep a lady waiting, I delve into her watery depths and am greeted by a very frothy body and mouthfeel which belies her appearance. Sweet and creamy, I taste dark cherries, rhubarb, and spices. A bit chewy, my Struise Pannepot is sweet and vegetal at the same time. Not to be outdone, further exploration reveals more dark fruits and a hint of vanilla peeks through as her waters warm. The finish is smooth, sweet, spicy and warming. A perfect restorative while out fishing Mother Ocean’s cold watery depths or after docking from a long day appeasing her fickle nature. All the way down to my last quaff a spider web network of brussels lace sticks to the sides of my glass like sargassum. Magnificent.
While I could enjoy my Struise Pannepot at any time of the year, she is definitely more of a winter brew. From start to finish I was bewitched by her seductive call, like the sirens of lore. If I could get my hands on another bottle, I wouldn’t hesitate a moment, and if I could get my hands on a case, I wouldn’t hesitate either. Now, where’s my Hemingway. I have a hankering for The Old Man and the Sea.

Colore scuro con schiuma discretamente persistente,aroma dolciastro e speziato con sentori di frutta secca.In bocca è dolce e speziata e fruttata,abbastanza completa.Ottima

Nice dark tasteful colour, dark herbal smell. Strong fruity taste, spicy after. Really deserves its high ratings.

Beer pours a dark opaque brown, with a light tan head that dissipates rather quickly. The aroma reminds me of a full bodied red wine with complex aromas of bread, grapes, and alcohol. The beer feels think and hardy on the palate, and is surprisingly smooth. Flavors of french oak, and coffee are mellowed by the sweetness of malt , and chocolate flavors. The warming of the alcohol finishes the experience. This is a fantastic beer.

2007 bottle, from web shop Etre Gourmet. Time to get the last, missing link of the Pannepot-family to the table (well, except the Pannepot Wild, but that’s another story) for rating. I deserve this after a long day of being productive around the house. :-) Pours a near-black deep brown body with a medium creamy caramel-hued retention, settling like a tiny carpet as the bubbles come to rest. Very nice indeed. The aroma is smooth, dense and virtually flowing from the glass as I pour: raisins, fresh (!) red plums, wood, dark candy sugars. Hints of burnt caramel, alcohol, figs and prunes. Taste is smooth as expected, with a veritable fan of tastes spreading over my palate: first, a fresh, carbonation-fueled hint of red berries and tart wooden tones (feels amazingly fresh for a 2007 vintage!), then a light spread of alcohol, near-tart plumes, sweet raisins and figs. Some oxidization comes through here as well, but that only seems to magically blend in with the brew somehow! Incredible. In the end, dark candy sugars and prunes land it all with some caramel and hints of burnt sugar. Mouthfeel is always pearly, like a good strong Belgian ale is supposed to, and the beer is very filling and subtly warming away with its 10 % ABV - which are generally extremely well hidden. So now I know for sure. A Pannepot is definitely a beer to cellar, and although I think the fresher versions are also extremely tasty this is really a gem. Buy one now, drink in 4-5 years. No sweat. Truly a masterpiece from Struise. :-)

Intens dark ale, almost black with red highlights and creamy beige head on top. Aroma is super complex, with a rich malty character and touches of coffee and dried fruits. On the pallet is full and very tasty, it has a stout touch but also very quad like at the same time. Aftertaste is long, complex, fruity and at some point coffee and chocolate like. A tuely outstanding beer.