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.

2006 bottle shared with m4rest88. Sadly, a gusher... Pours with a rocky, light brown head with a very dark brown body. Aroma of currants, alcohol, figs, dry red wine, slightly herbal with caramel, chocolate, brandy, cinnamon and raisins (pretty complex). Taste is sweet with strong alcohol, dark fruits, blood, brandy and coffee. Syrupy mouthfeel with strongish, carbonation for the weight and style.

wow! a great beer! 2006 bottle thanks to bman1113vr. Pours with a dark brown hue, with virtually no head after the gushing stopped. Aroma is of dark fruits, herbs, and red wine. It has a strong alcohol smell as well a moderate amount of sweet malt. The flavor is alcoholic all the way through and is very warming. Dark fruits and metal also come out in the flavor. Syrupy mouthfeel, with light carbonation.

Dark brown pour with a huge bubbling cream colored head. Aroma is fruity, yeasty, and has hints of brown sugar and caramel. Flavor is yeasty, sugary, and slightly alcoholic. More like a quad/abt than a Belgian Strong Ale. Spicy throughout. Sweet finish.

Bottle. Pours dark, dark brown with a big, creamy beige head. Aroma is quite sweet and complex; fruity with citrus/orange, wood, plums, liquorice and brandy. Sweet flavour. Fruit, plums, a touch of vermouth. Finish is cloyingly sweet, like brandy or sherry. Has a strange chocolate/liquorice mix-note. Notes of vermouth at it varms. Lingering apple notes, which aren’t doing any good here. Alcohol is well-hidden. Nice, smooth palate. Overall a fine brew, but way too cloying. Also could do without the apple notes in the finish. 07-10-08.