t IJ Struis

Brewed by Brouwerij ’t IJ
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Amsterdam, Netherlands

On tap at the brewery under the windmill, Amsterdam (3/2008). This was a very close second to Zatte as my favorite ’t Ij beer, and on any given day it could probably take first. Opaque hazy orange brown, diminishing head to a thick dusting. First taste note: "wow." Strong, full overripe dark fruits (currant, plum, carrob) are the gist of this beer. Coats the mouth with the full flavors, which linger as a light hop prick and slight mealiness emerge in the finish. Middle has a wonderful round maltiness, a malted-milk sweetness playing well with the fruits, which are so full and distinct. Alcohol and dirt on the smell. I wrote in my notes that it seemed like this was trying to be Pannepot, and only later realized that the name of the beer pretty much makes that plain. Not as well-made as Pannepot, nor as complex, but a great effort.

Bottle. Unclear medium amber orange color with a average, frothy, good lacing, mostly lasting, off-white head. Aroma is moderate malty, caramel, tart, moderate yeasty, prune. Flavor is moderate to light heavy sweet and bitter with a average to long duration. Body is medium, texture is oily, carbonation is soft. (190408)

A characterful beer with an interesting tartness to it. Bottle at the Wildeman. Pours cloudy amber-brown with beige, lacy head. Nose is fruity and tart with an odd chemical edge like Sweet Tarts candy. Taste is both sweet and tart, fruity, with a moderately bitter kick that goes bone dry like a big saison. Funky.

Odd little beer, at first I thought it was from Struisse, too bad it might have been better. all in all this was a strong belgian w/ out much else to say about it.. very drinkable but nothing to write home about.

Bottle. Dark orange colour with a beige head. Aroma is fruit, yeast, dried fruits. Flavour is fruit, yeast, apple,spices, hop, berries, malt, dried fruit. Nice body and a nice beer.

Bottle 33CL. Dark cloudy orange beer. Fruity taste. Powerfull beer. It came fast out of my bottle :P. Nice beer.

Bottle, 33cl. It pours a hazy dark orange body with a diminishing, foamy beige head. Yeasty, sourish, barnyeardish and fruity aroma with a little spicy touch and some weak dried fruits. Fruity, sourish, barnyardish aroma with yeast, spices and some malt in the background. A little touch of caramel and some chocolate as well. Full-bodied, effervescent and a bit tongue-twisting from the brett. Long, sourish, bretty finish with a balancing bitterness and sweetness. Yet another beauty from ’t IJ. (080426)

Bottle. Dark copper-brown color, super-thick rocky light tan head that almost goes over the glass. Slight funk on the aroma, along with grain, grapeskins and pepper. Taste has a pleasant funkiness balanced by some mild sweetness. Real grainy throughout and the alcohol never really is apparent. Reminded me a bit of La Roja.