’t IJ Struis

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

Serve in Trappist glass, Tulip, Tumbler

Bottle @ home. Murky brown appearance with lots of particles, big caramel coloured head. Smell is of IJ yeast, brown sugar, dark fruits and alcohol. Taste is brown sugar, caramel, toffee, dark fruits, dark fruits, finish is a bit sour and dry. On tap @ IJ brouwerij: Mouthfeel is much softer and more creamy, taste is sweeter. Prefer the tap for this one.

Dark burnt amber color fading to dark brown and establishing a thin yet firm khaki layer of froth. Crisp apple pie fumes flow, deeply authentic with a pinch of cinnamon and a subtle sweetness underneath. Apple flesh malt flavors absent all sweetness, a slightly acidic bitterness rides in the background..growing stronger..the apples start to brown, the flesh getting softer, and maltier...the acidic bitterness growing..

Dusty and malty aroma with a cloudy, amber color. The taste is fruity and clovey, and not very bitter. Full, full, full beer. Good stuff. I should mention that I sampled this at the ’t Ij brewery and it was delicious. (Be sure to get there early enough to grad a table. TIP: take the #10 tram there).

Bottle: I swear I have never had so many beers that gush on opening as t’ IJ beers. Most of these end up all over my floor. This one followed suit as the previous. Gushed a hazy orange brown with a huge lacing beige head. Aroma is fruit and yet also a sweet caramel or toffee. Taste is sweet and fruit, but very medicinal, leads me to believe it is a bit infected.

scura buona schiuma persitente note fruttate esteri alcoliche tosature caffe leggero acido cosi in bocca rimane morbida complessa ma ancora acidità

BCA (from Bitter Virtue, BB Dec 06). Malty nutty caramel start with raisin and plummy fruit. Slight coriander and fruityness from the yeast. Just a little bit too sweet in the mouth with nothing to balance this making for a slightly cloyinh finish.

Reddish/Orange Coloring with Light Tan Ring...Shhrt Lived Lacing. Light Fruit, Prune/Spic Aroma..Light Dry Texture..Light Spice...Wet, Subdued Fruity Notes..Peaceful Ending with Light Alcohol Warming.

Balsamico, malty nose. Nice amber body with a leggy head. Tastes like barley wine, lot of raisons. Fullmouth flavor that kicks on the roof of the mouth. A good one!