t IJ Struis

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

Re rate, same batch. Bottle conditioned, BBE 0103. Ruby red brown, good creamy off white head and good condition. Excellent figgy, fruity, woody malt with traces of aniseed, cloves and a degree of pleasant oxidation in the nose. Delightful perfectly judged figgy malt in the mouth, not too sweet and masking the alcohol with ease, some fruity tartnes but in a good way, a suggestion of peaty malt whisky and finally a touch of aniseed coming through as it warms. Long spicy finish with hazlenuts and coconut suddenly appearing, joined by some alcoholic warming and a feeling of general well being. Seems to benefit from a little ageing. Original rating 16/02/03 (8-4-8-4-16)Chestnut-ruby red, thin creamy but lasting head and low condition. Quite complex aromas of nuts, figs and bready yeast carried out on a wave of alcohol. Thin in the mouth for 9%, with some fruity malt and a hint of chocolate and some raisins briefly in the finish before becoming dry

11.2 bottle [best before 4/04]: Deep, hypnotizing red-cedar body . . . gorgeous, tight, slowly falling off tan cream. Huge floral esters, along with strong fruit (sweet red grapes, raisins, plums, and sugar coated figs). Smooth, creamy palate with great fizzy carbonation. Wonderful flavours of buttered popcorn, brown sugar coated raisins, dark cherries, milk chocolate, and great yeast. A stand out for me of the t IJ beers. Wow, I am off to buy another . . .

This is excellent. I say we call it an Abbot. No hops to this beer, it is all about the malt. Aroma begins with an initial burst of alcohol, then that fades and what remains is malt, fermenting fruit, and yeast. Flavor has sweet plums, cherry, light raisin, brandy, brown sugar, bread dough, and caramel. Thick and heavy, dark brown with lots of sediment and a lasting head. As usual, t’IJ has a great beer.

I've tried other beers from t IJ and i was not very impressed..... But this is something else! Red-brown clear appearance. Very full-bodied with long-lasting flavors. Excellent long bittersweet finish. I agree with jbrus about this one: this is underrated brew.

caramel/toffee aroma. murky brown with a small cream colored head. big burnt caramel flavor which dominates everything. hints of chocolate. tastes like sugar babies candy only liquified. i love it.

WOWEE tasty mctasterson!! pours delicious with minimal head and a wowee-zowee finish! Notes of caramel.

Clear strawberry liquid with suspended sandy yeast specks. Thick, sticky, and patchy foam blanket. Very clean aroma of perfume, flower petals, yam, and tin. Sufficient amount of airiness and chalky yeast curb the elegant caramel and juicy, grapey malt undertones. Soft-bodied mouthfeel. Expansive bubbles scrub the palate before turning decadently creamy. Rich, chewy, dusty yeast and rose petals briefly contain the ester outbreak. Stunning interaction between the herbal hops and dusty yeast qualities. Light note of tin comes into play shortly after the sip before the thrusting herbal bitterness. Bright passion fruit and chamomile flavors meld effortlessly with the esters and sweet fruity malt goodness. Closes with earthy hop bitterness, herbal yeast, and just enough sweet, juicy maltiness to balance the dark fruit twang and herb flavors. Bitter herb notes linger in unison with the passion fruit, black currants, and chalky yeast whispers. This is teeming with a soft earthiness that is absolutely addictive, nevermind the fact that the high abv never becomes a distraction and the beautifully modest ester display. What a beer.

Poured a dark brownish purple with a tan head. Very fruity aroma. Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries. Sweet and tart. A bit sour. Almost like a flemish sour and a belgian strong combined. Lots of flavor and the acohol is well hidden. Excellent!