’t IJ Struis

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

Serve in Trappist glass, Tulip, Tumbler

This is an odd bird of a bird (pun intended) - cloudy burnt orange with an attractive, frothy, off-white head - interesting aroma of mustiness, tartness, yeast and some raisin and floral aspects - the flavor is an odd combination of saison-like qualities (earthiness, grass, straw, and a slight tartness) and some fruity vinous qualities (dark fruit, chocolate) - mild sweetness tries to tie the two flavor profiles together, and mostly succeeds - creamy mouthfeel - finishes with a slight bitterness - odd but quite good.

Bottled. Hazy dark brown colour, topped with a fluffy tan-coloured head. Yeasty and biscuity aroma with notes of black cherries, black currant, alcohol and caramel with a light sourish undertone. Quite dry flavour of yeast, cherry-skins, dried figs and oily hops. Long finish of orange-peels, yeast and cherry pastilles. A very interesting ale.

UPDATED: APR 11, 2005 33 cL bottle, goblet. Average sized, creamy, khaki head is well lasting. Deep brown-red-purple body. Aroma is primarily yeast and dark fruits. Dough, candi sugar, plums, figs, prunes, raisins, blackberries. Heavily sweet, moderately acidic flavor becomes a moderately sweet, moderately acidic, lightly bitter finish. Medium-full body, creamy texture, lively carbonation. Flavor introduces some chocolate which I didn’t find in the aroma. The bottom line is: a bit odd for a Belgian Strong...there’s just something that’s different...which, is fitting given that it’s Dutch, I suppose! Be careful at the end of the pour, this is a strong tasting yeast strain.

The off-white head was thick and solid, whilst the body was like murky muddy water that had been stirred up. Lovely medium nose of spice (cinnamon) and yeast. Tastes of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and then a touch of warming alcohol. Not full bodied which made it enjoyable to drink. Cheers!

Thanks so much to SoLan for sharing this. Muddy brown, giant tan head. Nose is cherry pie brett, brighter fruits, some caramel. Flavor is cherry pie brett, yeast, quite tart. Caramel/cocoa hides in there, some tea. More bitterness than the other T Ij beers but also more fruit.

UPDATED: JUL 3, 2007 (Bottled) Murky, very dark brown color with a smallish, lacy head. Sourish, caramel-malty aroma with tiny hints of coffee. Sweet-sour-malty flavor with spices, licorice and coffee beans. Medium to full-bodied, oily and smooth palate. A nice, dubbel-like brew with a high but well-hidden ABV.

Bottle sampled with Stegosaurus. Pours bronze with an off-white head. Aroma of citrus, fruit, and yeast. The flavor is sweet, fruit, and citrus.

This is a nice Belgian that is very sweet and syrupy. There are flavors of dark fruit and a spicy caramel that all linger on the tongue.