The Brü Revü – De Struise Pannepeut – Old Monk’s Ale

The preface: My dad was lucky enough on a trip to Belgium to visit the De Struise brewery and get a “private” tour from the brewer himself as well as a few samples of their great beers.  He brought me back a few of their beers and of course a “proper” glass. 

The Pannepeut – Old Monk’s Ale gets confused with the more widely known Pannepot – Old Fisherman’s Ale but I was assured they are not the same.  This is a huge Belgian Strong Ale with great depth and complexity.  It had a malty sweet almost brown sugary taste with notes of rich caramel and dark candied fruits.  It had a medium bodied mouthfeel and hid its high alcohol content really well.  It was a great gift from my dad as De Struise makes World Class beers and this is no exception.  I may never have this one again and it’s a shame.  If only you could get their beer in Texas!  

De Struise Pannepeut - Old Monk's Ale

The Brü Revü – De Struise Black Damnation IV – Coffee Club

The preface: My dad was lucky enough on a trip to Belgium to visit the De Struise brewery and get a private tour from the brewer himself as well as a few samples of their great beers.  He brought me back a few of their beers and of course a “proper” glass.  

The Black Damnation series of beers was something my dad couldn’t stop telling me about how great they were.  He brought me the Black Damnation IV – Coffee Club which is an Imperial Stout that has been aged for 6 months in old Rum barrels.  I love rum so I was already sold, and this beer exceeded all my expectations.  It poured a deep opaque black with a strong chocolate and coffee aroma.  The taste was sublime.  It had a very deep and smooth coffee and chocolate flavor with hints of vanilla almost like drinking chocolate syrup.  I was in heaven! The very high alcohol was almost imperceptible as I savored every sip.  The only downside is I may never get to try this one again as you cannot get it in Texas.  Maybe it’s time for a trip to Belgium!

De Struise Black Damnation IV - Coffee Club

Full Disclosure:  this is not my photo as I have somehow lost my photos of this fantastic beer.