Brouwerij 't Ij Struis

A beer that I was first exposed to at the mighty O'Brien's, when Tom Nickles first started getting in quite a few obscure (and therefore better) offerings from The Netherlands. The fact that this brewery's name is a bit incomprehensible to most folks on this side of the Atlantic only makes it that much more interesting, IMO (hint: the later half of the name is pronounced "Eye"). A beer I knew I had to snag when I saw it at Hi-Times for a good price.

Dark, almost opaque in apperence, with a sizable mound of foam rising forth.

A little subdued in the nose, but with enough complexity to warrant further investigation. Hints of maltiness, as well some masic fruitness in the nose.

But where this beer's nose seems to be a bit lacking (compartively speaking), it's the flavor profile that this beer really comes into it's own. A little sweet and nutty in the front -- almonds? cashews? pecans? -- that later gives way to deeper layers of complexity. Figgy, almost prunish, but with enough girth in the mouthfeel and not-unnoticable alcohol to make sure that you know that this is still a finly made adult beverage.

Kinda runs out of gas a little early, IMO. Right about the time this beer really hits it's stride, you're nearing the end of the glass. Kinda wish all of the Brouwerij 't IJ beers (especially this one) came in 750mL's, to account for a fuller range of flavors as this ages and mellows.

But in the meantime, this is still a very nice beer to investigate. Recommended.
//TB