Pannepot Reserva - Chateau-Neuf Du Pape
De Struise Brouwers

Pours a dark brown coloration with a small, fizzy head. Smells of caramel malt, dark chocolate and dark and red fruits, with notes of plum, blackberry and redcurrant, as well as a distinct, quite tannic, musty/earthy oak presence. Taste is an excellent balance of caramel malt, strong dark/red fruits, with notes of raisin, fig, plum, blackberry and redcurrant and distinct barrel notes of tannic, musty and earthy oak, as well as lighter dark/bitter chocolate and just a hint of spices, with accents of aniseed, clove and cinnamon, as well as a mild underlying tartness. Finishes with a light tartness and sweetness, with some dark/red fruit, tannic oak and spicy accents lingering in the aftertaste. Full mouthfeel with a rich body and light carbonation.

A very complex and interesting Belgian Strong Ale with a distinct, quite vinous character that shows itself through a mild tartness, strong tannic and musty oak, as well as red fruit notes, which complement the darker fruits from the rich malts rather nicely, which also add some caramel and chocolate accents, while the yeast brings some hints of estery spice. There really is an excellent overall balance to everything that's going on here, with the sweet, fruity, tannic and spicy notes all harmonizing together very nicely and forming a very deep and complex brew that never becomes too syruppy sweet or boozy, while still feeling rather rich and satisfying.