pannepot old fisherman’s ale 2007, grand reserva 2005
Friday, August 28th, 2009last night I cracked open a bottle of de struise’s pannepot old fisherman’s ale 2007, a great belgian quad.
- this beer was impossible for me to find for years, nobody carried it. I talked to Dave over at Healthy Spirits and he initially said it couldn’t happen, but one day I rolled in and it was on the shelf. before I knew it city beer store was carrying it as well. I grabbed the bottle off the shelf so fast I’m surprised it didn’t break.
- I think this beer is definitely slept on, it’s one of my top quads but I’ve seen it on the shelves for many months. maybe there is just a huge supply of it in SF these days? either way, I’ve got a couple tucked away for safe keeping.
- the 2007 was great, awesome carbonation and aroma, with a thick, boozy taste that is smooth but kicks your ass at the same time. you definitely know you’re putting down a 10% beer with this one, but it’s not harsh.
sipping on this quad brought me back a year to Brussels, specifically Delirium Cafe, where I ordered an oak-aged pannepot grand reserva 2005 downstairs in the bottle room. when the bartender came back with the (last) bottle, dusted it off, and cranked out an expert pour, all while I was thumbing through their inches-thick beer list, I was stoked. the beer was great too, one of my all-time favorites, loaded with fruit flavors and unbelievably complex.