last 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.